Indicator 3: The proportion of persons with
serious mental illnesses who are employed.
National Target: 51 percent.
National Baseline: 42 percent of persons aged 18 years and older with
serious mental illnesses were employed in 1994.
National Target setting method: 21 percent improvement.
Data source: National Health Interview Survey (NHIS), CDC, NCHS. ATCMHMR's
Supported Employment Program
ATCMHMR's Supported Employment program began to track data on persons with
serious mental illness during March 2000. L. Jackson (personal communication,
August 21, 2000) reported that between March and May 2000, 36 percent of consumers
served were employed.
L. Hamilos (personal communication, January 25, 2001) reported that in the
state fiscal year 2000, the Texas Rehabilitation Commission (TRC) served 3,536
consumers with mental impairments in Travis County. This total reflects persons
who had mental impairments as a either primary or secondary disability and
were served by all TRC programs. Table 7-15 reflects the status of individuals
served at the end of the state fiscal year. Information from Easter Seals and
Goodwill was unavailable.
Persons with severe and persistent mental illness can live independently and
work as productive citizens in the community. Vocational Rehabilitation is
an essential part to promote independent living. Rehabilitation programs often
evaluate, assess, train, provide supportive services, and assist in job placement.
Rehabilitation programs also provide continuing support and help to ensure
placement is working well. Research shows that working provides both economic
and personal benefits beyond a paycheck and workplace companionship, such as,
improved self-esteem, independence, and even assists in managing symptoms.
Persons with severe and persistent mental illness want to work and research
has reported that employment is often noted as a primary personal goal. The
benefits of assisting persons with mental illness to obtain employment can
reduce the use of mental health services and reduce the number of persons who
receive federal and state disability payments, not to mention the personal
satisfaction of the person learning to work, participating in a satisfying
work experience, and independence created (USDHHS, 2000). It is recommended
that this indicator be tracked on a regular basis.
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