Improving Educational Outcomes for College Students with Disabilities: Application of the Illinois Work and Well-Being Model

Research suggests that postsecondary education positively impacts the employment outcomes of individuals with disabilities. However, there is a lack of career model supports to facilitate transition to employment for this population. The purpose of this study is to introduce the Illinois Work and Well-Being Model as a multi-domain conceptual framework that can be used to guide career development and employment service and research regarding college students with disabilities. A comprehensive review of the literature was utilized and explained to develop a theoretical based conceptual model. The model’s contextual, career development, and participation domains and associated factors are introduced and synthesized. Interaction of contextual and career development domains to facilitate Participation domains in the areas of home, work, society and community are emphasized in the model. Future research needs, implications and recommendations regarding vocational rehabilitation for college students with disabilities are discussed.