https://mathematica.org/our-focus-areas/human-services/disabilityMathematica uses data science, social science, and technology to help people, communities, and organizations around the world improve public well-being.enMathematica Policy Research. All rights reserved. 2014https://mathematica.org/-/media/internet/logo.png?h=68&w=208https://mathematica.org/our-focus-areas/human-services/disability60{934A1D54-9487-446A-87AA-73F79546A763}https://www.mathematica.org/en/news/denise-hoffman-testifies-at-a-house-ways-and-means-joint-subcommittee-hearingMathematica Principal Researcher and disability policy expert Denise Hoffman testified at a joint House Ways and Means Social Security and Work and Welfare Subcommittee hearing on removing barriers to work and supporting opportunity for people with disabilities.Wed, 10 Sep 2025 18:16:48 Z{35B6F4DF-F55E-4782-BEA3-17642F319D34}https://www.mathematica.org/en/publications/principles-and-promising-practices-for-hiring-and-retaining-young-autistic-workersThis brief describes benefits, practical tips, and effective strategies for employers to attract and retain the growing share of the workforce that is on the autism spectrum. It highlights small adjustments to business practices that can improve employment experiences for autistic workers.Fri, 29 Aug 2025 17:41:42 Z{65F59B7A-3905-4B32-BAE2-B74D51041FB6}https://www.mathematica.org/en/publications/reyaas-case-study-life-management-assistance-programLifeMAP is a one-to-one coaching program that helps people on the autism spectrum identify and work toward goals. This case study describes the model’s services, clients who may benefit from coaching, funding sources, lessons learned from the program, and research on employment outcomes. Thu, 24 Jul 2025 19:58:19 Z{A673DEA6-9947-4575-9FD4-B1D880EF3381}https://www.mathematica.org/en/publications/retain-demonstration-impacts-two-months-after-enrollmentThis report presents early impacts of the RETAIN demonstration, a federal initiative to help workers with recent injuries or illnesses remain the labor force. Findings are based on a follow-up survey of enrollees conducted about two months after enrollment.Fri, 11 Jul 2025 12:36:00 Z{38EF9AB7-3D0E-4158-947B-19B5CD5455C1}https://www.mathematica.org/en/publications/the-retain-demonstration-case-study-of-medical-providers-experiences-in-ohioThe Retaining Employment and Talent After Injury/Illness Network (RETAIN) demonstration is a federal initiative to help workers with recent injuries or illnesses remain in the labor force. In this brief, we describe the experiences of medical providers in Ohio RETAIN.Mon, 06 Jan 2025 15:58:00 Z{CD25CAE4-1D59-456A-A2AA-42F01C1DBD62}https://www.mathematica.org/en/publications/participants-characteristics-and-experiences-from-the-first-two-yearsThe five-year Vermont Career Advancement Project (VCAP) helps people with disabilities find career pathways so that they can secure high-wage, high-quality jobs in fields that interest them. This brief describes VCAP participants’ characteristics and experiences from the first two years of the project.Wed, 11 Dec 2024 18:04:00 Z{241814FF-0E70-4079-B92C-955A4D2B1849}https://www.mathematica.org/en/publications/the-effects-of-the-workforce-innovation-and-opportunity-act-of-2014This article aims to measure how vocational rehabilitation engagement, employment, and work incentive use changed for Supplemental Security Income recipients aged 14–24 after the 2014 enactment of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act made pre-ETS available.Fri, 15 Nov 2024 19:59:00 Z{E36953EC-3738-419F-8FDD-FADEDD545EB7}https://www.mathematica.org/en/publications/the-role-of-continuing-disability-reviews-in-child-ssi-program-participation-patternsThis paper examines descriptive patterns in the frequency of medical continuing disability reviews for child Supplemental Security Income recipients.Fri, 15 Nov 2024 19:11:00 Z{92A5EB48-6951-4EE2-AC4E-F2A5855D777A}https://www.mathematica.org/en/publications/effects-of-suspending-in-person-services-at-social-security-administration-field-officesThis study reports on the effects of the suspension of in-person services at SSA field offices during the COVID-19 pandemic. The focus was on the volume of disability insurance and SSI applications and the characteristics of applicants to see if certain groups of beneficiaries were disproportionately affected by the suspension.Wed, 16 Oct 2024 16:26:00 Z{1495EED1-09DF-477A-BE95-4E1269BF3B73}https://www.mathematica.org/en/publications/what-share-of-social-security-disability-beneficiaries-have-work-goals-or-expectationsThis brief highlights SSDI beneficiaries with work goals despite health limits, using 2017–2019 survey data to examine their characteristics, experiences, and potential to rejoin the workforce.Tue, 01 Oct 2024 19:24:00 Z{22B8FC88-A37A-4E1F-B4FB-643BCAFD424F}https://www.mathematica.org/en/publications/outreach-strategies-to-engage-potential-participants-and-employersThis practice brief explores how some Subminimum Wage to Competitive Integrated Employment (SWTCIE) staff are promoting their projects to potential participants and employers. The findings come from interviews with staff from four SWTCIE projects (Connecticut, Minnesota, North Carolina, and Texas) held in May and June 2024.Thu, 08 Aug 2024 15:55:22 Z{5B6E23D1-501A-49A7-92C0-0C2129A8485D}https://www.mathematica.org/en/publications/certified-community-behavioral-health-clinics-demonstration-program-report-to-congress-2023This report to Congress presents findings from an ongoing evaluation of the CCBHC demonstration conducted by Mathematica and the RAND Corporation on behalf of the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation. The report describes findings as they relate to the PAMA topics of access to care and scope of services, focusing on care coordination services and activities. Thu, 25 Jul 2024 14:06:00 Z{16F77E1F-1891-49BD-B0A7-A143C8C10E1B}https://www.mathematica.org/en/publications/a-way-for-vermonters-with-disabilities-to-find-meaningful-high-wage-workThe five-year Vermont Career Advancement Project (VCAP) helps people with disabilities find career pathways so that they can secure high-wage, high-quality jobs in fields that interest them. This brief describes why Vermont needs VCAP and how it connects people with disabilities with opportunities for career training.Wed, 17 Jul 2024 00:00:00 Z{4512AA58-3848-44C2-967C-4861F76C4EAA}https://www.mathematica.org/en/publications/exploring-how-peoples-characteristics-contexts-life-events-predict-early-adult-participation-in-ssiThis research explores ways to identify young adults who are potential SSI participants—those with a greater likelihood of future participation relative to their peers but who have not yet participated. It explores which factors predict later participation in SSI. Tue, 11 Jun 2024 17:20:00 Z{86A79B6E-B5BD-4A20-9D77-81428B0CA722}https://www.mathematica.org/en/publications/how-did-the-expansion-of-vocational-rehabilitation-services-affect-youth-receiving-ssiThis study examines how transition-age youth with disabilities receiving Supplemental Security Income may have been affected by the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act and access to pre-employment transition services. Thu, 06 Jun 2024 19:14:00 Z{0E231EAC-5AE7-4AF2-82CF-3C8068EE245F}https://www.mathematica.org/en/publications/process-analysis-report-for-the-retaining-employment-and-talent-after-injury-illness-networkThis report presents findings on the implementation of the RETAIN program in five states midway through program operations. Findings focus on program partnerships and the environment surrounding RETAIN programs, recruitment and enrollment of eligible workers, and implementation and service delivery. Thu, 30 May 2024 19:58:00 Z{B611171B-00C8-4B27-B343-41FD46B4A08D}https://www.mathematica.org/en/publications/how-did-access-to-job-services-affect-youth-with-disabilitiesThis brief summarizes findings on how transition-age youth with disabilities receiving Supplemental Security Income may have been affected by the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act and access to pre-employment transition services. Tue, 21 May 2024 19:01:10 Z{D23CF881-3CC3-4873-90D8-25369DB65BF5}https://www.mathematica.org/en/publications/the-retain-demonstration-stay-at-work-and-return-to-work-experiences-of-retain-enrolleesThe Retaining Employment and Talent After Injury/Illness Network (RETAIN) demonstration is a federal initiative to help workers with recent injuries or illnesses remain in the labor force. This brief investigates how the characteristics, challenges, and experiences of enrollees with behavioral health conditions differ from those of other enrollees.Wed, 08 May 2024 18:12:57 Z{C97F2F29-AA68-4AE9-A9CB-4AF220D71513}https://www.mathematica.org/en/publications/evaluation-design-options-for-programs-to-improve-employment-outcomes-for-young-adultsThis report presents evaluation design options for future evidence-building activities around four programs that aim to improve employment outcomes for young adults on the autism spectrum.Tue, 23 Apr 2024 20:24:00 Z{836E9C6F-51F6-472C-A70D-14DBDC2DAC47}https://www.mathematica.org/en/publications/cil-strategies-to-engage-and-empower-out-of-school-youth-with-disabilities-from-minority-backgroundsMathematica conducted interviews with CIL staff who completed the MY-CIL learning collaborative. The staff discussed ways CILs are strengthening their efforts to engage and empower out-of-school youth from minority backgrounds with innovative and responsive program offerings.Fri, 12 Apr 2024 19:11:00 Z{3A5CDBF9-5F64-4B0D-ADC2-4AB8C15F9DAA}https://www.mathematica.org/en/publications/cil-practices-to-improve-readiness-to-reach-and-serve-out-of-school-youth-with-disabilitiesMathematica conducted interviews with CIL staff who completed the MY-CIL learning collaborative. The staff discussed ways CILs are strengthening their efforts to engage and empower out-of-school youth from minority backgrounds with innovative and responsive program offerings.Fri, 12 Apr 2024 18:52:00 Z{7071EFDE-9C98-421F-8C02-4DE3C16D84FA}https://www.mathematica.org/en/publications/researching-provider-solutions-in-florida-executive-summaryThis executive summary describes the final report of the Researching Provider Solutions project. FDDC hired Mathematica in January 2023 to conduct the project, which included an environmental scan of relevant literature, an online survey, interviews, and a work group—to examine how Floridians with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families experience direct care.Fri, 08 Mar 2024 00:00:00 Z{2D9B6F6F-0A0D-404A-81CD-F2E11B16264F}https://www.mathematica.org/en/publications/staffing-models-to-support-service-deliveryThe practice brief outlines strategies for Subminimum Wage to Competitive Integrated Employment (SWTCIE) projects to create staffing models that support service delivery for people with disabilities. It summarizes results from interviews with staff from four SWTCIE projects (California, Georgia, Illinois, and Virginia) held in October 2023.Mon, 26 Feb 2024 18:05:00 Z{4FCBFBFE-E1B1-4EDA-9EE9-DA06215BD91A}https://www.mathematica.org/en/publications/researching-provider-solutions-in-florida-environmental-scanMathematica, in partnership with the Florida Developmental Disabilities Council (FDDC), conducted an environmental scan to review literature and relevant websites to identify strategies and ideas to help people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families recruit and retain direct care workers.Mon, 26 Feb 2024 00:00:00 Z{C0DAFDF4-D9F1-44B5-88EF-122D83365833}https://www.mathematica.org/en/publications/not-much-bang-for-the-buckThis brief presents findings from a random assignment experiment to test the effect of offering a prepaid incentive of $2 to National Beneficiary Survey sample members. Overall, the prepaid incentive increased the survey completion rate by 1.6 percentage points. Wed, 14 Feb 2024 16:35:00 Z{36516FE4-A9C8-4C75-9E85-BFC22247B16E}https://www.mathematica.org/en/publications/opioid-use-among-social-security-disability-insurance-applicantsUsing an innovative machine-learning method, this study is the first to provide statistics on opioid use among Social Security Disability Insurance applicants.Wed, 07 Feb 2024 00:00:00 Z{0B845C5E-A92D-438F-88FA-4682B6496392}https://www.mathematica.org/en/publications/engaging-14c-certificate-holders-to-increase-competitive-integrated-employmentThis practice brief explores how Subminimum Wage to Competitive Integrated Employment (SWTCIE) projects engage 14(c) certificate holders to move workers from subminimum wage employment to competitive integrated employment. It summarizes results from interviews with staff from four SWTCIE projects (Indiana, Iowa, Ohio, and Texas) held in September 2023.Mon, 22 Jan 2024 19:27:00 Z{FB5EE947-87D4-4AD2-852A-6C06B6C13E56}https://www.mathematica.org/en/publications/determining-unmet-needs-among-workers-compensation-stakeholders-to-prevent-work-disabilityVermont has high rates of young people receiving federal disability benefits leading to substantial gaps in the workforce. The purpose of this project was to determine the unmet needs of interested parties in the workers’ compensation (WC) process.Fri, 01 Dec 2023 20:38:00 Z{3A799D4A-AB98-4DD7-B214-C27DA2CCD363}https://www.mathematica.org/en/publications/how-many-medicaid-recipients-might-be-eligible-for-ssiIn this paper, we use machine learning models on Medicaid administrative data to estimate the number and characteristics of children who are potentially eligible for Supplemental Security Income but do not currently receive benefits.Thu, 30 Nov 2023 15:27:00 Z{24736619-A3B5-4E22-8642-84B4BBD25410}https://www.mathematica.org/en/publications/independence-at-home-evaluation-findings-do-not-support-creating-a-permanent-medicare-programDeligiannidis et al.'s commentary about the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services' (CMS) Independence at Home (IAH) demonstration uses findings from the evaluation to claim that IAH has convincingly reduced spending for their patients, and therefore a new permanent Medicare program ought to be made available to home-based primary care (HBPC) practices.Fri, 03 Nov 2023 18:56:00 Z{B95DCB5D-354E-4D0D-9BD5-5768134E682B}https://www.mathematica.org/en/publications/social-security-disability-beneficiaries-who-earn-above-the-substantial-gainful-activity-levelThis data brief presents statistics on the characteristics and employment experiences of SSI and DI beneficiaries who earn more than SGA for at least three consecutive months and shows how they differ from other working beneficiaries.Wed, 20 Sep 2023 14:24:00 Z{45A895B1-17FA-481D-A063-E2C9B69E90A3}https://www.mathematica.org/en/publications/predicting-employment-after-vocational-rehabilitation-using-observable-customer-characteristicsIn this study, we explore how customer characteristics predict VR outcomes. We examined VR case level using machine learning techniques. Wed, 20 Sep 2023 12:52:00 Z{CDF7A444-D90D-4FE6-8855-6F8FC4831E7D}https://www.mathematica.org/en/publications/experiences-behaviors-and-attitudes-about-covid-19-for-people-with-disabilities-over-timeWe examine time trends in the experiences with, behaviors during, and attitudes about COVID-19 among people with disabilities during the pandemic. We compare patterns in use and uncertainty about protective behaviors, perceived likelihood of infection and death, and economic benefit receipt.Fri, 15 Sep 2023 15:04:00 Z{E46BDA6A-1690-4789-B71D-2F447AE3A7C1}https://www.mathematica.org/en/publications/certified-community-behavioral-health-clinics-demonstration-program-report-to-congress-2022Report to Congress presenting findings from an ongoing evaluation of the Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic demonstration conducted by Mathematica and the RAND Corporation. Fri, 07 Jul 2023 18:38:00 Z{B1647A09-43A8-4C0E-9F32-3064CF12F852}https://www.mathematica.org/en/publications/a-behavioral-economics-assessment-of-social-security-disability-insurance-earnings-reportingSocial Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) beneficiaries who work are often overpaid, with a median overpayment amount of over $9000.Mon, 03 Jul 2023 20:26:00 Z{BC605D15-9E9B-4813-A0A0-858B37C84A91}https://www.mathematica.org/en/publications/characteristics-service-use-and-employment-outcomes-of-young-adults-on-the-autism-spectrumThis study examined how young adults on the autism spectrum, ages 16 to 28, engaged with state Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) agencies, the characteristics of those who applied for VR services, the VR services that they used, and their employment outcomes.Fri, 28 Apr 2023 14:15:06 Z{CD14B891-3DEF-4E27-BE0F-5CCC9F6234D4}https://www.mathematica.org/en/publications/the-importance-of-schools-in-driving-childrens-applications-for-disability-benefitsThis paper explores the role how schools affect children’s applications to Supplemental Security Income by using variation in school virtual or in-person learning options during the 2020-21 school year because of the COVID-19 pandemic.Tue, 28 Mar 2023 19:23:58 Z{0DD2C821-7B79-475E-BCB8-549AA80B7EE7}https://www.mathematica.org/en/publications/does-the-drop-in-child-ssi-applications-and-awards-during-covid-vary-by-localityThis paper explores factors correlated with the drop in child applications and awards for Supplemental Security Income at the outset of the COVID-19 pandemic, including the substantial variation across local areas.Mon, 27 Mar 2023 19:10:00 Z{4FC38056-645E-44ED-BDDA-70D0519540F8}https://www.mathematica.org/en/publications/trends-in-how-youth-and-young-adults-received-services-from-centers-for-independent-livingTransition-age youth are one focus for requirements described in the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act of 2014. This brief examines the extent to which Centers for Independent Living increased services to youth and young adults from all backgrounds in the four years after WIOA became law.Wed, 15 Mar 2023 19:14:00 Z{87F5926F-D76C-41F2-B4EE-D490501B73EC}https://www.mathematica.org/en/publications/strengthening-iowas-community-based-services-system-transformation-planThis is a Transformation Plan for the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services to guide the state in changes to its community-based services system.Tue, 28 Feb 2023 19:22:00 Z{AD2F8D9B-07F2-43AD-809E-F93BAC54BDE1}https://www.mathematica.org/en/news/five-year-impacts-from-major-youth-transition-program-reveal-important-lessons-for-increasingTogether with the Social Security Administration, Mathematica released results on the five-year impacts of PROMISE, the largest cross-agency initiative aimed at helping youth with disabilities achieve economic security as they transition to adulthood.Mon, 13 Feb 2023 15:34:00 Z{091F965F-1B8C-4E69-AD60-FA958AB26876}https://www.mathematica.org/en/news/medicares-independence-at-home-demonstration-likely-reduced-health-care-spending-in-2020Mathematica’s evaluation of the congressionally mandated Independence at Home demonstration estimated that, in 2020, the demonstration led to a 10.7 percent decrease in total monthly Medicare spending per beneficiary.Wed, 08 Feb 2023 18:29:00 Z{51CB5CE4-19CD-4B82-912F-106E4542CB0D}https://www.mathematica.org/en/publications/associations-of-local-area-level-new-deal-employment-in-childhood-with-late-life-cognitionEmergency employment programmes during the 1930s and 1940s invested income, infrastructure and social services into communities affected by the Great Depression. Wed, 01 Feb 2023 15:55:00 Z{3B5C0786-FFB1-4DDB-94DF-25F882BC1589}https://www.mathematica.org/en/publications/recommendations-for-strengthening-iowas-community-based-services-systemUnderscoring Iowa’s commitment to serving its Medicaid members, HHS sought an in-depth review of available services and programs for members with long-term service and support needs. Tue, 31 Jan 2023 17:51:00 Z{FEAC9501-9F71-44D7-B0CB-FB3EADB94773}https://www.mathematica.org/en/publications/an-unprecedented-crisis-the-wecare-programs-experience-serving-people-with-mental-and-physicalThis study documents how WeCARE served clients before the pandemic, how the program changed in response to the employment and service needs of its clients during the pandemic and economic recession, and the implications of those changes for long-term modifications to the WeCARE model.Tue, 31 Jan 2023 14:57:00 Z{A4F8F505-58F7-4509-9BEC-BE5C2FE398AF}https://www.mathematica.org/en/publications/early-assessment-report-for-the-retaining-employment-and-talent-after-injury-illness-network-retainThe Retaining Employment and Talent After Injury/Illness Network (RETAIN) demonstration aims to help workers with recently acquired injuries and illnesses remain in the labor force. This report assesses the initial implementation of the RETAIN programs in five state-specific chapters.Mon, 30 Jan 2023 18:31:00 Z{7B795338-E9CA-422E-A9C3-5BA54A3858AD}https://www.mathematica.org/en/publications/the-retain-demonstration-state-programs-approaches-to-recruiting-potential-enrolleesThis brief presents information on RETAIN state programs’ approaches to recruiting potential enrollees and implications for the pace of enrollment during the first 11 months of the demonstration. Thu, 19 Jan 2023 13:18:00 Z{84C1754A-9928-4503-952D-DAA197B3E7E4}https://www.mathematica.org/en/publications/promoting-readiness-of-minors-in-ssi-promise-medicaid-expenditure-patterns-and-impacts-with-a-focusThis report focuses on the impact of the Promoting Readiness of Minors in Supplemental Security Income (PROMISE) programs on youth’s Medicaid expenditure patterns for specific services and subgroups and PROMISE’s impacts for youth with high medical needs.Wed, 11 Jan 2023 18:43:00 Z{138D88B5-56D1-46F6-ACCF-E67E2FA8DC69}https://www.mathematica.org/en/publications/promoting-the-successful-transitions-of-youth-with-disabilities-to-adulthoodThe implementation and evaluation of the six PROMISE programs generated extensive knowledge about offering services to youth receiving SSI. We synthesize this research to identify key lessons for the field regarding practices in the transition to young adulthood for youth with disabilities.Fri, 06 Jan 2023 19:06:00 Z{AECFC95D-BE20-4ACA-98ED-E53E9E352BC2}https://www.mathematica.org/en/publications/expert-consensus-regarding-indicators-of-a-traumatic-reaction-in-autistic-youth-a-delphi-surveyIt has been suggested that the sequelae of trauma are under-recognized in youth on the autism spectrum.Mon, 02 Jan 2023 17:31:00 Z