Ensuring support systems that work: getting beyond the natural supports versus job coach controversy

This article presents four case examples that illustrate various strategies used by agency personnel to promote job supports for employees with disabilities while minimizing the intrusion of supported employment personnel. Specific strategies include: (a) using personal connections to enhance social support, (b) matching individual preferences and attributes to work-site social climates, (c) collaborating with work-site personnel to develop adaptations and modifications, (d) facilitating and supporting the involvement of work-site personnel; and (e) providing general consultation focused on person-environment factors that promote both the success of the supported employee and the overall business. Each of these strategies is discussed within a natural support framework in relation to reexamining job coach roles. The implications of the four case examples are discussed and areas for further research are suggested.

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Increasing Integrated Workplace Social Interactions: The Effects of Job Modification, Natural Supports, Adaptive Communication Instruction, and Job Coach Training

Journal of the Association for Persons with Severe Handicaps ◽

10.2511/rpsd.26.4.257 ◽

2001 ◽

Vol 26 (4) ◽

pp. 257-269 ◽

Cited By ~ 12

Author(s):

Denise Mautz ◽

Keith Storey ◽

Nick Certo

Keyword(s):

Social Interactions ◽

Adaptive Communication ◽

Natural Supports ◽

Communication Instruction ◽

Job Coach ◽

Coach Training

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Work Accommodations in Canadian Social Firms: Supervisors’ and Workers’ Perspectives

Canadian Journal of Community Mental Health ◽

10.7870/cjcmh-2018-026 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 38 (1) ◽

pp. 37-56 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Marc Corbière ◽

Patrizia Villotti ◽

Carolyn S. Dewa ◽

Hélène Sultan-Taïeb ◽

Franco Fraccaroli ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Labour Market ◽

Health Condition ◽

Mental Health Condition ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Natural Supports ◽

Job Coach ◽

Work Accommodations

Social firms (SFs) are an appealing model for people with a mental health condition who are having difficulties maintaining their employment in a competitive labour market. The goal of this study is to compare the availability of work accommodations in two types of Canadian SFs, by interviewing supervisors working in adapted enterprises and consumer/survivor-run businesses, and by obtaining the perceptions of the workers with a mental health condition regarding the usefulness of these accommodations. Results indicate accommodations in both types of SFs are readily available and useful. A significant difference between the two types of SFs is the availability of a job coach whose presence workers found useful in adapted enterprises. Natural supports from stakeholders (e.g., supervisors, job coach) are important for work sustainability.

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