ENCLAVE EMPLOYMENT MODEL FOR PERSONS WITH MODERATE INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES

Background: An enclave employment model is a business model that provides job opportunities for individuals with special needs using a ‘group supported employment approach’ in an actual employment premise. Little is known... [ view full abstract ]

Background:
An enclave employment model is a business model that provides job opportunities for individuals with special needs using a ‘group supported employment approach’ in an actual employment premise. Little is known about the service-delivery process for such an enclave employment model
Method:
The purpose of this study is to demonstrate the use of a service-delivery model in the implementation of an enclave employment service for a group of individuals with moderate intellectual disability (trainees) and to identify the level of support required to achieve an acceptable work performance. 12 trainees participated in the enclave project over a six-month period. The nature of the work was packing and replenishing of airline snacks and drinks trollies. Number of trolleys replenished by the trainees in an hour were used to quantify the trainees’ productivity and was measured weekly.
Results:
A steady rate of trainees’ productivity was achieved by 3 months. Initial need of three-member staff support was reduced to just one by two months. 83% of trainees were able to retain work successfully and sustain productivity for the entire study period of six months. A number of challenges encountered and various solutions we implemented during the execution of this service-delivery model have been systematically presented and discussed.
Conclusion:
Enclave employment model enables individuals with moderate intellectual disability who are unable to take up open employment, to participate in gainful work.
Application to Practice:
Enclave employment model is a productive and a feasible employment solution for individuals with intellectual disability.