Affiliations: Social Security Administration, Office of Retirement and Disability Policy, Office of Research, Demonstration, and Employment Support, Baltimore, MD, USA | Marriott Foundation for People with Disabilities, Washington, DC, USA
Note: [] Address for correspondence: Jeffrey Hemmeter, 3-A-24-A Robert M. Ball Building, 6401 Security Blvd., Baltimore, MD 21235, USA. Tel.: +1 410 597 1815; Fax: +1 410 597 0825; E-mail: jeffrey.hemmeter@ssa.gov
Abstract: BACKGROUND: The Bridges from School to Work (Bridges) program provides job placement and supports for youth with disabilities. Operating in nine sites across the country, over 18,000 youth have received job placement services through Bridges. OBJECTIVE: The paper presents long-term outcomes of youth who participate in the study to determine if previously documented short-term outcomes continue into adulthood. METHODS: We examine the earnings of Bridges participants up to age 30. We present longitudinal statistics on the earnings and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (DI) program participation of youth placed by Bridges into a job. A comparison with similarly aged youths receiving SSI who did not participate in Bridges is also made. RESULTS: At age 30, almost three quarters of youth placed by Bridges have earnings. We also find that SSI participation declines through age 30 and DI participation increases. Among placed youth who received SSI at the time of Bridges enrollment, half have earnings at age 30 and less than half received SSI payments; however, over one quarter receive DI benefits. CONCLUSIONS: Bridges participation potentially helps create a higher earnings capacity for participants; however, more research is necessary to establish a causal effect.
