How employment support and social integration programmes are viewed by the intellectually disabled

Supported employment is intended to facilitate and promote participation and integration of intellectually disabled citizens in society. This study investigated their view of the programme.

Q-methodology was used. Eighteen respondents with a mild intellectual disability rank-ordered 22 statements representing five main aspects of supported employment. The data were factor-analysed to group respondents according to their views. Q-methodology was a feasible approach that facilitated in-depth conversations with respondents with a mild intellectual disability in a playful manner.

Two views on the impact of supported employment on social integration were observed: 'work as participation' and 'work as structure'. The first placed greater value on participation, task variety, belonging, and feeling appreciated; the second placed greater value on working independently, clear working agreements, and friendly co-workers. The views indicate two distinct approaches to effecting a positive relationship between supported employment and social integration.

From the perspective of people with an intellectual disability supported employment contributes to self-development and has a positive effect on well-being, albeit in different ways for the individual groups.