Evidence-Based Interventions for Increasing Work Participation for Persons With Various Disabilities.

Area of Science:

• Rehabilitation research
• Disability studies
• Employment interventions

Background:

• Title I of the Americans With Disabilities Act aims to prevent employment discrimination.
• Despite legislation, employment rates for individuals with disabilities remain low at 34%.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review evidence-based interventions for increasing employment in people with various disabilities.
• To identify effective strategies suitable for occupational therapy.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review of 46 articles meeting inclusion criteria for evidence-based interventions.
• Analysis focused on interventions targeting individuals with mental health, intellectual, neurological/cognitive, and autism spectrum disorder disabilities.

Main Results:

• Strong evidence supports ongoing support and work-related social skills training for individuals with mental health disabilities.
• Moderate evidence supports simulation, assistive technology (e.g., cueing apps), and peer support for individuals with intellectual disabilities, neurological/cognitive disabilities, and autism spectrum disorder.
• Many identified strategies align with occupational therapy practices.

Conclusions:

• Ongoing support and social skills training are highly effective for employment in individuals with mental health disabilities.
• Assistive technology and peer support show promise for improving work participation across diverse disability groups.
• Further research with rigorous long-term evaluations is recommended.