| Background: |
Facility-based day programs for adults with disabilities, known as sheltered workshops, provide simple work activities and customized educational programs. They may be designed to help individuals with disabilities find long-term employment or transition into competitive integrated employment. Despite any well-intentions, sheltered workshops usually do not lead to equal employment opportunities. Because of the alarming statistics, the author asks if sheltered workshops are relevant and successful pathways to employment for people with disabilities. |
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Purpose:
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The author provides an extensive literature review on the pros and cons of sheltered workshops, as well as legislation and court cases that have shaped where they are today. |
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Conclusions:
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Sheltered workshops are not longer viewed as valuable options for employment for individuals with disabilities. If the promotion of sheltered workshops continues in the U.S. as an employment option, it will bring historical practices of discrimination. The authors believe that it is time for the U.S. to join the global movement of ending the existence of sheltered workshops. Legal protections should be put in place to ensure that individuals with disabilities have the right to equal employment. |
