As the U.S. workforce ages, baby boomers retire, and birth rates decline, the United States is facing an estimated shortfall of 8 million workers between now and 2027. At the same time, the U.S. economy is becoming ever more knowledge-based. Having a marketable postsecondary credential, whether an academic degree or a professional certification or…

A cost-benefit analysis is presented for Illinois's statewide supported employment initiative for individuals with developmental disabilities. The analysis concludes that society realized a $0.75 return for every $1.00 invested in supported employment, while supported employees realized a 37 percent increase in their earnings. (Author/JDD)

A study conducted a questionnaire survey of 70 refugee women in Illinois and 2 service provider focus groups to assess the effects of welfare changes on refugee women and to identify barriers to workforce participation. Survey findings were that refugee women in the workforce are concentrated in low-wage jobs and do not earn enough income to move…

This study examined the benefits and costs of supported employment programs in Illinois during the first 2 years of operation. Benefits and costs were considered for 394 individuals enrolled in 1987 and 519 individuals enrolled in 1988, from three revenue perspectives: that of society as a whole; that of the supported employees; and that of the…

This study of employment outcomes of 869 Illinois supported employees, primarily with mental retardation or mental illness, found that minority-status employees were younger, had higher intelligence quotients, and earned more wages per month than did nonminority supported employees. Few differences among minority subgroups (African American,…