Supported Employment is a personalized and inclusive approach to workforce integration, designed to assist individuals with disabilities in finding and maintaining meaningful employment. This service goes beyond traditional job placement by offering customized support tailored to each individual’s strengths, preferences, and goals. Through a combination of job coaching, on-the-job training, and continuous follow-along support, supported employment ensures that employees with disabilities can thrive in competitive work environments. By embracing supported employment, businesses benefit from a diverse and dedicated workforce while promoting a culture of inclusion and opportunity for all.
Benefits of Supported Employment
For Individuals with Disabilities
- Economic Independence:
- Financial Stability: Employment provides individuals with a steady income, reducing dependence on public assistance. The National Organization on Disability (NOD, 2020) reported that employed individuals with disabilities have significantly higher incomes and financial independence.
- Improved Quality of Life:
- Sense of Purpose: Employment provides a sense of purpose and fulfillment. The World Health Organization (WHO, 2011) highlights that employment is a key determinant of mental health and well-being.
- Increased Confidence: Successful employment can boost self-esteem and confidence, leading to greater personal and professional development.
- Skill Development and Career Growth:
- Professional Skills: On-the-job training and experience help individuals develop and enhance professional skills. The Rehabilitation Research and Training Center (RRTC, 2018) found that individuals with disabilities who receive supported employment services are more likely to develop transferable job skills.
- Career Advancement: Opportunities for career growth and advancement within the company are enhanced. The Employment and Disability Institute at Cornell University (2017) reports that employees with disabilities who receive appropriate supports are more likely to advance in their careers.
Employer Benefits of Hiring Persons with Disabilities
Introduction
Employing individuals with disabilities and using supported employment services not only enhances workforce diversity but also brings numerous benefits to employers, employees, and society. The following information outlines these benefits, supported by research and factual data, to illustrate the positive impact of inclusive hiring practices.
Employer Benefits
- Access to a Broader Talent Pool:
- Increased Diversity: Diverse teams lead to a variety of perspectives and innovative solutions. Research by McKinsey & Company (2018) indicates that companies with higher diversity are 35% more likely to have financial returns above their industry medians.
- Unique Skill Sets: Individuals with disabilities often possess unique skills that can benefit businesses. A report by Accenture (2018) found that companies that embrace best practices for employing and supporting more persons with disabilities in their workforce have 28% higher revenue, double the net income, and 30% higher economic profit margins than their peers.
- Enhanced Company Reputation:
- Corporate Social Responsibility: Inclusive hiring practices improve a company’s public image and reputation. The Edelman Trust Barometer (2020) shows that 78% of people believe companies should address societal issues, including disability inclusion.
- Brand Loyalty: Consumers and clients are more likely to support businesses that prioritize diversity and inclusion. Nielsen (2018) found that 66% of consumers would pay more for products and services from companies committed to positive social and environmental impact.
- Improved Employee Morale and Retention:
- Inclusive Work Environment: Inclusive workplaces foster a supportive and cohesive culture, enhancing overall employee morale. The Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM, 2019) reported that 68% of HR professionals noted that disability inclusion efforts positively impacted employee engagement and morale.
- Reduced Turnover: Employees with disabilities have been shown to have higher job retention rates. A study by the Job Accommodation Network (JAN, 2017) found that 90% of employers reported that retaining employees with disabilities was either equally or more important than retaining employees without disabilities.
- Financial Incentives:
- Tax Credits: Employers may be eligible for tax credits such as the Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) for hiring individuals with disabilities. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, the WOTC can provide employers with a tax credit of up to $2,400 for each eligible employee hired.
- Subsidies and Grants: Access to various government grants and subsidies for workplace accommodations and training can reduce the cost of hiring and supporting employees with disabilities.
- Increased Productivity and Performance:
- Dedicated Workforce: Employees with disabilities often exhibit strong work ethics and dedication. Research by the Institute for Corporate Productivity (i4cp, 2019) indicates that companies that actively employ and support individuals with disabilities report a 72% increase in productivity.
- Attention to Detail: Many individuals with disabilities excel in roles requiring high attention to detail and accuracy. Studies, such as one by the Australian Network on Disability (2016), show that employees with disabilities can increase overall team productivity.
Phases of Supported Employment
- Job Development
- Onsite Training
- Ongoing Support
Placement Requirements
- Job placement in an integrated work setting.
- Competitive work and the job is paid by the employer at the regular wages for that position (lowest rate is minimum wage – $12 per hour).
- Job placement is a permanent (not temporary) position.
- Job coaching supports are long-term and ongoing.
Wright Choices, Inc. does provide an ancillary service called Job Coach Training Service which provides all the same components of Supported Employment except for the long-term and ongoing job coaching supports.