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Quality Indicator # 9: Maximizing Integration and Community Participation

Integration and community participation are important outcome measures of quality services. The idea that individuals with significant disabilities can and should work in regular business environments and participate fully in life of their communities is the guiding philosophy behind supported employment. Work is a highly valued activity in the American culture and offers wage earners numerous benefits. Having a job and paying taxes can enhance an individual's status in the community and offer the employee an opportunity to interact with co-workers and to develop a host of relationships at work and in the community.

There are multiple factors that can be examined when determining if an employee is integrated in the workplace and participating in the community. Analyzing a business site to determine if the company offers an opportunity for integration is important, as is the need to repeat the analysis periodically as the customer becomes more familiar to his or her coworkers. In addition, the employee's work area, work hours, and satisfaction level play an important role in assessing a customer's integration and community participation. A negative answer to any of the following questions could be an indicator that intervention is necessary to improve the overall quality of the employment situation and consequently, the services of the supported employment program.

• Does the company offer opportunities for physical and social integration, such as common break areas, and company social functions?
• Does the employee's work area facilitate physical and social interactions through close proximity of coworkers, shared responsibilities, unrestricted communication, etc.?
• To what extent is the customer integrated? Does he or she work and socialize with others or in isolation?
• In what activities does the customer engage in the community, such as going out with friends, participating in clubs and groups, etc.?
• Is the customer satisfied with the job and the level of community integration?