My purpose in this study was to examine the roles principals play in supporting beginning teachers (BTs) in their first 3 years in the classroom in urban characteristic school districts. Previous research has found that many new teachers leave the profession within their first 3-5 years. Many BTs find that the job demands are too burdensome, that…

The purpose of the quantitative, correlational research study was to develop an understanding of the relationship between employee engagement, perceived organizational support, and turnover intention in elementary school teachers in the Northeastern region of the United States. Survey data were collected in the form of elementary teachers'…

In the school to work transition process, school personnel collaborate with community employment and vocational rehabilitation to establish an employment plan for Individual(s) with Disabilities (IWDs). Development of the Individualized Education Transition Plan (IETP) is often haphazard and not evaluated for effectiveness, resulting in poor…

Individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) experience difficulty with transitioning to competitive integrated employment following high school. Addressing this disparity in transitioning to competitive integrated employment can be supported through a high school transition program with community-based work experiences for…

This study investigated the effects of a method to support higher levels of independent performance and generalization of skills using a structured work system with a visual schedule when teaching online task completion skills to high school students with ASD and intellectual disabilities. Students with ASD and intellectual disabilities are…

The goal of the Supported Brewing Initiative is to advocate for OT's role in work and supported employment by providing meaningful, occupation-based, and client-centered programs designed around unique and non-traditional environments. With a growing number of young adults and veterans entering college with TBI and planning to enter the workforce…

This dissertation consists of four individual, but related chapters. Chapter 1 provides an introduction to competitive employment for people with disabilities who have individualized support needs and the Family Employment Awareness Training ("FEAT"). This chapter also provides a general overview of the other chapters in this…

Background: Current information technology offers the promise of innovative approaches to engagement for mental health. Specific psychosocial services may also benefit from technology-based engagement interventions. Individual Placement and Support (IPS) is an evidence-based service that helps people who have a severe mental illness to gain…

Hispanic women who are deaf constitute a heterogeneous group of individuals with varying vocational needs. To understand the unique needs of this population, it is important to analyze how consumer characteristics, presence of public supports, and type of services provided influence employment outcomes for Hispanic women who are deaf. The purpose…

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act of 2004 requires school systems to plan systematically for the transition from school to post-secondary education and/or employment and include measurable post-school goals in students' IEPs. Schools are required to coordinate activities, such as work experiences, to assist students in meeting their…

In schools that serve students with varying disabilities, community-based education has become an important element in preparing students for competitive and supported employment. Because of the constant change in demographics and the overall competitiveness of the job market, it is essential that schools are prepared to find ways of infusing…

Youth with disabilities face significant barriers in achieving positive post-high school outcomes, particularly when transitioning out of high school and entering the workforce, a problem that has been documented and studied by many researchers. The impact of previous work experience has long been viewed as related to positive outcomes when youth…

A large majority of adults with intellectual disabilities are unemployed. Unemployment of adults with intellectual disabilities is a complex multidimensional issue. Some barriers to employment of individuals with intellectual disabilities are the lack of job experience and skills training. In recent years, video-based interventions, such as video…