Assessing the Impact of Community Rehabilitation Provider (CRP) Characteristics and Service Delivery Models on Employment - The University of Massachusetts Boston's Institute for Community Inclusion (ICI), in partnership with the American Network of Community Options and Resources (ANCOR), proposes the three year project Assessing the Impact of Community Rehabilitation Provider (CRP) Characteristics and Service Delivery Models on Employment. This research will examine how CRP characteristics and service delivery models impact competitive integrated employment (CIE) outcomes for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Goals are: 1) identify key CRP level factors that improve CIE outcomes, and 2) explore the relationships between CRP characteristics, service delivery practices, and state level factors. Objectives are: 1) describe current CRP practices in delivering employment and nonwork services, including service models, workforce capacity, technology use, and strategies for adapting to changes, by conducting a national survey; 2) examine the relationships between provider characteristics, state level factors, and employment outcomes through Hierarchical Linear Modeling; 3) study six CRPs demonstrating effective, evidence based CIE service delivery through case study method; and 4) develop actionable recommendations for CRPs and policymakers through an Expert Panel Review. Outcomes include: 1) improved understanding of how CRP characteristics and state level factors influence CIE outcomes; 2) identification of best practices for transforming employment service delivery; and 3) a set of practical recommendations to enhance service delivery for people with IDD. Products include: a comprehensive research report, plain language summaries, guidance documents, four journal articles, six provider case studies, six research briefs, one policy brief, a collaborative webinar, two national conference presentations, and a national CRP dataset. An Advisory Board, including people with IDD, will guide program implementation, ensuring the project meets its goals.
