In recent times, there has been an increase in employment opportunities due to disability policies, i.e. the ADA and the SSA return-to-work programs. However, there are concerns that younger people with disabilities will become over-reliant on such programs instead of work, which raises questions of whether return-to-work and other programs are best suited for those with early onset disabilities.
- Need for understanding of overall employment outcomes to determine best points of intervention (at secondary education, etc.)
- Necessary for economic and social reasons (full participation in society)

Need to Study the Relationship Between Employment and Early Onset Disabilities

Most research done concerning onset involves incidence, and connection to retirement and application for disability benefits. There is limited research on market research concerning young individuals with onset.

University of Notre Dame

The paper aims to study the effects of early onset disabilities on employment, but also on human capital via employment skills and education, for younger (22-35 y.o.) and older cohorts (44-54 y.o.).

Aim of the Loprest and Maag Paper

Loprest, P., &amp; Maag, E. (2007). The relationship between early disability onset and education and Employment. Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, 26(1), 1–43. https://doi.org/10.1037/e723332011-001 

The Relationship Between Early Disability Onset and Education and Employment

The paper uses the phrase "doubly disadvantaged” to describe how early onset affects educational outcomes and thus serves to be disadvantageous to later employment. The term "doubly disadvantaged" may be received negatively or imparts a negative connotation on the experiences of those with early onset disabilities. I suggest abandoning the phrase completely or using a phrase similar to "compounded effects".

Correction on the Use of "Doubly Disadvantaged"

Policies aimed at increasing employment of persons with disabilities are primarily focused on later onset disabilities as opposed to education. More government programs, including SSDI and SSI, serving disabilities are benefiting increasing numbers of young people, though, SSDI and SSI are known to negatively impact the likelihood of employment.

Relation between Employment and Disability Benefits Programs

Low employment is correlated with lower levels of education, but people with early onset disabilities have higher employment rates compared to people with late onset. This is possibly because people with early onset disabilities choose careers that can be easily accommodated or are more adept at seeking resources.

Relation between Early Onset Disabilities, Labor Force Participation, and Educational Attainment

Research was also done on specific group of early onset disabilities including those with developmental disabilities to allow for detailed understandings of disability that national surveys do not reflect.

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