Affiliations: WORK, Inc. Quincy, MA, USA | NISH Government Affairs Director Vienna, VA, USA
Note: [] Corresponding author. Dr. Wolk is a member and former chair of the NISH Board of Directors and retired on July 1, 1994 as President of WORK, Inc. Mr. Laureys, who has a Masters Degree in Political Economy, has served as Government Affairs Director of NISH since 1988.
Abstract: The Javits-Wagner-O'Day Act, through NISH, currently provides employment for 22884 people with severe disabilities working on product and service contracts for the federal government, a majority taking place in integrated community settings. The program has grown steadily over the past decade, with a strong potential for greater growth. The mechanics of the program as well as its benefits and risks need to be understood in order for rehabilitation facilities to take advantage of the opportunities to create suitable employment for workers with severe disabilities.
Keywords: Javits-Wagner-O'Day Act, NISH, Severe disability, Integrated community settings, Rehabilitation facilities
