A one year follow-up of urban young adults with mental retardation in supported employment

A Systems Analysis of the Case Coordinator Model and an Outcomes Analysis in Supported Employment

This study examined a state-operated mental retardation service delivery system and conducted a systems analysis of the case coordinator referral system to determine the characteristics of individuals who were likely to be referred to supported employment. It also performed an outcomes analysis of the system's supported employment program to determine who was likely to be successful in the program. This examination was conducted by building prediction models using existing case file information. This study provided some evidence that empirically derived prediction models (i.e., logistic and multiple regression) can be a functional evaluation tool for supported employment managers, administrators, and rehabilitation counselors.

A multi-dimensional approach to the transition of children with developmental disabilities into young adulthood: The acquisition of adult social roles

PURPOSE

To test the hypothesis that the difficulties young adults with developmental disabilities have in obtaining adult social roles are not inevitable consequences of their childhood impairment. We used the conceptual framework of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health to test this hypothesis.

METHOD

We used a structured questionnaire to obtain information on the consequences of childhood impairment in young adulthood and to examine the relationship between impairment and acquisition of adult social roles. The sample (n = 635) came from the Metropolitan Atlanta Developmental Disabilities Follow-up Study of Young Adults, a population-based cohort of young adults aged 21 - 25 years identified at age 10 with childhood impairment.

RESULTS

The results suggest that: (i) attaining adult social roles varies by impairment type and severity, (ii) experiencing activity limitations partially mediate the relationship between impairment and adult social roles, and (iii) attending postsecondary education increases the likelihood of attaining markers of adulthood.

CONCLUSIONS

Intervention to reduce activity limitations and to develop strategies to increase attendance in postsecondary education may increase the likelihood for the acquisition of adult social roles among young adults with childhood impairment.

Differences in job placements between men and women with mental retardation

Thirty-three men and women with mental retardation living in the New York metropolitan area (USA), who entered a supported employment programme were followed during their first 9 months in competitive employment. Differences in placement outcomes were consistently associated with gender differences. The implications of these findings are discussed in terms of providing employment services to men and women with mental retardation and developmental disabilities.