Supported Employement: Recommendations for successful implementation in South Africa

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 of persons 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.

Keywords:

Supported Employment, Disability, Job coaching, Employment Equity, Reasonable Accommodation