EMPLOYMENT AND JOB PLACEMENT ISSUES - EMPLOYER AND REHABILITATION PERSONNEL PERSPECTIVES ON HIRING PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES - IMPLICATIONSFOR JOB DEVELOPMENT

A recent trend in job development and supported employment emphasizes sharing workplace training and support with employers. In order to ach ieve a successful collaboration, it is necessary to examine the percep tions and assumptions of employers and rehabilitation personnel regard ing the job placement process. This paper reports on the results of a focus group study of employers and rehabilitation personnel an percept ions of the job placement process. Recommendations for developing long -term employer relationships are also described.