ARTICLES

 

Supported employment: Recommendations for successful implementation in South Africa

 

 

Lana Van Niekerk^I; Zelda Coetzee^II; Madri Engelbrecht^III; Zerina Hajwani^IV; Susan Landman^V; Mapheyeledi Motimele^VI; Santie Terreblanche^VII

^IB OT (UOFS) M OT (UOFS) PhD (UCT). Associate Professor, Division Occupational Therapy, School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Cape Town
^IIDip Occ Ther (Vona du Toit College) MSc OT (UCT). Lecturer.Division of OccupationalTherapy, University of Stellenbosch
^IIIB OT (Stell) MSc OT (UCT). Clinical Educator, Division of Occupational Therapy, School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences University of Cape Town
^IVBSc OT (UWC) MSc OT (UCT). Lecturer: Division of Occupational Therapy, School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Cape Town
^VB OT (Stell), MSc OT (UCT). Clinical Educator, Division of Occupational Therapy, School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Cape Twon
^VIBSc OT (UCT). Clinical Educator. Division of Occupational Therapy, School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Cape Town
^VIIB OT (Stell). General Manager: Training Workshops Unlimited

Correspondence

 

 

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ABSTRACT

Introduction: This article reports on the findings of a descriptive qualitative study in which supported employment (SE), as a potential strategy to facilitate the employment ofpersons with disability in the open labour market in South Africa, was explored. A brief description of SE and its success in other countries will be provided before the challenges faced in South Africa that might prevent its successful implementation will be discussed.
Methodology: A focus group interview was utilised to explore the suitability and possible modifications needed for SE in the South African context. Questions were asked to explore barriers to successful implementation and adaptations required to make it a workable strategy with which to facilitate employment of persons with disability.
Findings: Four themes emerged; 'the envisaged nature of SE in South Africa', 'key role-players necessary for the service to be successful', 'barriers to successful establishment of SE services' and 'the disability grant mechanism in South Africa'. Recommendations are made for successful implementation of SE service in South Africa.

Key words: Supported Employment, Disability, Job coaching, Employment Equity, Reasonable Accommodation

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Correspondence:
Lana Van Niekerk
Lanavn@sun.ac.za