Research Study #3: Toward Culturally Responsive Support and Integrated Services: Steps to an Intervention Model for Indigenous Youth
Available formats: PDF
The RRTC on Employment Among Transition-Age Youth with Disabilities is conducting six studies to develop effective practices to improve employment outcomes for transition-aged youth. This plain language research brief provides an update on Research Study 3.
Overview
This study focuses on the transition needs and experiences of Native youth with disabilities as they journey from high school to adulthood. Conducted in partnership with Tribal communities, the study will explore current transition practices, successes, challenges, and outcomes. The information gathered will contribute to a transition framework that will guide implementation activities with Native youth in eight participating schools across four states. The expected result is the development of an Indigenous approach to transition that can be customized for each Tribal culture and community.
Study Update
Initial project activities have emphasized relationship building with Tribal communities in four states. Leadership by local Tribal liaisons, who have knowledge, experience, and established trust, has been a critical element of the project.
Ten focus groups have been conducted with participants from schools and community provider organizations, with two pending completions. Preliminary data have been summarized to identify common themes emerging from the sessions. These findings are being shared with focus group participants to ensure they accurately reflect what was discussed and to obtain any additional feedback. The Service Professional Survey (Birdsell, 2014) has been reviewed, and items have been adapted or added based upon relevant literature and input from Tribal team members. This instrument is being finalized for online dissemination to a variety of audiences in the four states by flyers, social media, and listservs.
A Native American Flourishing Index is being adapted from the Flourishing Index (VanderWeele, 2017) to incorporate cultural factors related to well-being for Native youth and young adults with disabilities.
Next Steps
The remainder of year two will involve completion of Phase I exploration and discovery activities. These include focus group and survey data collection, analyses, and a summary of findings. The information gathered will inform modification of the Culturally Responsive Support and Integrated Services (CRSIS) framework and strategies for implementation. Site liaisons and participating schools will plan and coordinate year three implementation activities at the start of the school year. The adapted Flourishing Index will be finalized for use as a measure with the implementation of the CRSIS services and supports. Year three will begin Phase II of the project, focused on intervention development.
Learn More
To learn more about this study or the other studies conducted under VCU’s RRTC on Employment of Transition-Age Youth with Disabilities, visit transition.vcurrtc.org.
References
Birdsell, N. N. (2014). Interagency collaboration in Native American community: An exploratory study [Unpublished master’s thesis]. University of Kansas.
VanderWeele, T. J. (2017). On the promotion of human flourishing. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, 114(31), 8148–8156. doi:10.1073/pnas.1702996114.
The contents of this website were developed under a grant from the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR grant number #90RTEM0014). NIDILRR is a Center within the Administration for Community Living (ACL), Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The contents of this website do not necessarily represent the policy of NIDILRR, ACL, HHS, and you should not assume endorsement by the Federal Government.