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State

Massachusetts

National Resource

Yes

Topics

Independent Living & Support Services

Keywords

developmental disabilities, employment outcomes, intellectual disabilities, rehabilitation research, employment, university, RRTC

Description

The goal of this RRTC at the University of Massachusetts is to address the elements needed to bring integrated employment to scale for all adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD). 

Services Provided

Research suggests that bringing individual and local successes in employment to scale requires an integrated approach that engages all stakeholders in addressing: individual and family expectations and knowledge; employment consultants’ ability to provide high quality individual employment services and supports; community rehabilitation providers’ effectiveness to rebalance resources and transform their organizations to a focus on integrated employment; and states’ effectiveness at implementing policies and practices that establish employment as the first priority across all service systems including vocational rehabilitation, education, and I/DD. The Center: (1) develops and tests a comprehensive information, outreach, and support framework for individuals and families; (2) assesses a cost-effective strategy for improving the implementation of employment support practices by integrating online training, data-based performance feedback, and facilitated peer supports; (3) develops and tests an evidence-based intervention to support organizational transformation and rebalancing across networks of community rehabilitation providers; and (4) analyzes state employment systems policies and practices and their relationship to individual outcomes at a multi-agency level and defines policies and practices of high-performing state employment systems. This project includes a cross-stakeholder network of advisors and seven organizational dissemination partners to extend the effectiveness and utilization of project findings and resources. Project partners include The Arc of the United States, the University of Minnesota, the National Association of State Directors of Developmental Disabilities Services, SABE, and APSE. Participation of a cross-stakeholder network of advisors and eight organizational dissemination partners extend the effectiveness and use of project findings and resources.

Contact Information

Rehabilitation Research and Training Center on Advancing Employment for Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
100 Morrissey Boulevard
Boston, MA 02125
617-287-4352 (FAX)
617-287-4350 (TTY)