Information is presented on a community-based mentoring program, developed to work with existing community agencies and provide structure to the frequently confusing network of services for young adults, ages 16 to 26 years, with a recently acquired disability including TBI, SCI, and other neurological disorders. The over-arching goal of the Mentoring Program was to improve the ability of individuals with disabilities to access and maximally utilize the services and programs that are available in the community. The two objectives of this study were: 1) to demonstrate continuing increases in standardized measures of community integration from the time of enrollment in the program to the time of exit from the program, and 2) to improve the percentage of youth and young adults with disabilities who successfully access post-secondary education or employment opportunities. 53 participants had post-secondary education as a goal. 12 participants had an employment goal. 12 participants had both education and employment as a combined goal. It was not uncommon for participants to change goals. Of those with education goals, 23/53 achieved educational goals and 7/53 achieved employment goals. Of those with vocational goals, 5/12 achieved vocational goals and 1/12 achieved educational goals. Of those with both goals, 5/12 achieved educational goals and 1/12 achieved vocational goals. Significant community integration and independence improvements were noted for program participants (CHART Mobility and Cognitive Independence, M2PI, DRS, and SRS). Overall, findings suggest that mentoring can be beneficial toward achieving the goals of post-secondary education, employment and community independence for individuals with disabilities; specifically those with traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury and other neurological disorders.

Study design: This is a prospective study. Objectives: Young individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) need support to actively participate in the community after their injuries. The 'Back on Track' mentoring program was developed to match mentees with SCI with mentors to assist with post-injury adjustment. The objectives of this study were to improve the percentage of youth and young adults with SCI, who access post-secondary education or employment opportunities and to improve quality of life. Setting: This study had a community-based setting. Methods: Each mentee with SCI was matched with a community-based mentor, with or without a disability. The mentoring relationship was planned for 2 years. Participants were evaluated with standardized questionnaires at intake, at the time of post-secondary education or employment entry and 4 months post entry. Results: In total, 39 individuals with SCI, age 16-26 years, were enrolled. Average age of mentees was 19.8 years (s.d. ¼ 3.0). In total, 29 participants were matched with mentors, and 10 participants (34%) completed the program, with seven (24%) returning to school, two (6.9%) returning to work and one individual (3.4%) attending school part time. Conclusion: Although multiple barriers to success occurred, this program demonstrated that it could assist the youth and young adults with SCI to obtain post-secondary education and employment. This type of support system should be encouraged in order to improve the quality and satisfaction of life for young adults with disabilities.