Dual-track evaluation of inclusive employment outcomes

Context and relevance. The development of inclusive employment for young people with intellectual disabilities and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) requires evidence-based tools for evaluating the effectiveness of employment integration programs. In practice, assessments most often rely either on objective indicators of work performance or on subjective measures of participants’ well-being, while integrative models remain limited. Objective. To pilot a dual-track evaluation of inclusive employment outcomes integrating the monitoring of work activity and the assessment of subjective well-being. Hypothesis. It was assumed that improvements in work performance indicators would be accompanied by positive changes in participants’ subjective well-being. Methods and materials. The study was conducted as an applied observational study. Monitoring data from 108 participants of inclusive workshops in 2025 (2632 work shifts) were analyzed. A longitudinal analysis was carried out for 58 participants by comparing the first and fourth quarters. Subjective well-being was assessed based on self-reports from 93 participants (M = 23,6; SD = 4,6; 65% male; 100% with intellectual disabilities; 21% with autism spectrum disorder). Descriptive statistics and the Wilcoxon signed-rank test with effect size calculation were used. Results. Statistically significant improvements were found across all work performance indicators (p < 0,05); effect sizes ranged from medium to large (r = 0,372–0,587). Of the 58 participants, 53.4% showed improvement in at least one indicator. Among the 93 participants, 63.4% reported improved well-being, expanded social connections, and positive financial dynamics. Conclusions. Participation of people with developmental disabilities in inclusive workshops is associated with the development of work skills and positive changes in subjective well-being. The dual-track evaluation makes it possible to comprehensively assess the outcomes of inclusive employment programs.

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