| Citation: |
Sung, C.; Fisher, M.H.; Okyere, C.; Park, J.; & Choi, H. (2023). Employment outcomes and support needs of Michigan Project SEARCH graduates with intellectual and developmental disabilities: A mixed-method study.
Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, 59
(3),
233-249.
|
| Title: |
Employment outcomes and support needs of Michigan Project SEARCH graduates with intellectual and developmental disabilities: A mixed-method study |
| Authors: |
Sung, C.; Fisher, M.H.; Okyere, C.; Park, J.; & Choi, H. |
| Year: |
2023 |
|
Journal/Publication:
|
Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation |
| Publisher: |
IOS Press |
| DOI: |
https://doi.org/DOI: 10.3233/JVR-230042
|
| Full text: |
https://content.iospress.com/articles/journal-of-vocational-rehabil...
|
PDF
|
| Peer-reviewed? |
Yes
|
| NIDILRR-funded? |
No
|
| Background: |
Project SEARCH is a one-year school-to-work transition program that prepares students with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) for competitive employment. |
|
Purpose:
|
The current study used a mixed-method explanatory design to examine Project SEARCH graduates’ overall experience of transitioning from Project SEARCH to employment, their long-term employment outcomes, and their support needs during and after the program. |
|
Data collection and analysis:
|
Parents of 31 Project SEARCH graduates completed an online survey regarding the graduates’ outcomes and 9 parents agreed to participate in a follow-up interview. |
|
Findings:
|
Respondents reported positive employment outcomes for 24 of the Project SEARCH graduates (77.4% employed after Project SEARCH), primarily in the customer service industry. |
|
Conclusions:
|
The graduates were satisfied with their employment but also experienced difficulties and a need for additional employment preparation and support after Project SEARCH. |