(a) The West Virginia Legislature acknowledges that persons with severe disabilities can be productive, contributing members of the community, and that supported employment is a way of accomplishing the goal of employment for many persons with severe disabilities.
(b) If persons with disabilities are afforded opportunities to work in socially valued jobs with dignity, opportunities for advancement, and fair pay and compensation, then West Virginians with disabilities will lead more independent and productive lives, pay taxes, and decrease their need for public assistance. Studies have shown that supported employment is cost effective, and it is in the interest of the Legislature and the citizens of West Virginia to experiment within limited resources, through a model program of supported employment for persons with severe disabilities.