Employment

3: Employment is defined as (a) competitive, (b) supported, or (c) sheltered.

"Competitive employment means work- (i) In the competitive labor market that is performed on a full-time or part-time basis in an integrated setting; and (ii) For which an individual is compensated at or above the minimum wage, but not less than the customary wage and level of benefits paid by the employer for the same or similar work performed by individuals who are not disabled."

Source: National Post School Outcome Center. Helpful Hints, retrieved from http://www.psocenter.org/Docs/HelpfulHints14template.doc on August 20, 2007, citing the Rehabilitation Act, 1998, Sections 7(11) & 7 (35) (a), 29 U.S.C. 705(11) and 709(c)

For Indicator 14 competitive employment also means employed for at least an average of 20 hours/ week for 90 consecutive days.

Source: National Post School Outcome Center. Frequently Asked Questions, retrieved from http://www.psocenter.org/FAQ.html on September 30, 2009.

"Supported employment is competitive work in integrated work settings, or employment in integrated work settings in which individuals are working toward competitive work, consistent with the strengths, resources, priorities, concerns, abilities, capabilities, interests, and informed choice of the individuals, for individuals with the most significant disabilities for whom competitive employment has not traditionally occurred; or for whom competitive employment has been interrupted or intermittent as a result of a significant disability; and who, because of the nature and severity of their disability, need intensive supported employment services".

Source: Rehabilitation Act, Section 7(35) (a), retrieved from the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitation Services website: http://www.ed.gov/policy/speced/reg/narrative.html on February 2, 2007.

Sheltered employment refers to "an accredited occupationally-oriented facility, including a work activities center, operated by a private nonprofit agency, which, except for its administrative and support staff, employs disabled persons certified under special provisions of federal minimum wage laws by the Wage and Hour Division, U.S. Department of Labor" (65 Del. Laws, c. 74, § 1.).

Source: Delaware Constitution, Chapter 10, retrieved from www.delcode.state.de.us/title19/c010/index.htm on February 2, 2007.

Employment in a family business or self-employment may be considered competitive or "other" employment, depending on the wages and hours of employment.

Extracted from National Post-School Outcomes Center, Frequently Asked Questions, retrieved from http://www.psocenter.org/FAQ.html on September 30, 2009.