Promoting change in employment supports: Impacts of a community-based change model

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

There is a need for models of employment systems change to promote integrated, community-based employment outcomes in rural communities.

OBJECTIVE:

This study describes the development and preliminary outcomes of implementation of a model of employment systems change in three rural sites in a Midwest state.

METHODS:

The model combined training in research-based personal supports (i.e. Customized Employment and the Discovery process, and the Self-Determined Career Development Model [SDCDM]) with capacity building efforts designed to address environmental needs faced by support provider organizations and the community (i.e., training and ongoing support on implementing Customized Employment and the SDCDM, creation and utilization of amalgamated funding strategies, creation of an Active Employer Council, use of social networks to build employment opportunities).

RESULTS:

Across three implementation sites, 88 providers and community members were trained in the model that included research-based personal supports, which were implemented with people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

CONCLUSION:

Implications for research and practice to promote employment systems change is described.