Sheltered Employment

A model of employment where people with disabilities work in a controlled environment specifically designed to accommodate their needs, typically with lower productivity expectations and specialized supervision. Sheltered work organizations provide employment opportunities for people who may face barriers in competitive employment settings, including those with cognitive, intellectual, or mental health disabilities. While historically important for providing work opportunities, the model has been critiqued for segregating disabled workers and paying below minimum wage. Modern approaches increasingly focus on supported employment in integrated settings, though sheltered work remains common and can benefit from assistive technologies that enable workers to complete more complex tasks.