Waging a Living: Career Development and Long- Term Employment Outcomes for Young Adults with Disabilities (Case Study‪)‬

Employment is one important marker of adult success in our society. In addition to providing financial security, stable employment allows individuals to be self-sufficient and contributes to an overall sense of self-esteem and personal satisfaction (Szymanski, Enright, Hershenson, & Ettinger, 2003). However, the literature suggests that the benefits accrued from securing fulfilling employment have gone largely unrealized by people with disabilities (National Organization on Disability, 2004; U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2010). Overall employment rates for individuals with disabilities continue to fall behind those without disabilities, contributing to the persistently high poverty rates for this population (Foley, Marrone, & Simon, 2002; O'Day & Foley, 2008). Limited employment opportunities and lack of financial stability are also a reality for many young adults with disabilities. Although overall employment rates have risen over time, occupational outcomes for young adults with disabilities still lag behind those without disabilities (Newman, Wagner, Cameto, & Knokey, 2009). National Longitudinal Transition Study-2 (NLTS2, 2010) data indicate that during the first 1 to 4 years after high school, 57% of youth with disabilities are employed compared to 66% of similar age youth in the general population. In addition, NLTS2 revealed several significant differences in employment outcomes based on type of disability, gender, household income, and race/ethnicity (Newman et al., 2009). Thus, many young adults with disabilities graduate from high school and enter adulthood unable to be financially self-sufficient or free from dependence on public assistance (Lustig & Strauser, 2004; Newman et al., 2009).