Employer views on job development strategies for marketing supported employment

Much has been written about techniques for working with individuals with disabilities in the community, specifically in employment settings. However, little literature focuses on enhancing job development techniques. This study examined the preferred marketing strategies employers have in relation to supported employment and addressed the factors that may impact on those preferences. Results indicated that the majority of employers, regardless of the industry type, size and location of the business, and professional affiliation, preferred to receive marketing information on supported employment through professional associations such as WMC, WRA, Local/National Human Resource Associations, and Trade Shows. When employers had previous knowledge of supported employment or had hired a supported employee, the preferred method selected were Governmental Agencies such as Department of Workforce Development, Rehabilitation Agency, or Local Advocacy Groups.