Can Community-Based High School Transition Programs Improve the Cost-Efficiency of Supported Employment?

Abstract

This study investigates the potential impact that community-based, high school transition programs have on the cost-efficiency of individuals with disabilities when they become adults. Outcomes achieved by 246 supported employees were compared. Results indicated that supported employees who participated in community-based transition programs in high school were more cost-efficient from the taxpayers’ perspective than were individuals who received only in-school transition services or received no transition services at all. Supported employees who received community-based transition services also kept their jobs in the community significantly longer than did individuals from the comparison groups.