What is the primary goal of supported employment?

The primary goal of supported employment is to facilitate competitive employment for individuals with disabilities or significant barriers to employment. This approach focuses on helping individuals secure jobs in the open labor market that provide fair wages and opportunities for growth, rather than simply placing them in short-term, often temporary or sheltered positions.

Competitiveness in employment means individuals can work alongside their peers without disabilities, gaining the same experiences and wages, which is crucial for fostering inclusion and integration into the community. Supported employment not only assists with job placement but also provides ongoing support to help individuals maintain their jobs, develop skills, and adapt to workplace environments, which significantly contributes to long-term success in the workforce.

While short-term job placements, volunteer opportunities, and job training programs can serve important roles in career development, the focus of supported employment is specifically on enabling individuals to thrive in genuine competitive work settings.