Profile: BOC's Embracement Center

Supported employment facilitates competitive work in integrated work settings for individuals with the most severe disabilities (i.e. mental retardation, learning disabilities, traumatic brain injury) for whom competitive employment has not traditionally occurred, and who, because of the nature and severity of their disability, need ongoing support services in order to perform their job. Supported employment provides assistance such as job coaching, assistive technology, specialized job training, and individually tailored supervision.

Supported employment is a way to move people from dependence on a service delivery system to independence via competitive employment. Recent studies indicate that the provision of on-going support services for people with severe disabilities significantly increases their rates for employment retention. Supported employment encourages people to work within their communities, independence, social interaction, and integration.

Supported Employment Service is a periodic follow-up with individuals and their employers to support them in maintaining competitive jobs in their community.