SEEKS Program for Employment in Disabled Individuals

(SEEKS Trial)

Age: 18 - 65

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Communication Institute International, Inc.

Disqualifiers: Not working with centers, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: Unknown

Duration: 2 years

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial explores whether a new service model can assist people with disabilities in finding jobs, earning more money, and feeling less isolated while applying for SSI/SSDI benefits. Participants will either receive usual care or work with a specially trained team, the Center for Independent Living SEEKS Team, which provides enhanced support and job placement services. It suits individuals with disabilities who are working with a Colorado Independent Living Center on their SSI/SSDI application and are open to collaborating with the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation. As an unphased trial, this study offers a unique opportunity to access innovative support services that could significantly improve job prospects and quality of life.

Do I need to stop taking my current medications for this trial?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications.

What prior data suggests that this new model of service is safe for individuals with disabilities?

Research has shown that Centers for Independent Living (CILs) have safely supported people with disabilities for many years. These centers provide resources and support to help individuals integrate into their communities. They maintain a strong history of keeping people connected and safe.

For safety, the centers use proven methods like the SOAR model, which assists with applying for benefits. They also offer training for personalized job opportunities and benefits planning. These methods empower individuals without causing harm.

Although this study doesn't test new drugs or medical procedures, the services offered have been safely used before. Participants can feel confident that these services are safe and aim to improve their job opportunities and overall well-being. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about the SEEKS Program because it introduces a comprehensive approach to employment support for disabled individuals. Unlike traditional methods that may focus solely on job placement, this program integrates training in SOAR (SSI/SSDI Outreach, Access, and Recovery), Customized Employment, Supported Employment, and Benefits Planning. This holistic strategy aims to address various barriers simultaneously, offering a more tailored and supportive pathway to employment. By empowering both consumers and staff with these specialized tools, the program hopes to improve employment outcomes and overall quality of life for participants.

What evidence suggests that this new service model is effective for increasing employment and wages for individuals with disabilities?

Research has shown that Centers for Independent Living (CIL) programs can help people with disabilities secure employment. These programs often include job assessment and training, with many led by the participants themselves. The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act highlights the success of these programs in aiding disabled individuals in finding jobs. Additionally, similar programs have helped people with intellectual and developmental disabilities find meaningful work in their communities. In this trial, participants in the experimental arm will work with the CIL SEEKS Team, which provides training in effective methods like SOAR and customized employment to support the job goals of individuals with disabilities. ^{6 7 8 9 10}

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for adults aged 18-60 with disabilities, as defined by federal guidelines, who are working with a Colorado Independent Living Center to apply for SSI/SSDI benefits and agree to work with the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation. Participants must be their own legal guardian and agree to provide data every six months.

Inclusion Criteria

Have a disability (as defined by the Centers for Independent Living federal reporting guidelines)

Be a consumer working with a Colorado Independent Living Center to apply for SSI/SSDI

Agree to work with the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation

Exclusion Criteria

I do not agree to provide updates every 6 months.

Does not work with the Centers for Independent Living

Not own legal guardian

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Training and Intervention

CIL staff are trained in SOAR, Customized Employment, Supported Employments, and Benefits Planning (CWIC) to work with participants

6 months

Treatment

Participants receive services from trained CIL staff, including employment support and benefits counseling

2 years

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for employment status, income changes, and social connections

6 months

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Center for Independent Living SEEKS Team

Trial Overview The study is testing whether a new service model can help people with disabilities secure employment, increase earnings, and reduce social isolation compared to usual care. The new model includes SOAR training for benefit applications, certified benefits planning, customized employment training, and individual job placement services.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Experimental Arm Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Center for Independent Living (CIL) consumers randomized to work with a group of CIL employees who received training in SOAR, Customized Employment, Supported Employments, and Benefits Planning (CWIC).

Group II: Business as Usual Arm Active Control 1 Intervention

Consumers will usual care

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Communication Institute International, Inc.

Lead Sponsor

Trials

1

Recruited

190+

Colorado School of Public Health

Collaborator

Trials

13

Recruited

32,300+

University of Colorado, Denver

Collaborator

Trials

1,842

Recruited

3,028,000+

Published Research Related to This Trial

A new toolkit of eight measurement instruments was developed to assess various aspects of functioning and activity performance in older adults, covering areas like mobility, daily living activities, and social functioning.

The toolkit was well-received by 22 older adult participants, who completed the assessments in two sessions, indicating its feasibility for use in clinical and research settings, although some measures, like social functioning, showed a ceiling effect that may limit their effectiveness.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Assembling a toolkit to measure geriatric rehabilitation outcomes. Demers, L., Desrosiers, J., Ska, B., et al.[2019]

Citations

1. rtcil.org rtcil.org/job-assessment-and-training

Job Assessment and Training Strategy Sixty-one percent of the programs reported they were controlled primarily by consumers, and 32% of the programs by persons who were not disabled; 7% of the ...

2. acl.gov acl.gov/sites/default/files/programs/2020-11/PY19CILReport508%20FINAL.pdf

Annual Report on Centers for Independent Living Program ... Acknowledging the importance of successful employment outcomes for people with disabilities, the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act of.

3. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10071956/

Effectiveness of pre-employment independent life ... The primary purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of the Pre-Employment Independent Life Education Program (PILEP) design ...

4. thinkwork.org thinkwork.org/statedata

StateData | Think Work StateData provides data on employment for people with IDD, including competitive integrated jobs. In 2023, 17% were in integrated community jobs, and 14% in ...

5. rsa.ed.gov rsa.ed.gov/about/programs/disability-innovation-fund-creating-21st-centry-workforce-of-youth-and-adults-with-disabilities/grantees

Grantees - Rehabilitation Services Administration Expected Project Outcomes: Significant improvement in employment or independent living services for neurodiverse individuals. Enhanced capacity for local ...

6. clinicaltrials.gov clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT04394949

Securing Employment and Economic Keys to Stability for ... This goal of this research is to learn if a new model of service can lead to employment, increase in gross wages, and a decrease in social isolation for persons ...

7. acl.gov acl.gov/sites/default/files/2024-03/CIL_AnnualReport_PY2020-2021_508.pdf

Annual Report on Centers for Independent Living The stories enclosed highlight how CILs worked tirelessly during these program years to ensure people with disabilities stayed connected, safe, ...

8. acl.gov acl.gov/programs/aging-and-disability-networks/centers-independent-living

Centers for Independent Living These programs provide tools, resources, and supports for integrating people with disabilities fully into their communities to promote equal ...

9. coloradosilc.org coloradosilc.org/advocacy-public-policy/employment/

Employment Colorado SILC is committed to promoting policies that support inclusive employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities.

10. dol.gov dol.gov/agencies/odep/program-areas/cie/hub/families

CIE Resources for People with Disabilities and Their Families This section provides resources related to transition and employment for youth with disabilities and their families.