Placement into nonsheltered employment: findings from national employment surveys

Data from two (1984-1985 and 1985-1986) national surveys of facilities providing vocational services to adults with developmental disabilities were used to analyze employment placement patterns and client-referenced outcomes. Most of these adults were working in sheltered environments; however, 17 to 19% of those served were placed into nonsheltered settings during the respective survey periods. Effects of individual and environmental characteristics on a variety of individual and facility-level employment outcomes were examined. Research and policy implications were discussed.