BACKGROUND: Transition-aged youth with disabilities lag behind same-aged peers without disabilities in education and employment outcomes, contributing to economic disparities across the lifespan. OBJECTIVE: To address these disparities, federal partners jointly funded the PROMISE Initiative, which includes six demonstration research projects targeting youth with disabilities receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI). METHODS: This paper reports preliminary data (n = 1,429) from one of these projects called ASPIRE. Youth receiving SSI aged 14-16 were randomly assigned to a control or intervention condition. Intervention activities included ongoing case management and training opportunities in self-determination, financial literacy, transition planning, and benefits counseling. RESULTS: Study participant data from enrollment, 12-months, and 24-months post-enrollment showed significantly better outcomes for intervention youth compared to control youth in terms of parent encouragement about having a job (p = 0.008), youth expectations of working (p = 0.001), and participation in employment activities (p = 0.009). These factors are associated with improved long-term economic outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Findings suggest that providing case management and self-determination services to youth on SSI might result in improved long-term outcomes.

Multiple barriers were related with the low level of PA among Tongan Americans. Mobile technology is a promising way of enhancing PA among Tongan Americans and potentially other Pacific Islander subgroups. Culturally tailored strategies could significantly enhance the effectiveness of PA intervention.

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