Demographic and Transition Service Predictors of Employment Outcomes for Youth Receiving Supplemental Security Income

Abstract

Racially and ethnically diverse youth with disabilities receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits were randomly assigned to usual services, including available school and vocational rehabilitation (VR) transition services, or enhanced case management and transition services through the Wisconsin Promoting Readiness of Minors in SSI (PROMISE) federal demonstration grant. A hierarchical logistic regression analysis demonstrated increased age, being African American, having a psychiatric disability, and transition services predicted higher youth employment rates. However, enhanced PROMISE transition services were no longer significant in the presence of VR services, suggesting the effect of enhanced services was mediated by increasing engagement in VR. Limitations and implications are discussed regarding the relationship between school and state VR transition services and postsecondary competitive integrated employment outcomes.

The Influence of Demographics and Workforce Innovation Opportunity Act (WIOA) Employment and Training Services on Employment Outcomes for Teenagers Receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Their Parents

“…In contrast, wage differences did not vary significantly by race/ethnicity for either youth or parents. Similar differences were found in prior Wisconsin studies suggesting that intentionally targeting and coordinating employmentfocused services via cross-program referrals to diverse groups, including traditionally underserved and/or marginalized populations, yields a positive return on investment (Hartman et al, 2021;Lewis, 2019). And, purposefully conducting targeted outreach to youth and families receiving SSI benefits serves as a cost-effective mechanism for engaging underserved populations (Anderson et al, 2019;Crane et al, 2019;Enayati & Shaw, 2019).…”

“…Previous research and the findings of this study demonstrate comprehensive, employment-focused case management for youth with disabilities that combines VR and WIOA Title I and III services to ensure early engagement in paid work experiences and individualized career development, including career pathways and apprenticeship options, significantly increases the likelihood that youth with disabilities will obtain CIE and have higher quarterly earn-ings (Anderson et al, 2021;Cocks et al, 2015;Hartman et al, 2021;Mazzotti et al, 2021;Wehman et al, 2017). Therefore, it is recommended that VR seek to increase the number of applications for VR services from students with disabilities receiving Pre-Employment Transition Services to ensure access to individualized career planning and development.…”

“…PROMISE youth case management and family supports aided youth with disabilities and their families in navigating systems to increase engagement in paid work experiences, career development, and employment. The Wisconsin PROMISE model demonstrated that intentionally connecting youth receiving SSI benefits with the public VR program using targeted outreach strategies resulted in increased employment for these youth (Anderson et al, 2021;Hartman et al, 2021). Furthermore, an external longitudinal evaluation of the Wisconsin PROMISE model confirmed the importance of early employment experiences with wraparound supports have a positive impact on youth employment five years following the initial receipt of services (Patnaik et al, 2022).…”

“…Previous research on PROMISE examining relationships between demographics, PROMISE, DVR, and school services found that PROMISE was associated with higher employment outcomes, which may be explained by connecting more youth to VR services (Hartman et al, 2021). Previous research focused on the employment rates of youth, while this study looked not only at employment rates but also wage increases.…”

Connecting Youth Receiving SSI to Transition Services: The Role and Perspective of Family Advocates

“…Therefore, the need for trauma-informed approaches to employment and transition services for youth and families receiving SSI may be even greater moving forward. Given the demonstrated efficacy of family advocates in Wisconsin (Hartman et al, 2019(Hartman et al, , 2021, coupled with valuable perspectives from individuals having served in the role, the integration of similar peer-based positions to help low-income youth with disabilities and their families navigate the transition and employment process is recommended. Testing this model in additional states collaboratively across systems including VR, education, health and human services, and community service providers offers a sound opportunity to better serve this population, enhance engagement and success in disability employment programs, and meaningfully change the future career and life trajectory for youth with disabilities.…”