Transition Program from School to Employment in Youths with Intellectual Disability: Evaluation of the Irish Pilot Study E-IDEAS

Aim: The purpose of this pilot was to evaluate the effectiveness of the E-IDEAS curriculum, specificallydesigned for workplace inclusion of youths with intellectual disabilities (ID) and aimed to transfer social,communication, independent living and employment skills.Method: The curriculum was attended by 5 participants, and it was provided concurrently with fivedifferent work-placements across a period of six months. Two assessment tools were used to demonstratethe acquisition of such skills and an evidence-base improvement of their quality of life. Pre and postinterventionstandardized assessments were also taken for measuring the improvement in quality of life(through the San Mart n Scale) and adaptive behavior (through the Vineland-II Adaptive Behavior Scale).Results: The data collected showed increases in the acquisition of such skills. Evidence of maintenanceand generalization were also demonstrated.Conclusion: Implications for practice and further research are discussed.