What is sheltered employment?
The US Department of Labor defines it as a way to “facilitate[s] competitive work in integrated work settings for individuals with the most severe disabilities (i.e. psychiatric, mental retardation, learning disabilities, traumatic brain injury) for whom competitive employment has not traditionally occurred, and who, because of the nature and severity of their disability, need ongoing support services in order to perform their job.” Organizations may provide a number of services ranging from sheltered employment on the premises to employment that is supported at various levels in community settings. Sheltered employment is usually based at a facility or training center serving persons with “severe” disabilities. As opposed to “sheltered” settings, supported employment is a program concept designed to assist persons with disabilities in securing and maintaining employment in the community. There are several types of supported employment strategies including individual job placement, enc
