Project Description:
Project PEACE (Promoting Employment After high school through Community Expertise) will convene diverse groups in the cities of Richmond and Colonial Heights, Virginia focused on improving transition and employment outcomes for youth with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Groups will include youth with IDD, parents, businesses (specifically targeting minority owned businesses), school personnel, organizations, and disability service agency representatives During the five-year project (2021-2026), PEACE will utilize community conversations, photovoice, virtual asset mapping, and data-gathering to develop and implement a collaborative community plan for employment. Project PEACE outcomes will include evidence of an inclusive, cohesive and efficacious community planning model, increases in paid community employment, increases in school-business partnerships, increased community preparation for transition outcomes, and the identification and reduction of inefficiencies within transition processes/services. Results of process and outcome evaluations will be used to refine a model that can be implemented in any community to tap into the local wisdom, pride, and resources to make paid employment a more probable outcome for people with IDD.
Core Function(s):
Performing Research or Evaluation, Developing & Disseminating Information, Continuing Education/Community Training
Target Audience:
Professionals and Para-Professionals, Family Members/Caregivers, Adults with Disabilities, Children/Adolescents with Disabilities/SHCN
Unserved or Under-served Populations:
Racial or Ethnic Minorities, Urban
