Background: Supported employment is intended to facilitate and promote participation and integration of intellectually disabled citizens in society. This study investigated their view of the programme. Methods: Q-methodology was used. Eighteen respondents with a mild intellectual disability rank-ordered 22 statements representing five main aspects of supported employment. The data were factor-analysed to group respondents according to their views. Q-methodology was a feasible approach that facilitated in-depth conversations with respondents with a mild intellectual disability in a playful manner. Results: Two views onthe impact of supported employment on social integration were observed: 'Work as participation' and 'work as structure'. The first placed greater value on participation, task variety, belonging, and feeling appreciated; the second placed greater value on working independently, clear working agreements, and friendly co-workers. The views indicate two distinct approaches to effecting a positive relationship between supported employment and social integration. Conclusion: From the perspective of people with an intellectual disability supported employment contributes to self-development and has a positive effect on well-being, albeit in different ways for the individual groups. © 2009 The Authors. Journal compilation

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doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2788.2009.01168.x, hdl.handle.net/1765/24775
Journal of Intellectual Disability Research
Erasmus MC: University Medical Center Rotterdam

Cramm, J., Finkenflügel, H., Kuijsten, R., & van Exel, J. (2009). How employment support and social integration programmes are viewed by the intellectually disabled. Journal of Intellectual Disability Research, 53(6), 512–520. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2788.2009.01168.x