Participant characteristics and support services that influence successful employment outcomes of social security beneficiaries with traumatic brain injury

Despite numerous political, social, and technical advances that have occurred to ease the entry of individuals with disabilities into the workforce, unemployment and underemployment of individuals with disabilities continues to remain high. The high unemployment rate not only presents problems to the individuals themselves, but also presents a significant burden on society and the economy. The State Partnership systems change Initiative (SPI) was established to alleviate the barriers and disincentives to employment for Social Security beneficiaries. The purpose of SPI is to support 18 participating states in the development of innovative, effective service delivery systems in order to enhance employment of Social Security beneficiaries and or those receiving other public assistance.;The purpose of the study was to identify participant characteristics and support services that influence successful employment outcomes for Social Security beneficiaries with traumatic brain injury (TBI) enrolled in SPI demonstration projects. In addition, participant characteristics, support services used, and employment outcomes were compared between: (1) participants with TBI and those with other disabilities; and participants with TBI who became employed and those with TBI who did not become employed as a result of being enrolled in SPI.;The study revealed several general findings: (1) few state projects incorporated individuals with TBI; (2) participants with TBI received the same support services as those with other disabilities; (3) a sizable number of participants with TBI who were not employed at intake were able to become employed and a sizable number of participants with TBI who were in jeopardy of losing their jobs were able to maintain their jobs; (4) participants who became employed received more hours of support services compared to those who did not become employed; (5) participation in the SPI demonstration projects did not lead to increased employment outcomes for both participants with TBI and those with other disabilities in the course of their enrollment; and (6) experience and support needs differ for Supplementary Security Income and Social Security Disability Insurance beneficiaries with TBI.