Or Are Sheltered Workshops Cheaper to Operate?

In this economic climate, vocational programs for adults with disabilities have to compete for the limited funds available.  In order to obtain these funds, services providers have to demonstrate the fiscal merits of their programs.  For instance, proponents of facility-based programs, such as sheltered workshops, might indicate that their services are better investments for taxpayers because they work with groups of people while supported employment only works serves person at a time.   Advocates of supported employment, on the other hand, might counter that their programs are better because they facilitate independence whereas sheltered workshops create dependence.  Which program is the best investment for taxpayers?  Several recent studies have attempted to answer this question. Read more…