In 2013, the U.S. Department of Education in partnership with the U.S. Department of Labor, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and the Social Security Administration embarked on a national endeavor to improve the post-school living, learning and earning outcomes of youth with disabilities who receive SSI.  The Department of Education awarded cooperative agreements worth $211 million to five States and one multi-state consortia to implement PROMISE—Promoting Readiness of Minors in Supplemental Security Income.  

The purpose of PROMISE is manifold: to provide states funding to test interventions that improve post-school outcomes for youth on SSI; evaluate findings to inform improved public policy and practice; and, translate knowledge regarding evidence-based practices and outcomes.  This national demonstration is critical in that it attempts to mitigate the pathway of the child SSI program to the adult SSI program—through improving employment, educational and employment outlook.  While each state took varied approaches to implementation, common elements were required for the intervention.   This included: formal agency-level partnerships; case management; benefits counseling; career and work-based learning experiences; and, parent training and information. This webinar explores lessons learned from three states participating in PROMISE and implications for SVRAs as they plan to meet the needs of the SSI youth population.

Learning Objectives:
As a result of attending this webinar, trainees will:

1. Explore varied state approaches to implementing the required PROMISE services;

2. Understand from varied state perspectives regarding the lessons learned in design, implementation continuous quality improvement, and evaluation of PROMISE;

3. Consider implications for SVRAs in meeting the unique needs of SSI youth; and,

4. Ask questions and seek clarification regarding information presented.