Which approach is part of Employment to secure membership in the workforce?

• A. Only offering internships without compensation.
• B. Avoiding integration with non-disabled workers.
• C. Restricting opportunities to certain industries.
• D. Using typical or customized employment techniques to secure membership in the workforce, where employees with disabilities are included on the payroll of a competitive business or are self-employed.

Answer: (D)

This item focuses on integrating individuals with disabilities into paid, competitive employment. The best approach uses typical or customized employment techniques to place someone on the payroll of a competitive business or as self-employed, so they are truly part of the workforce alongside others. This means meaningful, paid work in an integrated setting, with supports (like job coaching or reasonable accommodations) provided as needed to help the person succeed. Such an approach promotes financial independence, professional growth, and social inclusion within the general labor market. In contrast, unpaid internships, avoiding integration with non-disabled workers, or limiting opportunities to certain industries do not achieve true membership in the workforce because they lack paid status, create segregation, or restrict access to broader employment opportunities.