IMPACT – Employment Research Project for Youth with Disabilities

2020 – 2023

During IMPACT, the Canadian Institute for Inclusion and Citizenship will partner with eight agencies in a structured research and innovation pilot project that will enhance employment-related planning and supports for transitioning youth (15-19 years or Grades 10-13) with developmental disabilities or autism, who are preparing to move from secondary school to post-secondary school and/or employment.

The project will test the hypothesis that intervening early with Transitioning Youth using Employment Interventions that consider each individual’s unique strengths and interests will improve future employment outcomes for Transitioning Youth.

Results will be measured both qualitatively and quantitatively through case studies and data collection. In addition, best practices for supporting transitioning youth as they transition from school to work will be established and shared with stakeholders.

The participating agencies are all members of the British Columbia Employment Network (BCEN), a consortium of local and regional service providers delivering services to youth and adults with developmental disabilities.

Partner agencies include Burnaby Association for Community Inclusion, Chilliwack Society for Community Living, Community Living Victoria, Delta Community Living Society, Inclusion Langley Society, PosAbilities, Richmond Society for Community Living and Semiahmoo House Society.

During this project, transitioning youth will have the opportunity to participate in a program designed to improve their transition planning, and other employment outcomes such as self-determination. They will also have opportunity to explore different kinds of employment and have access to additional transitioning supports.

[youtube width=”600″ height=”300″]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=52_nRZcJiwc[/youtube]

Read the Cohort 1 Report (January 2021) here. IMPACT Report Cohort 1 (January 2021)

Read the Cohort 2 Report (January 2022) here. IMPACT Cohort 2 Report January 31, 2022 FINAL

Read the Cohort 3 Report (January 2023) here. IMPACT Cohort 3 Report January 16.docx

Read the 2020 – 2023 Summative Report here. IMPACT 2020 – 2023 CIIC Summative Report January 31, 2023

Read the Final Cohort 1 Report (March 2024) here. IMPACT 2.0 COHORT 1 Report March 1, 2024 V2

Total funding for the original three-year research project was projected at just over $1.6 million and the project was made possible with financial support from the Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction.