Impact of supported employment on life quality of adults with intellectual disabilities

For years it has been noted by authors abroad that in a number of types of employment on offer for adults with intellectual disability, supported employment is the type which statistically contributes to quality of their lives. However, with gradual changes to legislation and examples of good practice, open working environment is becoming a reality in Slovenia as well. For most people with intellectual disability support is needed throughout their entire lives, including the field of employment. The empirical part is focussed on finding out how many individuals are integrated at a regular work environment, what was the form of work integration, what their workday is like, as well as structure of employment according to gender, age, and completed education level. With help of various employment providers, we counted 120 people employed at a regular workplace, out of which 6 individuals’ jobs were categorized as supported employment according to Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment of Disabled Persons Act (2004-2011). They worked through a sheltered company. 114 were classified under ‘integrated employment’ working through sheltered workshops under a program that grants employment under special terms. The number of individuals listed shows there was little increase in inclusion of people with intellectual disabilities into regular work environment compared to previous surveys. Among the employees listed are the individuals who finished a more demanding educational programme, as well as those who finished a training program. Mostly, however, they are subjected to less common types of employment, without a formal and legal contract, and consequently no adequate pay. The multiple case study containing 6 cases enquired about the views on life quality of people with intellectual disabilities working under integrated employment. This was achieved by conducting semi-structured interviews of those involved in this type of employment, their families and co-workers supporting them at work. Qualitative analysis was applied to pinpoint the impact of various factors of employment in a regular work environment on life quality of adults with intellectual disabilities. Judging from the information gathered from the interviews, the individuals discussed in this study are generally content with their quality of life. Quite a few of them pointed out the immense importance of working at a regular workplace which in turn contributes to their well-being and overall satisfaction with their jobs. In order to overcome any barriers, they are helped in various ways which makes everyone at work satisfied. All interviewees reported that working in a regular environment makes great contribution to quality of life on an intrapersonal (emotional wellbeing, personal development and self-advocacy), as well as interpersonal level (social inclusion and interpersonal relationships). In some areas, this impact is more recognisable than others. The only deficiency exposed by the individuals and their parents is inadequate formal structure of ‘Integrated employment’ and consequently wages for the job done. These findings can help with the new 2019 Social Inclusion of Disabled Persons Act to form guidelines for further development of employment of these people and their greater inclusion into a regular adult life