*Result*: Evaluating the Impact of Integrated Practical Placement Programmes on Students With Intellectual Disabilities.
Title:
Evaluating the Impact of Integrated Practical Placement Programmes on Students With Intellectual Disabilities.
Authors:
Burgin H; Faculty of Health Science, Community and Social Studies, Holmesglen Institute, Holmesglen, Victoria, Australia., Hooper J; Faculty of Education and Foundation Studies, Holmesglen Institute, Holmesglen, Victoria, Australia., Forbes-Nicholson A; Faculty of Education and Foundation Studies, Holmesglen Institute, Holmesglen, Victoria, Australia., Koutoukidis G; Faculty of Health Science, Community and Social Studies, Holmesglen Institute, Holmesglen, Victoria, Australia.
Source:
Journal of applied research in intellectual disabilities : JARID [J Appl Res Intellect Disabil] 2026 Jan; Vol. 39 (1), pp. e70184.
Publication Type:
Journal Article
Language:
English
Journal Info:
Publisher: Blackwell Science Country of Publication: England NLM ID: 9613616 Publication Model: Print Cited Medium: Internet ISSN: 1468-3148 (Electronic) Linking ISSN: 13602322 NLM ISO Abbreviation: J Appl Res Intellect Disabil Subsets: MEDLINE
Imprint Name(s):
Publication: <2000- > : Oxford, UK : Blackwell Science
Original Publication: Clevedon : BILD Publications, c1996-
Original Publication: Clevedon : BILD Publications, c1996-
MeSH Terms:
References:
Almalki, S. 2021. “A Qualitative Study of Supported Employment Practices in Project SEARCH.” International Journal of Developmental Disabilities 67: 140–150.
Alnahdi, G. 2016. “Best Practices in the Transition to Work Services for Students With Intellectual Disability: Perspectives by Gender From Saudi Arabia.” International Journal of Special Education 31: 1–21.
Australian Bureau of Statistics. 2022. “Disability, Ageing and Carers, Australia: Summary of Findings.” ABS. https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/health/disability/disability‐ageing‐and‐carers‐australia‐summary‐findings/2022.
Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW). 2024. “People With Disability in Australia.” https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/disability/people‐with‐disability‐in‐australia/contents/employment/employment‐rate‐and‐type.
Barnes, P. 2008. “RESEARCH SECTION: Multi‐Agency Working: What Are the Perspectives of SENCos and Parents Regarding Its Development and Implementation?” British Journal of Special Education 35: 230–240.
Braun, V., and V. Clarke. 2006. “Using Thematic Analysis in Psychology.” Qualitative Research in Psychology 3: 77–101.
Ellenkamp, J. J., E. P. Brouwers, P. J. Embregts, M. C. Joosen, and J. Van Weeghel. 2016. “Work Environment‐Related Factors in Obtaining and Maintaining Work in a Competitive Employment Setting for Employees With Intellectual Disabilities: A Systematic Review.” Journal of Occupational Rehabilitation 26: 56–69.
Holwerda, A., J. J. van der Klink, J. W. Groothoff, and S. Brouwer. 2012. “Predictors for Work Participation in Individuals With an Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Systematic Review.” Journal of Occupational Rehabilitation 22: 333–352.
Kaehne, A. 2016. “Project SEARCH UK—Evaluating Its Employment Outcomes.” Journal of Applied Research in Intellectual Disabilities 29: 519–530.
Kiegaldie, D., L. Shaw, S. Hunter, J. Davis, H. Siddel, and M. O'Brien. 2022. “An Integrated Practical Placement Programme for Students With Disability: A Pilot Study.” Journal of Intellectual Disabilities 27: 994–1012.
Kregel, J., P. Wehman, J. Taylor, et al. 2020. A Comprehensive Review of Evidence‐Based Employment Practices for Youth and Adults With Intellectual and Other Developmental Disabilities, 5. Rehabilitation Research and Training Center at Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, Virginia and Centre for Disability Studies, affiliated with the University of Sydney, Australia.
Lawrence, K., D. Mellifont, and K. Bulkeley. 2026. “Disability Employment Policy in Australia: Barriers and Facilitators to Workforce Participation.” Social Policy & Administration 60: 112–123.
Lorenz, T., and K. Heinitz. 2014. “Aspergers – Different, Not Less: Occupational Strengths and Job Interests of Individuals With Asperger's Syndrome.” PLoS One 9: e100358.
Osburn, J. 2006. “An Overview of Social Role Valorization Theory.” SRV Journal 1: 4–13.
Rutkowski, S., M. Daston, D. Van Kuiken, and E. Riehle. 2006. “Project SEARCH: A Demand‐Side Model of High School Transition.” Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation 25: 85–96.
Schall, C. M., P. Wehman, V. Brooke, et al. 2015. “Employment Interventions for Individuals With ASD: The Relative Efficacy of Supported Employment With or Without Prior Project SEARCH Training.” Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders 45: 3990–4001.
Scott, M., B. Milbourn, M. Falkmer, et al. 2019. “Factors Impacting Employment for People With Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Scoping Review.” Autism 23: 869–901.
Smith, P. 2023. “The Evolution of Customised Employment and the Influence of the NDIS on Customised Employment Practice in Australia.” Journal of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences 2: 1–10.
Smith, P. J. 2024. “The Impact of Legislation and Conventions on Disability Employment Outcomes in Australia.” Advances in Neurodevelopmental Disorders 8: 35–41.
Sunderlin, C., M. Powers, O. Kodsy, N. Herringshaw, and A. Pomponio. 2022. “Effectiveness of School‐to‐Work Programs for Students With Intellectual Disabilities: A Systematic Review.” American Journal of Occupational Therapy 76: 7610510231p1.
Wagner, M., L. Newman, R. Cameto, H. Javitz, and K. Valdes. 2012. “A National Picture of Parent and Youth Participation in IEP and Transition Planning Meetings.” Journal of Disability Policy Studies 23: 140–155.
Wehman, P., C. Schall, J. Mcdonough, et al. 2013. “Project SEARCH for Youth With Autism Spectrum Disorders: Increasing Competitive Employment on Transition From High School.” Journal of Positive Behavior Interventions 15: 144–155.
Wolfensberger, W. 2011. “Social Role Valorization: A Proposed New Term for the Principle of Normalization.” Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities 49: 435–440.
Alnahdi, G. 2016. “Best Practices in the Transition to Work Services for Students With Intellectual Disability: Perspectives by Gender From Saudi Arabia.” International Journal of Special Education 31: 1–21.
Australian Bureau of Statistics. 2022. “Disability, Ageing and Carers, Australia: Summary of Findings.” ABS. https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/health/disability/disability‐ageing‐and‐carers‐australia‐summary‐findings/2022.
Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW). 2024. “People With Disability in Australia.” https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/disability/people‐with‐disability‐in‐australia/contents/employment/employment‐rate‐and‐type.
Barnes, P. 2008. “RESEARCH SECTION: Multi‐Agency Working: What Are the Perspectives of SENCos and Parents Regarding Its Development and Implementation?” British Journal of Special Education 35: 230–240.
Braun, V., and V. Clarke. 2006. “Using Thematic Analysis in Psychology.” Qualitative Research in Psychology 3: 77–101.
Ellenkamp, J. J., E. P. Brouwers, P. J. Embregts, M. C. Joosen, and J. Van Weeghel. 2016. “Work Environment‐Related Factors in Obtaining and Maintaining Work in a Competitive Employment Setting for Employees With Intellectual Disabilities: A Systematic Review.” Journal of Occupational Rehabilitation 26: 56–69.
Holwerda, A., J. J. van der Klink, J. W. Groothoff, and S. Brouwer. 2012. “Predictors for Work Participation in Individuals With an Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Systematic Review.” Journal of Occupational Rehabilitation 22: 333–352.
Kaehne, A. 2016. “Project SEARCH UK—Evaluating Its Employment Outcomes.” Journal of Applied Research in Intellectual Disabilities 29: 519–530.
Kiegaldie, D., L. Shaw, S. Hunter, J. Davis, H. Siddel, and M. O'Brien. 2022. “An Integrated Practical Placement Programme for Students With Disability: A Pilot Study.” Journal of Intellectual Disabilities 27: 994–1012.
Kregel, J., P. Wehman, J. Taylor, et al. 2020. A Comprehensive Review of Evidence‐Based Employment Practices for Youth and Adults With Intellectual and Other Developmental Disabilities, 5. Rehabilitation Research and Training Center at Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, Virginia and Centre for Disability Studies, affiliated with the University of Sydney, Australia.
Lawrence, K., D. Mellifont, and K. Bulkeley. 2026. “Disability Employment Policy in Australia: Barriers and Facilitators to Workforce Participation.” Social Policy & Administration 60: 112–123.
Lorenz, T., and K. Heinitz. 2014. “Aspergers – Different, Not Less: Occupational Strengths and Job Interests of Individuals With Asperger's Syndrome.” PLoS One 9: e100358.
Osburn, J. 2006. “An Overview of Social Role Valorization Theory.” SRV Journal 1: 4–13.
Rutkowski, S., M. Daston, D. Van Kuiken, and E. Riehle. 2006. “Project SEARCH: A Demand‐Side Model of High School Transition.” Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation 25: 85–96.
Schall, C. M., P. Wehman, V. Brooke, et al. 2015. “Employment Interventions for Individuals With ASD: The Relative Efficacy of Supported Employment With or Without Prior Project SEARCH Training.” Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders 45: 3990–4001.
Scott, M., B. Milbourn, M. Falkmer, et al. 2019. “Factors Impacting Employment for People With Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Scoping Review.” Autism 23: 869–901.
Smith, P. 2023. “The Evolution of Customised Employment and the Influence of the NDIS on Customised Employment Practice in Australia.” Journal of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences 2: 1–10.
Smith, P. J. 2024. “The Impact of Legislation and Conventions on Disability Employment Outcomes in Australia.” Advances in Neurodevelopmental Disorders 8: 35–41.
Sunderlin, C., M. Powers, O. Kodsy, N. Herringshaw, and A. Pomponio. 2022. “Effectiveness of School‐to‐Work Programs for Students With Intellectual Disabilities: A Systematic Review.” American Journal of Occupational Therapy 76: 7610510231p1.
Wagner, M., L. Newman, R. Cameto, H. Javitz, and K. Valdes. 2012. “A National Picture of Parent and Youth Participation in IEP and Transition Planning Meetings.” Journal of Disability Policy Studies 23: 140–155.
Wehman, P., C. Schall, J. Mcdonough, et al. 2013. “Project SEARCH for Youth With Autism Spectrum Disorders: Increasing Competitive Employment on Transition From High School.” Journal of Positive Behavior Interventions 15: 144–155.
Wolfensberger, W. 2011. “Social Role Valorization: A Proposed New Term for the Principle of Normalization.” Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities 49: 435–440.
Grant Information:
Australian Government: Information, Linkages and Capacity Building (ILC)-Economic Participation of People with Disability Grant Round
Contributed Indexing:
Keywords: education; employment; intellectual disability; supported employment
Entry Date(s):
Date Created: 20260129 Date Completed: 20260129 Latest Revision: 20260129
Update Code:
20260130
DOI:
10.1111/jar.70184
PMID:
41607296
Database:
MEDLINE
*Further Information*
*Background: Integrated Practical Placement (IPP) programmes provide students with intellectual disability an opportunity to undertake extended work placement while concurrently studying a course. These programmes showed improved (2-3 folds) employment outcomes compared to non-integrated programmes, which highlighted the need to expand these offerings.
Method: This study evaluates a range of IPP programmes, exploring variations, their impact and understanding experiences of the participants and exploring the impact of workplace training as a non-traditional educational experience.
Results: Findings show 70%-100% of students enrolled in an IPP programme that delivered a sustained and integrated model of work placement either gained employment or entered further study, and that 100% of businesses and employees who participated in hosting a student for placement returned to the programme again and are open to employing people with disability.
Conclusion: This highlighted how new education models can improve learning for people with intellectual disability and should be utilised broadly.
(© 2026 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)*