Human Services: Supported Employment
Part one
A topic in my area of interest that I believe has a gap of knowledge is in supported employment. This is a system used in supporting people with disabilities with regards to employment acquisition in the integrated settings. Supported employment is relevant in providing the disabled individuals with assistance like job training, retention, development and coaching. The practice has enabled the development of employment opportunities for these people as well as supporting them to maintain the jobs (AAIDD, 2012). Through supported employment, individuals with moderate and even severe levels of disabilities are able to become active, and wage earning members of the society.
This topic needs increased research since several people are trying to engage in it, but extremely little is known about its existence and practice. Recently, the concept has received high attention as an integral constituent of programming to provide better access to the disabled individuals to substantial and comfortable work venues. Thus, for the concept to be promoted among many people, further research is essential (AAIDD, 2012). Evidence- based research in this area of supported employment is vital in the provision of practical principles useful in the area. The evidence based research is also responsible for providing an approach helpful in the vocational rehabilitation of the people living with disability. The practice also promotes the belief that all people with serious and mild disabilities are capable of working competitively in the society. The concept of supported employment has been used for some years, and the result has been tremendously helpful to the disabled (European Commission, 2011). However, much concentration is not being put in the practice, and it is starting to decline, thus the need for increased research and evidence- based research. Through the years, a small percentage of disabled individuals have engaged in work and enjoy the wages and salaries at the end of the months. This small percentage, however, needs to be increased.
Part 2
I would like to support the opinion in the posting about supported employment. According to the posting, supported employment needs to be researched because individuals trying to access it often run into problems (Bond & Campbell, 2003). Supported employment research is effective with the help of professionals who understand the whereabouts of every aspect of the practice. Of course, the disabled individuals find accessing the practice quite problematic thus the importance of help from professionals in the area. The posting’s insight on evidence- based research is also crucial particularly when funds are concerned. With the existence of enough funds from donors, investors and even state entities, the area of supported employment can thrive incredibly, giving chances to the huge percentage of disabled individuals. The Medicaid reimbursement policy can also be redrafted to help support the disabled people in their quest to work like the normal population and earn a living (Bond & Campbell, 2003). The evidence based research provides a clear picture to those who doubt the process, and those in resistance to change. Supported employment has the effect of improving employment opportunities among the disabled population since the practice if often clear and consistent. Its outcomes are also seen and experienced in several settings and among numerous and different populations.
References
AAIDD (American Association in Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities). (2012). Supported Employment
Available at: <http://www.aamr.org/index.cfm>
Bond, G. R. and Campbell, K. (2003). Supported Employment: An Evidence- based Practice
Retrieved 23 February 2013, from:
<http://www.nami.org/template.cfm?>
EC (European Commission). (2011). Supported Employment for people with disabilities in the EU and EFTA-EEA good practices and recommendations in support of a flexicurity approach, Luxembourg: European Union
Video Carousel: Laureate EEducation, Inc. Executive Producer. Lifeline Initiative (2011)
