Technology and Communication Considerations for Engaging Youth Receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Benefits: Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor Perspectives

Abstract

Technology has been shown to enhance daily activities, increase participation in individualized planning and supports, and accommodate the transition needs of students with disabilities. This study examined the benefits and challenges regarding technology use when providing transition services for youth and families receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits. Specifically, it explored the nuances of employing technology to encourage engagement in Wisconsin Promoting the Readiness of Minors in Supplemental Security Income (WI PROMISE) services and foster communication between counselors and participants. This qualitative study used a constant comparative method for analyzing data collected through two focus groups of WI PROMISE counselors. Counselors identified technology as essential to maintaining contact with WI PROMISE participants as well as extant barriers including inconsistent access to the internet, financial expense, and insufficient training and support. Recommendations for using technology to communicate with transition-aged youth and their families will be discussed.

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

“…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).…”

“…Exploring the comparative relationships between services identified in this study with other groups will also be beneficial in better understanding unique considerations experienced by low-income youth of color with and without disabilities and their families (see Anderson et al, 2021 as an example model). Developing further knowledge regarding the differences in youth employment outcomes based on disability, in relation to the combination of services received, will be instrumental in informing the development of future evidence-based practices for use in VR and workforce development system partners.…”

Needs of care partners of older Veterans with serious illness

“…Barriers to support noted by our participants included skill with technology-of interest given present COVID-19 restrictions placing greater emphasis on virtual platforms now and in the future. 20 Online service connections, software applications, and devices themselves may pose a barrier to care partners of any age 21,22 ; technology applications in health will continue to reveal access inequities across populations. 23 Additionally, our sample included those who traveled great distances for care.…”

Ethics of Technology Practice: Beliefs and Behaviors of Certified Rehabilitation Counselors During the COVID-19 Pandemic

“…Furthermore, clients believed ICT was acceptable because “counselors responded more quickly to email responses than phone messages, it was a quick way to communicate between in-person meetings,” and it provided “documentation they could refer back to for clarification” ( Ipsen et al, 2012 , p. 177). Today, new generations of transition-age youth with disabilities increasingly prefer text communication with rehabilitation counselors ( Anderson et al, 2021 ). Yet, it was not until the highly contagious COVID-19 virus that rehabilitation counselors were forced, for the first time, to interact with their clients exclusively via ICT applications.…”