This question can be somewhat difficult to answer. If you are and individual with a significant disability and feel it hinders you from getting and or keeping a job, supported employment may be for you. However, the following points should be useful when taking this important matter under consideration.
Points to Consider:
I have always wanted to work, but have never obtained my goal independently or when working with vocational rehabilitation professionals.
I have been told that I cannot work, because of the severity of my disability, but I want to go to work.
I can find a job, but I keep losing it.
Employers say I am not able to perform the job to their expected standards.
I was working at the time I was injured, and as a result, have been out of work for quite sometime. I believe my abilities have changed and am fearful that I may not be able to do the work I did before.
I am unemployed, but probably could have remained employed if I had someone to assist me with getting through the "rough times".
I experience difficulty getting along with coworkers, and I believe this leads to problems at work.
I can learn how to do something new, but I am very slow at it.
If you are still unsure about supported employment as a vocational service option, talk to your rehabilitation counselor about the possibility of participating in a "situation assessment". During a situational assessment you go to work, without pay, in one or a variety of employment settings. An employment specialist will accompany you and provide whatever training or supports you need to try out different job tasks. He or she will get feedback on how you learn best and what you like to do. This information is documented in a report to the rehabilitation counselor and you. This experience can help you understand, first hand, how supported employment works and what it is like.
If you decide that supported employment is a work support you would like to use, proceed to the next step and select a supported employment provider.
For More Information:
Research and Training Center on Workplace Supports
The Association for Persons in Supported Employment Use the map at the APSE web site to locate a state chapter of APSE or a chapter in your state.