The purpose of the Rehabilitation Research and Training Center (RRTC) on Employment of Persons with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) is to help reduce the continuing high levels of unemployment among people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. To accomplish this, we have engaged a team of researchers with the knowledge and expertise to offer a series of studies. The leadership team includes:
- Dr. Paul Wehman and Jaclyn Camden, M.Ed.: Virginia Commonwealth University
- Dr. Ben Schwartzman: Vanderbilt University
- Dr. Karrie Shogren: University of Kansas
- Dr. Timothy Tansey and Dr. Fong Chan: University of Wisconsin-Madison
The cornerstone of this RRTC is a series of five studies examining the critical variables that can potentially improve competitive integrated employment (CIE) outcomes for individuals with IDD.
Studies
Research Study #1(Led by Vanderbilt University and University of Kansas): The Effects of Parent and Peer Mentoring on the Employment and Community Engagement Outcomes of Adults with IDD: An Intervention Efficacy, Scale-Up Study
Research Study #2(Led by Virginia Commonwealth University): The Impact of CIE on the Lives of People with IDD: A Mixed-Methods Intervention Development Study Across Multiple Businesses.
Research Study #3(Led by University of Wisconsin-Madison): Inspiring and Preparing Disempowered Youth with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities to Pursue Technology Training and Careers: Scaling up the TECH-Prep Intervention.
Research Study #4(Led by Virginia Commonwealth University): Evaluating the Effects of the Career Network Intervention on Career Development Activities and CIE Outcomes of Students with IDD: An Intervention Development Study
Research Study #5(Led by Virginia Commonwealth University): Development of a Fidelity Scale of Supported Employment Services for Individuals with IDD: An Intervention Development Study