Isnt Customized Employment too expensive?
CE is too new to have generated any definitive cost data. The question is a good one, but might be further refined by asking too expensive for whom? Approximately 74% of adults with developmental disabilities remain unemployed, served largely in sheltered work or non-work day programs operated across the country (Metzel, et al. in press). The unemployment rate for individuals with psychiatric disabilities is worse and estimated at close to 90%, even though individuals with psychiatric disabilities list their greatest need and desire as being employed (Drake, 2005; Bond, 1992). The tremendous expense of building over 5,000 day programs, segregated transportation systems, and associated services has not delivered gainful employment, adequate training for employment, or social inclusion. CE can be accomplished for those needing such an intensive approach by blending day program funding, VR and WIA supports, and/or SSA Work Incentives such as Plans for Achieving Self Support (PASS). Exampl
