Developmental/Intellectual Disabilities

Is Project SEARCH an effective model for increasing employment among students with significant disabilities? This brief considers this work immersion model designed to help students with significant disabilities transition from school to work. Findings suggest that the model presents a promising approach but the author recommends a thorough evaluation and cost-benefit study to determine whether the outcomes are sufficient to justify the program’s high cost.

What can be done today to support people with intellectual and developmental disabilities who are aging? That’s the focus of this issue of Impact, which contains articles that give a variety of responses to this question. From self-advocates and their families you hear of the importance of having opportunities to be active participants in their communities. Researchers and practitioners speak to policy and service issues that address the physical, social, emotional, and spiritual dimensions.

How can organizations evaluate their youth oriented programs? One way California is doing this is through surveys given to attendees of the Youth Organizing Disabled and Proud Seminar. Attached are sample letters, surveys and permission forms needed to survey attendees. See also, "Disability History Campaign-Presentation and Resources" for more information about the seminar and "Disability History Week-Activities" for sample training activities.

How is California empowering their youth with disabilities? One way is through the Youth Organizing Disabled and Proud Seminar which connects youth with disabilities to each other, organizations, resources and opportunities. The attached activities and their corresponding samples are from the Seminar. Review "Disability History Campaign-Presentation and Resources" and "Disability History Week-Surveys" for more information and surveys and permission samples from this seminar.

Examine the results of health assessments of 584 people receiving services from the PA Office of Mental Retardation. The information represents a portion of the data obtained through the Health Risk Assessment process, which began as an initiative to gather health care information on people who had moved, or were in the process of moving, from state operated facilities to community settings. A number of recommendations for improvement are discussed.

Increasing integrated employment opportunities and outcomes for individuals with disabilities in Wisconsin’s managed long-term care system is the topic of this grantee presentation. It discusses two major systems change initiatives, i.e., the statewide expansion of the “Family Care” managed long-term care program and the “Pathways to Independence” Medicaid Infrastructure Grant initiative.

It’s not just a matter of semantics or being “politically correct”. The language we use reflects how we feel about disability. The words you use can create either a positive view of people with disabilities or it can reinforce common myths. In this training document developed as part of Florida’s MIG grant program, communicating with people with disabilities is discussed in-depth and could be applicable to employers and service providers alike.

Looking for an example of a business model that incorporates the recruitment, employment and training of those with disabilities? First Course is an intensive culinary training program in Keene, New Hampshire. Their curriculum is designed to provide individuals with a solid foundation in the food service and hospitality industry. A link to their website, a list of food service jobs and tasks, along with the Professional Development Plan and Student Performance Log forms, are provided here.

What is the Montana MIG grant doing to employ Native Americans with disabilities? Here, two examples are provided in Montana's Native American Conference Brochure and American Indians with Disabilities Survey of Barriers to Employment. These could serve as examples to other states, also looking to reach specific populations.

The Governor's Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities in Vermont is working towards "Promoting the employment of Vermont citizens of all abilities". Here you will find an archive of the committees' newsletter "Abilities," which focuses on programs and resources on a number of topics having to do with the employment of people with disabilities.