Supported Employment is a term used in the field of vocational rehabilitation to describe a work program for individuals with disabilities. The phonetic transcription of "supported" is /səˈpɔrtəd/, with the first syllable being unstressed and pronounced as a schwa sound. "Employment" is pronounced /ɪmˈplɔɪmənt/ with the stress on the second syllable, and the last syllable pronounced as a schwa sound. The spelling of Supported Employment is important for professionals to accurately communicate the nature of the work program to clients, employers, and other stakeholders.
Supported employment is a vocational rehabilitation approach that aims to assist individuals with disabilities or special needs in obtaining and maintaining competitive employment within an integrated work setting. It encompasses a range of services and supports specifically designed to match the skills, abilities, and interests of individuals with suitable jobs in the regular workforce.
At its core, supported employment involves personalized assistance provided by professionals known as Employment Specialists who work closely with both the job seeker and potential employers. These specialists play a pivotal role in helping individuals navigate the complex process of searching and securing employment. They provide ongoing guidance and support throughout the entire employment journey, ensuring a successful transition and integration into the workplace.
The key principles of supported employment include individualized job matching, intensive job development, continuous on-site support, benefits counseling, and time-unlimited support. This holistic approach acknowledges the unique strengths and challenges faced by individuals with disabilities, striving to create an inclusive and supportive work environment that fosters independence, productivity, and personal growth.
Supported employment reflects a significant shift in the traditional approach to employment for individuals with disabilities, which often relied on sheltered workshops or segregated employment settings. Instead, the focus is on promoting inclusive practices, breaking down barriers, and empowering individuals to fulfill their potential and achieve meaningful employment in front-line, community-based worksites.
The word "supported employment" is a compound term consisting of two words: "supported" and "employment".
The term "supported" derives from the Old French word "supporter", which originated from the Latin word "supportare". "Supportare" is a combination of the prefix "sub", meaning "under" or "up from below", and the verb "portare", meaning "to carry". Over time, "supporter" evolved in Old French to mean "to bear, sustain, or hold up".
The word "employment" comes from the Old French noun "emploiment", which was derived from the verb "employer", meaning "to use". "Employer" had its roots in the Latin word "implicare", combining the prefix "in", meaning "in" or "into", and "plicare", meaning "to fold or interweave".