Affiliations: The University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
Note: [] Corresponding author, 251 University Hospital School, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA. Tel.: + 1 319 3536454; Fax: + 1 319 3568284.
Abstract: The purpose of this article is to provide a conceptual basis for promoting long-term maintenance in supported employment by incorporating generalization programming into follow-along procedures. We propose that maintenance is a dynamic process in which variations of employee behavior evolve over time in response to an ever-changing work context. If behavior is not responsive to these changes, maintenance of the work placement may not occur. In this article, we describe some issues that are related to long-term maintenance and propose a model for evaluating maintenance. This model incorporates hypothesis testing of variables that guide and maintain behavior. When a variable (e.g. a given person, task, or setting) has been identified as necessary for acceptable work behavior, generalization training is initiated to facilitate long-term maintenance. We suggest that this type of training is critical because job termination is a likely outcome when maintenance problems emerge. Thus, programming for maintenance must be conducted proactively rather than after problems occur. To illustrate this approach, we provide specific training strategies to promote long-term maintenance.
