The impact of the Self-Determined Career Development Model on self-determination

BACKGROUND: There is a need for supports to promote self-determination in career development and employment that can be implemented by community support providers to address the poor employment outcomes of adults with disabilities. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to examine outcomes of implementation of the Self-Determined Career Development Model (SDCDM) when implemented in community-based support organizations by direct employment support providers. METHODS: Twenty-two community support provider organizations participated and were randomly assigned to a treatment (SDCDM) or control (business as usual) group; data were collected at three time points by facilitators on self-determination outcomes with 197 adults with disabilities. The data was analyzed using multilevel modeling and intraclass correlation coefficients were examined to determine the impact of the person with a disability, facilitator, and provider organization on outcomes. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: Participants and the outcomes they experienced were influenced by multiple levels including each participant's own personal characteristics and experiences, as well as the characteristics of the facilitator they worked with and the organization that provided services. Autonomy showed greater change in the treatment group over time, compared to the control group. Implications for future research and practice are discussed.