Research Article

Article Details

Citation:  Golden, T.; Karpur, A.; & Podolec, M. (2019). Centering communities, constellations and networks of practice to improve youth post-school outcomes through PROMISE. Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, 51 (2), 115-125.
Title:  Centering communities, constellations and networks of practice to improve youth post-school outcomes through PROMISE
Authors:  Golden, T.; Karpur, A.; & Podolec, M.
Year:  2019
Journal/Publication:  Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation
Publisher:  IOS Press
DOI:  https://doi.org/10.3233/JVR-191031
Full text:  https://content.iospress.com/articles/journal-of-vocational-rehabil...   
Peer-reviewed?  Yes
NIDILRR-funded?  Yes

Structured abstract:

Background:  Communities of practice continue to gain in popularity across industry sectors as a method for improving organizational performance and a multi-faceted typology has emerged over time. However, the extant literature has little to say regarding how multiple communities, constellations and networks of practice can form around a central problem in an attempt to address a broad systemic issue.
Purpose:  This article explores the contemporary challenges and limitations of the community of practice model and describes the approach one state took in employing a multi-faceted ‘Center of Practice’ to address the poor post-school outcomes of youth with disabilities who receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
Conclusions:  The NYS PROMISE Center of Practice is described, as are perspectives on essential core elements, and propositions for consideration when implementing large systems level Centers of Practice to address challenges and limitations described in the literature with communities of practice. Lessons learned and implications for future research end this article.

Disabilities served:  Multiple disabilities
Populations served:  Rural and remote communities
Transition-age youth (14 - 24)
Adjudicated adults and youth
Consumers receiving federal financial assistance through TANF
Culturally diverse populations (e.g., African Americans, Native Americans, and non-English speaking populations)
High school dropouts / functionally illiterate persons
Persons with multiple disabilities (e.g., deaf-blindness, HIV/AIDS, substance abuse)
SSI and SSDI recipients
Sub-minimum wage employees
Youth in foster care
Interventions:  On-the-job training and support
Online training
Training and technical assistance
Vocational rehabilitation
Transition services
Outcomes:  Employment acquisition
Full-time employment