A Comparison of Successful and Unsuccessful Placements of Youths with Mental Handicaps into Competitive Employment

We compared 54 matched pairs of high school students and young adults with mental retardation. One member of each pair had remained successfully employed for 10 or more hours per week at minimum wage or better for at least 6 months, and the other had not. Placement counselors, trainers, or supervisors completed case study questionnaires about their students (or clients). The results indicated successful placements in a variety of positions and communities across the nation. The most important elements contributing to this success are placement agency follow-up support; home support; the individual's job skills, social ability, and match to job demands; the creativity and persistence of the placement specialist; incentive to employers (e.g., tax credits and employment subsidies); and employer's support of the placement.