Evidence-based job retention interventions for people with disabilities: A narrative literature review

BACKGROUND: When linking the employment rate, retention rate, and the cost of turnover, the data suggest educators, rehabilitation counselors, and employment providers need to teach people with disabilities job retention skills to improve employment outcomes. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this narrative literature review was to (a) identify evidence-based job retention interventions for people with disabilities and (b) identify specific skills which may be beneficial to teach to adults with disabilities in postsecondary education, adult education or employment services to improve the employment retention outcomes. METHODS: A systematic review of peer-reviewed quantitative research published from 1994 –June 2019 resulted in 6 articles meeting the inclusion criteria. RESULTS: Four intervention strategies showed statistically significant improvement in job retention for people with disabilities. The first strategy was developing and applying individuals’ self-determination/self-advocacy skills in discussing accommodations and resolving work-related challenges. Other intervention strategies with statistically significant impacts on job retention included social skills, learning how to manage medications, and receiving natural supports on the job. CONCLUSIONS: Implementation of job retention interventions may result in valuable skill sets for people with disabilities. Discrete intervention strategies and skill sets were found in the review of literature. A replication of studies with participants from diverse socio-economic backgrounds is needed to fully understand the potential of these job retention intervention strategies to improve employment outcomes for individuals with disabilities.