| This dissertation examined the job terminations of 51 subjects with severe disabilities who had received job training and follow-up services from a program utilizing the supported work model. Three general classes of reasons for termination (social, nonsocial, mixed) were examined in relation to length of time on the job and job type. Results indicated that while there was no interaction between reasons given and length of time on the job or job type, length of time on the job was significant. Specifically, subjects lost their jobs most often within the first year of employment. Additionally, no single time frame within that first year was found to account for a higher percentage of terminations. These results, coupled with those from an earlier study by Maxwell et al. (1985), have implications for follow-up services and RSA policies. The two studies suggest that persons with severe disabilities are capable of securing and retaining competitive employment if provided with appropriate training and follow-up services. Training programs must concentrate on both social and vocational survival skills, with long-term follow-up services concentrating on these same areas for at least 12 months. To maximize successful placement these follow-up services should be in the form of the supported work model. Finally, the definition of vocational success needs to change reflecting a client-job match that stresses the point of separation from the job as the primary determinant of job success. |
