Abstract
The Plan for Achieving Self-Support (PASS) is an empowering tool that complements the transition planning process required by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. This article examined utilization of the PASS work incentive, which is available for persons receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI). For persons with disabilities who are eligible, the SSI program offers cash assistance, health insurance, and various work incentives such as the PASS. In this article, Social Security Administration program data was used to analyze demographic factors, disability status, occupational goals, PASS preparers, and requested items and services for 103 newly approved PASSes. These findings demonstrate that few transition-age students used PASSes, and the total number of PASSes has reduced substantially in light of recent administrative changes. The findings also demonstrate that persons with mental illness are more likely to use PASSes, education and transportation are the most frequently requested services, and PASSes are prepared most often by SSI participants themselves. Implications of these results for the school-to-work transition of adolescents with disabilities are discussed.
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