Absence of conflict of interest.
Citation
Highlights
- The study's objective was to examine the impact of Putting Your Best Foot Forward: Job Search Skills Training for Youth with Visual Impairments on employment.
- The study was a nonexperimental design. Using survey data, the authors conducted statistical models to compare the outcomes of treatment and comparison group members at post-test, 8-month follow-up, and 14-month follow-up.
- The study found that program participants were significantly more likely than the comparison group to have a sponsored job at the 14-month follow-up.
- This study receives a moderate evidence rating. This means we are somewhat confident that the estimated effects are attributable to Putting Your Best Foot Forward: Job Search Skills Training for Youth with Visual Impairments, but other factors might also have contributed.
Intervention Examined
Putting Your Best Foot Forward: Job Search Skills Training for Youth with Visual Impairments
Features of the Intervention
Putting Your Best Foot Forward: Job Search Skills Training for Youth with Visual Impairments was a school-to-work program designed to help youth and young adults transition to work. The program was based on five key learning processes: 1) active learning; 2) referent power; 3) self-efficacy; 4) social support; and 5) overcoming barriers. The program included 28 lessons that covered identifying strengths from the employer's perspective, how to present skills, finding job openings, job interview preparation, and the interview and starting a job. The Putting Your Best Foot Forward program was adapted from another school-to-work program and was customized for youth and young adults with visual impairments. Participants received 20 hours of group training on job-search skills, career exploration, independent living, and college preparation.
Features of the Study
The study used a nonexperimental comparison group design. Between 2016 and 2018, staff from partner agencies identified eligible study participants. The sample included individuals aged 15 to 22 with visual impairments who qualified for Vocational Rehabilitation or special education services. Eligible participants could not have a moderate to severe intellectual disability and must have received services at a partner agency. The treatment group received the Putting Your Best Foot Forward program services, while the comparison group received their traditional school- and community-based services. Data were collected via telephone surveys that assessed job search knowledge, behavior, and self-efficacy. The surveys were administered before the intervention began, and at two, eight, and 14 months after baseline. The authors used a statistical model to compare the outcomes of treatment and comparison group members.
Findings
Employment
- The study found that program participants were significantly more likely than the comparison group to have a sponsored job at the 14-month follow-up (55% vs. 32%). No other significant differences were found.
- The study did not find any significant differences between the groups in having a non-sponsored job.
Considerations for Interpreting the Findings
The authors ensured that any differences between the groups were controlled for in the statistical models. However, since group assignment was based on participant choice and location, there may be differences in participants based on their location, and if the treatment and the comparison programs were offered. Additionally, the authors probed about non-sponsored jobs more than sponsored jobs during follow-up telephone surveys. Sponsored job employment rates may have been under reported.
Causal Evidence Rating
The quality of causal evidence presented in this report is moderate because it was based on a well-implemented nonexperimental design. This means we are somewhat confident that the estimated effects are attributable to Putting Your Best Foot Forward: Job Search Skills Training for Youth with Visual Impairments, but other factors might have also contributed.