Research Brief: Effects of Paid Work Experiences on Post-School Employment Outcomes of Students with Severe Disabilities (VCU-RRTC-Transition) 2023

Description:

The preliminary findings of this study have two main implications for practitioners assisting students with severe  disabilities to connect with employment while in high school. First, although the involvement of parents and  special educators is crucial, students need additional supports. In this study, the students that were successful in  obtaining employment in high school had support from at least one or some combination of Pre-ETS providers,  VR counselors, additional family members, or other outside agencies (e.g., community rehabilitation centers,  Employment and Community First Choices). In particular, the students in this study required job coaches,  making those early connections to supports imperative. Second, one of the goals of the employment planning  meeting and employment exit meeting is to ensure the supports students need are in place to help them  achieve their goals. If students do not already have these supports available or are not already receiving  services, it is proving challenging in the beginning of the year to ensure these are in place for employment  immediately. It may be important to start this process prior to the final year of high school, ensuring student  supports are already in place as they enter their final year of school.