Fading is a component of effective supported employment practice that is interwoven into each step of the process. It is the intentional and systematic process of reducing support so that a consumer can achieve and maintain independence in their job. While the concept and principles of fading are consistent, the way it is applied will vary widely depending on the individual, the job, and the work environment.
This course is designed for both new and experienced Employment Specialists (ES). Whether you are just beginning your work in supported employment or refining your current practice, this course will provide a structured framework for understanding how to plan for, implement, and document fading effectively.
Throughout the course, you will follow a single scenario that demonstrates the stages of fading from Discovery through extended services. This scenario is intended to illustrate how the process works in practice. However, it is important to recognize that no two fading experiences will look the same. Each consumer brings unique strengths, learning styles, and support needs, and each workplace presents different expectations and natural supports. While the principles of fading remain constant, their application must always be individualized.
In addition to learning the process, this course will note the required Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR) documentation at each stage of fading. You will be introduced to key tools and expectations, including how to clearly demonstrate the reduction of support over time and how to use documentation to support decision-making and reporting.
By the end of this course, you will have a deeper understanding of how to support independence in a way that is intentional, person-centered, and aligned with best practices in supported employment.Imagine helping someone move from needing your guidance to confidently doing something all on their own; that’s the power of fading.
Purpose
This course teaches how to introduce, evaluate, and fade supports in supported employment using a real-world scenario. You will follow Gina’s employment journey to understand how supports evolve across tasks and how stability is determined.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the course, you will be able to:
- Define fading and explain its purpose within the supported employment process.
- Describe how fading begins during Discovery and includes how to gather and use information about the consumers learning styles, preferences, and support needs.
- Identify the key stages of fading from initial job training through extended services.
- Recognize indicators of readiness for reduced support, including signs of independence, consistency, and effective use of natural supports.
- Apply fading strategies in a structured way while adapting to the unique needs of each consumer and work environment.
- Differentiate between appropriate support and over-support, and explain the impact of each on long-term independence.
- Identify and leverage natural supports within the workplace to replace reliance on the Employment Specialist (ES).
- Use observation and data to guide fading decisions, including how to determine when and how to step back.
By the end, you’ll be ready to design supports that grow confidence, not dependence.
Let’s get started and see how small, intentional steps can lead to big results.
To begin the lesson:
- Select “Lesson 1” located at the bottom of the page under “Course Content”.
- To proceed to the course, click the link at the bottom of the page labeled “Next.”
Let’s begin!
