Field Initiated Development 2020-2022

2021

Bridging the gap between evidence-based employment supports and what is implemented by employment specialists is necessary for ensuring job seekers with disabilities receive high quality employment services and achieve jobs that support career growth and self-sufficiency. The goal of this project is to build ES-Coach, a performance coaching application that supports employment specialists to implement established standards of practice leading to improved employment outcomes of job seekers with disabilities. The objectives are to (1) develop a complete ES-Coach application that supports employment specialists to reflect on their work, set goals, and engage in continuous quality improvement; (2) implement beta testing with 60 employment specialists; and (3) develop a technology transfer plan. Anticipated outcomes include employment specialists and their teams (1) incorporate ES-Coach in their management practices; (2) set goals to improve support practices; and (3) engage in continuous learning. The long-term outcome is improved employment outcomes for job seekers with disabilities and reduced time to hire. The expected products are the ES-Coach application, a searchable library of micro-learning resources, a Technology Transfer Plan, journal articles, and conference presentations. This proposal addresses the employment domain described in NIDILRRs Long-Range Plan and is carried out to achieve the stage of Proof of Product by building on the Proof of Concept established in our prior research. The project is carried out by the Institute for Community Inclusion at the University of Massachusetts Boston in partnership with the Institute on Community Integration at the University of Minnesota.

Developing & Disseminating Information

Employment-Related Activities

Professionals and Para-Professionals, Family Members/Caregivers, Adults with Disabilities, General Public

Racial or Ethnic Minorities, Disadvantaged Circumstances, Geographic Areas, Rural/Remote

National

N/A