The cost-efficiency of supported employment programs: A literature review

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Robert E. Cimera,

Affiliations: University of Wisconsin, Osk Kosh, WI 54901, USA

Note: [] University of Wisconsin, 800 Algoma Blvd, Osh Kosh, WI 54901-8668, USA. Tel.: +1 920 424 7235; Fax: +1 920 424 0858; E-mail: [email protected]

Abstract: Twenty-one studies on the cost-efficiency of supported employment were reviewed to answer three questions: (a) ``Is supported employment cost-efficient?'' (b) ``Are supported employees with severe or multiple disabilities cost-efficient?'' and (c) ``Are certain models of supported employment more cost-efficient than others?'' This review concluded that supported employment is eventually cost-efficient from the worker's and taxpayer's perspectives. Further, all supported employees are cost-efficient, however, individuals with mild mental retardation are more cost-efficient than individuals with severe mental retardation. Finally, although literature is sparse, individual placements appear to be the most cost-efficient methods of supported employment.

Keywords: supported employment, cost-efficiency, cost-effectiveness, review of literature

Journal: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 14, no. 1, pp. 51-61, 2000