The creation and implementation of an employment participation pathway model for youth with disabilities.
Laura R BowmanCarolyn McDougallDanielle D'AlessandroJeannette CampbellC J CurranPublished in: Disability and rehabilitation (2022)
The employment participation model provides evidence and examples for service providers to consider integrating into their repertoire and begin to construct similar pathways to equip their clients and families with skills, capacities, and knowledge as they journey towards workplace participation.IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATIONEmployment for individuals with disabilities is lower than the national average, with rates being even lower for young people (ages 15-25) with disabilities.Low workplace participation for individuals with disabilities is particularly troubling due to the myriad social and health benefits of engagement in employment.Programs that start early (during high school) and provide ongoing, community-integrated support are reported to be most beneficial to the eventual job attainment and retention for young job seekers with disabilities.The presented employment participation pathway model that was developed using the Knowledge to Action Framework integrates evidence and best practices to support service providers in facilitating progressive workplace participation for clients and families.