supported employment

This report explores the limited availability of supported employment despite the research demonstrating its success. It then presents strategies utilized by states when they expanded supported employment under settlement agreements; practical perspectives from employers, providers, and service users; and valuable lessons learned over the past decade. The paper concludes with a series of recommendations for ensuring that supported employment is widely available.

This report is a follow-up to NCD's 2012 report discussing Section 14(c) of the Fair Labor Standards Act. This 2018 report assesses the status of Section 14(c) employment, explores trends regarding American workers with disabilities being paid below minimum wage, and highlights recent policy changes impacting this employment model. NCD also makes recommendations for building capacity for supported employment services and changing pay structures.