An investigation of the outcomes achieved by individuals with intellectual disabilities and mental illnesses

Abstract

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to examine the vocational, educational, and residential outcomes achieved by adults with a Dual Diagnosis (DD) of Intellectual Disability (ID) and Mental Illness (MI).

RESULTS: Approximately, one out of five applicants to Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) who had ID met the criteria for DD in 2013. Individuals with DD were found to work fewer hours and earn less pay weekly than applicants with ID-only and MI-only. Regarding vocation, applicants with DD were less likely to be employed than applicants with ID-only, although the same was not observed in comparison to the MI-only group. Furthermore, individuals with DD were the least likely to achieve a high school diploma. Finally, results indicated that most applicants with DD resided in group homes and were the least likely of all comparison groups to live in private residences.

CONCLUSION: Individuals with DD comprise a significant portion of applicants seeking VR services, but more needs to be done to understand their prevalence, characteristics, and outcomes they achieve.