A qualitative study of supported employment practices in Project SEARCH

Project SEARCH is a unique program for young adults with intellectual disabilities to transition from high school to work. This program teaches individuals with intellectual disabilities (interns) job skills in an inclusive work environment, such as a hospital. The purpose of the study is to understand the involvement and perceptions of supported employment within Project SEARCH for coworkers of the interns and Project SEARCH staff. Qualitative research methods were employed in this study. The data were collected by interviewing two groups separately, Project SEARCH staff and coworkers of the interns. The results indicated that the participants had provided an inclusive work environment to the interns through positive attitudes and support. The results have important implications for research in the field of inclusive and supported employment.