Affiliations: [a]
University of Montana, Rural Institute for Inclusive Communities, Missoula, MT, USA
| [b]
University of Kansas, Institute for Health and Disability Policy Studies, Lawrence, KS, USA
| [c] Department of Family and Consumer Studies, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
Correspondence:
[*]
Address for correspondence: Catherine Ipsen, M.A., Ph.D., University of Montana, Rural Institute for Inclusive Communities, 52 Corbin Hall, Missoula, MT 59812, USA. Tel.: +1 406 243 4562; Fax: +1 406 243 2349; E-mail: [email protected].
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. OBJECTIVE: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). METHODS: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. RESULTS: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.
