Impact Youth Employment

During IMPACT, CIIC is partnering with 10 agencies in a structured research and innovation pilot project that enhances 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.
Results are being 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.
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.
The project is testing 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.