AT THE CROSSROADS - SUPPORTED EMPLOYMENT A DECADE LATER

Supported employment has grown rapidly within the past decade, fueled by the consumer empowerment and inclusion movements. The program has r esulted in thousands of people with severe disabilities entering the l abor force for the first time. Many consumers have expanded their voca tional expectations, and employers have developed a new appreciation o f the potential contribution individuals with disabilities can make to the work force. Unfortunately, despite these dramatic gains, the supp orted employment movement appears to have lost much of its early momen tum and is increasingly at a crossroads. This article addresses major challenges that consumers and professionals alike must face. Conversio n of day programs to integrated work options, expansion of program cap acity, the need to insure consumer choice and self-determination, and the achievement of meaningful employment outcomes in a highly competit ive economy are among the challenges that those dedicated to the suppo rted employment movement must solve in the years ahead. Specific recom mendations are offered to meet each challenge. Ultimately, the way to expand and reenergize the supported employment initiative will be to e ducate and empower more consumers and families.