R.E. Cimera and R.J. Cowan
Autism, vol.13, 2009, p. 285-302
This article examines the cost of services and employment outcomes obtained by adults within the US vocational rehabilitation system. It found that the number of such individuals had increased by more than 121% between 2002 and 2006. Although adults with autism were employed at a higher rate than most disability groups investigated, they tended to work for fewer hours and earn less in wages per week. The study also found that adults with autism were among the most costly individuals to serve.
J. Shankar, J. Martin and C. McDonald
Australian Social Work, vol. 62, 2009, p. 28-44
In recent times in Australia there has been a slow but steady trend towards employing generic mental health workers from a variety of backgrounds. These workers undertake the jobs that were traditionally assigned to social workers. However, new opportunities for mental health social workers are opening in the field of psychiatric recovery, especially in the areas of supported employment and postsecondary education.
C. Bigby and others
Journal of Intellectual Disability Research, vol. 53, 2009, p. 363-376
This paper brings together the findings of two studies that explored attitudes of staff in community-based services towards the realisation of current policy visions around inclusion and choice for people with more severe intellectual disabilities. The first study used ethnographic and action research methods to examine the daily lives of 25 residents with severe intellectual disabilities living in five small group homes, and the attitudes of staff supporting them. The second study used a group comparison design and administered a short questionnaire about staff attitudes to 144 direct-care staff and first line managers working in disability services. Findings of both studies suggest that, while staff accept principles of inclusion, choice and participation for people with intellectual disabilities in general, they do not consider it feasible to apply these to the people with more profound intellectual disabilities to whom they provide support.