Journal Article Details

Citation:
Ipsen, Catherine; Kurth, Noelle; McCormick, Sara; Hall, Jean; & Chambless, Cathy (2018). Exploring the PROMISE of transition services for youth with disabilities receiving SSI. Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, 0 1-14.
Title:
Exploring the PROMISE of transition services for youth with disabilities receiving SSI
Authors:
Ipsen, Catherine; Kurth, Noelle; McCormick, Sara; Hall, Jean; & Chambless, Cathy
Year:
2018
Journal/Publication: 
Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation
Publisher:
IOS Press
DOI:
Full text:
Peer-reviewed?
Yes
NIDILRR-funded? 
No

Structured abstract:

Background:
Transition-aged youth with disabilities lag behind same-aged peers without disabilities in education and employment outcomes, contributing to economic disparities across the lifespan.
Purpose:
To address these disparities, federal partners jointly funded the PROMISE Initiative, which includes six demonstration research projects targeting youth with disabilities receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
Data collection & analysis:
This paper reports preliminary data (n?=?1,429) from one of these projects called ASPIRE. Youth receiving SSI aged 14–16 were randomly assigned to a control or intervention condition. Intervention activities included ongoing case management and training opportunities in self-determination, financial literacy, transition planning, and benefits counseling.
Findings:
Study participant data from enrollment, 12-months, and 24-months post-enrollment showed significantly better outcomes for intervention youth compared to control youth in terms of parent encouragement about having a job (p?=?0.008), youth expectations of working (p?=?0.001), and participation in employment activities (p?=?0.009). These factors are associated with improved long-term economic outcomes.
Conclusions:
Findings suggest that providing case management and self-determination services to youth on SSI might result in improved long-term outcomes.
Disabilities served:
Multiple disabilities
Populations served:
Transition-age youth (14 - 24)
High school dropouts / functionally illiterate persons
SSI and SSDI recipients
Youth in foster care
Interventions:
Transition services
Outcomes:
Employment acquisition
Return to work
Full-time employment
Part-time employment