The Youth Transition Demonstration (YTD) is a research study whose purpose is to identify services, implement integrated service interventions, and test modified SSI rules (waivers) that lead to better education and employment outcomes for youth with disabilities. The evaluation uses a random assignment design. Eligible youth are randomly chosen to either receive YTD services or to be in a control group that will remain eligible for non-YTD services in the community.

The States developed service delivery systems to assist youth with disabilities to successfully transition from school, which may include post-secondary education, to employment, and economic self-sufficiency. The States established partnerships to improve employment outcomes for youth ages 14-25 who receive SSI or SSDI payments on the basis of their own disability. The projects provide a broad array of transition-related services and supports to SSI and SSDI applicants and children.

What States/Locations are involved?

The evaluation of the YTD will run through 2014. The Colorado, Florida, New York (two projects), Maryland, and West Virginia projects use a random assignment model. The Florida, Maryland, and West Virginia projects began enrollment in April 2008. All other projects completed enrollment and service delivery. The California and Mississippi projects completed local evaluations of non-random assignment models in 2009.

How does it work?

The project sites developed service delivery systems that demonstrate how communities can integrate services and resources to achieve positive transition results including both post-secondary education and employment. A national evaluation contract was awarded to Mathematica Policy Research in September 2005.

Youth participating in the evaluation are being followed for at least four years after they are recruited into the study. A variety of data sources, surveys of youth, and interviews with project staff are being used to determine whether the intervention led to increased earnings or increased enrollment in postsecondary education for youth. The evaluation uses a random assignment design, which is like a lottery or picking names out of hat — eligible youth are randomly chosen to either receive YTD services or to be in the control group that will remain eligible for non-YTD services in the community.

What are SSA's Expectations?

The YTD is generating empirical evidence, based on both process and random-assignment evaluations, on the impacts of SSI waivers and enhanced coordination of services for youth with disabilities. Under this project, SSA is testing the effectiveness of altering certain SSI rules as an incentive to encourage beneficiaries to initiate work or increase their work activity and to increase their earnings.

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Last updated January 11, 2010