145: Continuous Program Evaluation of A Federal Model Demonstration Grant To Transition Individuals With Disabilities To Competitive Integrated Employment

Presentation focuses on the evaluation of the SWTCIE, a federally funded model demonstration grant, includes participant, provider and system-level interventions to transition individuals with disabilities from Subminimum Wage employment (SWE) to Competitive Integrated Employment (CIE). Interventions focus on empowering individuals with disabilities using benefits counselling, apprenticeships, customized employment, and wraparound supports. Adults in 14c certificate provider agencies and students who are transitioning from high school to employment. A logic model is used as the foundation for evaluation. The goal of evaluation is to identify which of project’s services, practices or strategies are associated with CIE. Both process and outcome evaluation to be conducted. Preliminary results from data collected will be shared. Methodologies included pre-implementation interviews, surveys, focus groups. Key approaches, methodologies and preliminary findings will be presented. Implications for evaluating projects focusing on individuals with disabilities as well as broader implications for the evaluation field will be discussed.

Frank Anderson; Joyce Brown; Alexandria Hamilton