Employment outcomes and support needs of Michigan Project SEARCH graduates with intellectual and developmental disabilities: A mixed-method study

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Project SEARCH is a one-year school-to-work transition program that prepares students with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) for competitive employment. OBJECTIVE: The current study used a mixed-method explanatory design to examine Project SEARCH graduates’ overall experience of transitioning from Project SEARCH to employment, their long-term employment outcomes, and their support needs during and after the program. METHOD: Parents of 31 Project SEARCH graduates completed an online survey regarding the graduates’ outcomes and 9 parents agreed to participate in a follow-up interview. RESULTS: Respondents reported positive employment outcomes for 24 of the Project SEARCH graduates (77.4% employed after Project SEARCH), primarily in the customer service industry. CONCLUSION: The graduates were satisfied with their employment but also experienced difficulties and a need for additional employment preparation and support after Project SEARCH.