Selective placement is a legal way to hire people with intellectual disabilities. However, it is a recent practice and is subject to many contradictions. This article discusses the selective placement of people with intellectual disabilities in the labor market and it presents a critical analysis of this type of inclusion. It is based on a qualitative study of people with such disabilities, their families and employers in six cities in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. The survey results indicate that the process of selective placement occurs in three different ways: (1) small-scale production carried out in educational institution (2) productive activity of the contractor performed in the educational institution, and (3) productive activity performed on the contractor's premises. All three waysare considered valid, not only for contributing to the preparation of the individual for the labor market, but also for their social and economic benefits. The article discusses the practical, legal and theoretical concepts related to selective placement, indicating the need to continue this debate.