Employment supports in early work experiences for transition-age youth with disabilities who receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

摘要

BACKGROUND: One of the goals of PROMISE is to improve employment outcomes resulting in life-span reductions in youth reliance on SSI. Initial and prior employment is associated with long-term career trajectories for youth with disabilities. More research is needed to develop evidence-based practices that improve early employment outcomes for youth with disabilities receiving SSI benefits. OBJECTIVE: We seek to provide information about the demographic and intervention factors associated with the successful completion of 200-hour, interest-based summer work experiences. METHODS: Outcome data for 126 youth who participated in interest-based summer work experiences were collected. Regression analyses were conducted to explore associations between the number of hours worked and various discrete intervention variables. RESULTS: Interest-based job placement, case management, and job readiness training were significant predictors of success in the summer work experience. CONCLUSION: Particular aspects of service delivery, such as job readiness training, interest-based job placement, and personalized introductions to local workforce centers by case managers can significantly improve employment outcomes for youth with disabilities. State and federal agencies tasked with improving employment outcome for youth SSI recipients are provided substantiated justification to allocate resources that align with this evidence.