Allison Cohen Hall

Allison Cohen Hall, Ph.D., is a Senior Research Associate/Project Manager at the Institute for Community Inclusion at the University of Massachusetts, Boston. Dr. Hall has coordinated national, multi-method research projects spanning several topic areas related to disability and employment. She led the research that culminated in the Higher Performing States Model, which has been used as a framework for training and technical assistance in over 30 states. Dr. Hall is currently the Principal Investigator on a four-year project that addresses family engagement, guardianship and transition outcomes for youth with intellectual/developmental disabilities (IDD), as well as the Principal Investigator of the Youth Voice/Youth Choice: National Resource Center on Alternatives to Guardianship. She maintains close ties with the self-advocacy community and supports individuals with IDD to participate in meaningful roles in the research process. She received her doctorate in 2005 from the Heller School at Brandeis University.

Supporting Parents of Transition Age Youths with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities: Findings from a Facebook Group Using Tools from Charting the LifeCourse

This brief shares findings from a research study conducted with parents of youths with intellectual and developmental disabilities who participated in a 6-month planning intervention. This intervention was based on content from Charting the LifeCourse’s (CtLC) Daily Life and Employment Toolkit. We delivered the intervention through a private Facebook group.

Pushing the Integrated Employment Agenda: A Case Study of Iowa’s High-Performing Employment System

This brief summarizes data collected from key informants in Iowa about the state’s efforts to support integrated employment for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).

Key Findings and Lessons Learned from Research on Integrated Employment for individuals with IDD

This presentation highlights key findings and lessons learned from the RRTC on Advancing Employment for People with IDD (2014-2019). ICI staff discuss a “knowledge to action” agenda that applies empirical data towards the development of strategies to positively impact the employment outcomes of individuals with IDD and their families.

Our Stories - Young Adults, Work, and Personal Experience During the COVID-19 Pandemic

This archived webinar from May, 2020 features the stories of self-advocates employed to conduct research on transition practices. These researchers shared how social distancing and the use of technology have affected their work and other parts of their lives, such as staying in touch with family, friends, and support staff.

Pushing the Integrated Employment Agenda: A Case Study of Oklahoma’s High-Performing Employment System

Read this brief to learn about the factors that contribute to the effectiveness of Oklahoma’s success in achieving integrated employment outcomes for individuals with IDD across three state systems: IDD, vocational rehabilitation (VR), and education.

What is Self-Employment?

means working for yourself or owning your own business and can lead you to a better life. Let’s take a closer look at how it works!

Pushing the Integrated Employment Agenda: A Case Study of Maryland's High-Performing Employment System

This brief provides a summary of how the Department of Education, the Department of Rehabilitative Services (MD's VR agency), and the Developmental Disabilities Administration (MD's IDD agency) reflect the elements of the High Performing States model.

44 Series - What does choice really mean when we talk about employment?

Watch the recorded video here. The 44 series is an ongoing series of webinars (each about 44 minutes long, hence the name!) that address various topics related to integrated employment for individuals with IDD. In this edition to the series, originally presented on 11/27/18, speaker Liz Weintraub discussed issue of choice and self-direction in the job search process. She focused on challenges, risk, and empowerment for job seekers with disabilities.

Building an Evidence-Based, Holistic Approach to Advancing Integrated Employment

Since the introduction of supported employment in the Developmental Disabilities Act of 1984 and the Rehabilitation Act Amendments of 1986, there has been continued development and refinement of best practices in employment services and supports.

Different states, common issues: Moving mountains one service at a time

Download article here. In an ever-evolving landscape, states are working to achieve new levels of integrated employment outcomes. While state have been building supports for more than five decades to meet the needs of their constituents, a different playing field has emerged in recent years. This is a result of new regulations, requests from advocates and families, shifting expectations and fluctuating state budgets.

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