Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 14, 2025
A Computerized Functional Skills Assessment and Training Program Targeting Technology Based Everyday Functional Skills
Published on: February 13, 2020
Vocational training for youth with intellectual and developmental disabilities: a program evaluation of the Impact
Laura Mudde1, R Colin Reid2, Rachelle Hole3
1Canadian Institute for Inclusion and Citizenship, University of British Columbia Okanagan, Kelowna, Canada.
Purpose:
Previous research in social inclusion investigating low employment rates among individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) points to shortcomings in vocational training for transitioning youth, exiting school environments. This study presents a program evaluation of the Impact Project, a community-based and person-centered vocational training program for youth with IDD, aged 15-19 years, in British Columbia (BC), Canada to assess whether early vocational training improved employment experiences for youth with IDD.
Materials And Methods:
The study sample included 279 youth with IDD, who were part of summer programs in 2020, 2021, and 2022 at eight established community-based organizations in BC. Employment specialists at these organizations provided vocational activities and training, collecting the youth's employment experiences in pre- and post-program surveys and activity diaries. This evaluation of the Impact Project employed a formative evaluation design to answer whether the youth-centered vocational training improved employment experiences.
Results:
Participating in the Impact Project led to an increase in soft skills and unpaid and paid employment experiences for youth with IDD, aged 15-19 years.
Conclusions:
Community-based policies could benefit from person-centered approaches when providing employment-related planning for youth with IDD in preparation for transitions from school into employment environments.
Related Concept Videos
01:29Intellectual Disability
01:25Learning Disabilities
Dyslexia
Dyslexia is a...
01:30Community Based Intervention
Foundations of Community Mental Health Programs
Central to the success of community-based interventions is the...
01:30Specialized Care Centers and Settings-II
Rural health centers are specialized care facilities in remote locations with very few medical personnel. The primary care providers who run the centers are mostly Registered Nurse Practitioners. Here, emergency treatment is provided to critically ill or injured patients before they are transferred to the closest hospital. Fortunately, due to advancement in technology, many rural healthcare facilities and professionals have easy access to diagnostic and treatment...
01:19Autism Spectrum Disorder
These core symptoms manifest differently among individuals, ranging from mild to severe. The disorder's complexity extends beyond its clinical presentation, encompassing a diverse range of biological, cognitive, and sociocultural influences.
01:30Specialized Care Centers and Settings-I
Daycare centers
They provide several functions. Some facilities care for healthy newborns and children whose parents work, while others are medically focused and care for...