Employer Attitudes and Satisfaction with Supported Employment

Abstract

The attitudes of employers toward workers with severe mental and physical disabilities and supported employment programs were examined through structured interviews with 47 employers who had hired or supervised workers participating in supported employment programs in Tennessee. Results indicated that employers generally hold favorable attitudes regarding the employment potential of workers with disabilities and the quality of services provided through supported employment programs. The physical presence of employment specialists at the job site was viewed by employers as a strength of the supported employment program. However, some employers indicated that few opportunities exist for career advancement within their businesses for the supported employment participants. Finally, employers identified a number of strategies that could be used to market supported employment services to other businesses in their local communities.