A comprehensive review of evidence-based employment practices for youth and adults with intellectual and other developmental disabilities: final report

Australia has a long history of recognizing the importance of open employment (OE) for individuals with an intellectual disability (ID) (including people with an intellectual disability and co-occurring autism). Beginning with demonstration projects in the 1980s, and continuing through the current Disability Employment Services (DES) program for adults with disabilities, the nation has committed to providing high quality, effective services to individuals with ID to enable them to achieve their employment and self-sufficiency goals. The success of these programs over time has raised expectations regarding the capabilities and competence of persons with significant disabilities and has led to a paradigm shift with OE now the preferred outcome for individuals with ID. The current DES program focuses on the use of employment placement and retention measures to determine the effectiveness and efficiency of employment services and supports provided to individuals with ID. People with intellectual disability, advocates and family members have questioned whether the program has served a sufficient number of beneficiaries, identified an adequate supply of provider organizations capable of meeting the unique needs of persons with intellectual abilities, and ensured that provider agencies are using state of the art, evidence-based practices to provide high quality services to individuals and employers.

To aid in future policy and program development, researchers conducted a comprehensive review of international research on employment programs and practices that purport to promote successful employment outcomes for individuals with ID. They examined the scientific validity and strength of evidence for research-based practices that support the employment of people with ID through a scoping review of internationally-published research articles and grey literature, as well as a parallel targeted review of Australian research and practice in this area.

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