vcurrtc.org VS.

masseycancercenter.org

Youth with physical disabilities have unique challenges when entering the world of work. Many are able to perform meaningful jobs, but they remain at home or in segregated day programs without needed supports. The VCU RRTC recruited 31 young people to participate in a study on customized employment: 100% (n=31) of the participants had never been employed when they joined the project. Thirty-two percent (n=10) had graduated but were home without activities during the day; 22.6% (n=7) were in segregated day programs; 10% (n=3) were volunteering in jobs that people without disabilities would earn wages; and 6% (n=2) left school before graduating due to frustration with their school programs. Of those who graduated, 61% (n=19) had not participated in work experiences. Participants still in school (29%, n=9) were in work activities for students with disabilities other than physical disabilities (e.g. autism, cognitive disabilities) doing janitorial and food service tasks that did not reflect their interests or abilities. While this study had a small sample size, the information learned may be representative of other young adults with physical disabilities and the challenges that they face when seeking competitive integrated employment. This case study presents the path to employment for one young man when he was referred to the VCU RRTC.