Adults with disabilities often face barriers when seeking meaningful work. Despite having valuable skills and a strong work ethic, traditional job opportunities may not provide the inclusive environments they need to thrive.
Supported employment helps remove those barriers. It connects adults with disabilities to jobs that match their interests and strengths while offering ongoing support through job coaching and training. For organizations like Eggleston, it’s not only a service but a mission to promote independence, inclusion, and opportunity—values we’re especially proud to highlight during Disability Pride Month in July, and every day through our work.
What is Supported Employment?
Supported employment is a person-centered model that helps adults with disabilities find and keep jobs in their communities. Unlike traditional placement services, it includes:
- Job Coaching: One-on-one support during the job search and on the job. Coaches help with tasks, communication, and confidence-building.
- Skills Training: Hands-on learning in real work environments that aligns with career goals.
- Long-Term Support: Ongoing help that adapts as needs or job roles change.
This model focuses on individual strengths, not limitations, and leads to lasting employment success.
What Does Supported Employment Mean for Adults with Disabilities?
For adults with disabilities, supported employment for people with disabilities means real opportunities, real pay, and real inclusion. This model centers on several key components that work together to create lasting employment success:
- Customized Job Matching: Supported employment begins with understanding each person’s strengths, interests, and goals. Someone who loves cars may find a fit at Eggleston’s Auto Center, detailing vehicles or assisting with maintenance. A person who enjoys nature might thrive in the Garden Center or Farmer’s Market, caring for plants and helping customers. Matching the job to the person increases confidence and long-term success.
- On-the-Job Learning: Trained professionals work one-on-one with individuals to develop workplace skills, navigate job responsibilities, and build confidence. Coaches provide support both during the job search process and after employment begins, ensuring sustainable success.
- Inclusive Workplaces: Eggleston partners with employers to build workplaces that value diversity and ability. These environments create space for individuals with disabilities to contribute meaningfully, while fostering empathy, teamwork, and mutual respect among all employees.
- Competitive Wages: Supported employment promotes fair, competitive pay, not token jobs or unpaid work. Earning a paycheck gives individuals with disabilities the freedom to support themselves and the dignity that comes from contributing to their community.
- Community and Connection: Employment opens doors to friendships, teamwork, and social engagement. Being part of a workplace helps individuals feel valued, included, and connected, leading to a stronger sense of purpose and well-being.
This is what supported employment means for adults with disabilities: a path to belonging, achievement, and independence.
Benefits of Supported Employment for Individuals and Employers
The benefits of supported employment extend beyond individuals. They also impact employers and entire communities.
For Individuals:
- Independence: A paycheck gives people control over their choices and goals.
- Improved Quality of Life: Work boosts self-esteem and provides daily structure.
- Purpose: Participants contribute meaningfully, whether detailing or servicing vehicles, maintaining landscapes, supporting admin services, and more.
For Employers:
- Reliable Workers: Many supported employees are highly motivated and detail-oriented.
- Inclusive Culture: Hiring people with disabilities fosters understanding and team morale.
- Support Services: Eggleston’s job coaches assist with training and problem-solving.
- Reduced Turnover: Long-term support creates stability for both employee and employer.
Eggleston’s Supported Employment Programs
Eggleston offers decades of experience in connecting adults with disabilities to meaningful careers.
- Job Training: Participants build skills in automotive, landscaping, shredding, and more, working alongside experienced staff in real job settings.
- Placement Services: Staff match individuals to employers and help create supportive environments.
- Ongoing Support: Regular check-ins and coaching help individuals grow in their roles and take on new challenges.
The success of these programs is reflected in the lives changed and the skills gained, on and off the job.
Why it Matters: A Call for Inclusive Hiring
Despite progress, employment for people with disabilities remains an equity issue. Inclusive hiring isn’t just a nice idea. It’s a smart investment in stronger communities.
- Businesses benefit from diverse thinking and loyal, capable team members.
- Partnerships with organizations like Eggleston provide tools for success without added burden to employers.
- Communities grow when everyone is included in the workforce.
Building Inclusive Communities Through Meaningful Work
Supported employment is more than job placement. It’s a path to self-reliance, inclusion, and dignity for people of all abilities. It empowers individuals and enriches the communities they serve.
Whether you’re an employer ready to build a more inclusive team or someone looking for meaningful jobs for adults with disabilities, Eggleston is here to help.