Pushing the Integrated Employment Agenda: Employment Systems Partners and the High-Performing States Model

Area of Science:

• Disability Studies
• Public Health Policy
• Vocational Rehabilitation

Background:

• Integrated employment is a key outcome for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).
• Effective collaboration between IDD, vocational rehabilitation, and education systems is essential for success.
• State-level strategies significantly impact employment outcomes for people with IDD.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify and summarize features contributing to effective collaborative structures supporting integrated employment for individuals with IDD.
• To analyze the successes in Iowa, Maryland, and Oklahoma in achieving integrated employment outcomes.
• To present these features using the seven elements of the High-Performing States Employment Model.

Main Methods:

• Data collection from key informants in Iowa, Maryland, and Oklahoma.
• Qualitative analysis of collaborative efforts and successful employment strategies.
• Application of the High-Performing States Employment Model framework.

Main Results:

• Identification of specific features that enhance collaboration between state systems (IDD, vocational rehabilitation, education).
• Highlighting successful strategies leading to increased integrated employment for individuals with IDD.
• Demonstration of the applicability of the High-Performing States Employment Model in diverse state contexts.

Conclusions:

• The seven elements of the High-Performing States Employment Model are critical for achieving competitive integrated employment outcomes.
• Effective inter-agency collaboration is a cornerstone for improving employment for individuals with IDD.
• Successful state-level initiatives offer transferable lessons for enhancing integrated employment nationwide.