Ongoing supports, also referred to as long-term supports or extended services, are a unique feature of supported employment, but can also be a consideration in typical job development supports -- to a less intense degree.

Ongoing supports may continue to be available to workers with disabilities for the duration of their employment and can be adapted to best meet the needs of the worker.   These supports could include:

• identifying available funding sources for ongoing supports and ensure that each worker being supported has access to these services, if needed.

• understanding eligibility for services and the requirements for receiving funding to support specific workers with disabilities.

• continuing to remain involved in the workplace, building on the relationships with the business and providing supports to the worker with disabilities as needed.

• providing on-going supports to the worker as changes occur in the work situation to avoid job loss or even facilitate job advancement: Including changes in:
  • management, job duties, or coworker supports
  • living situations
  • transportation arrangements
  • health conditions
  • benefits or health insurance

• negotiating changes to the job, including but not limited to adding or modifying the worker’s job description, increasing wages, and negotiating additional hours and benefits
  • assisting the worker with disabilities in self-advocacy for changes to the job or
  • advocateing with the business on their behalf, if requested and needed.