Rural and Urban Counties in Idaho: Differences in Vocational Rehabilitation Service Delivery and Outcomes

Abstract

The Idaho Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (IDVR) sought to learn whether differences in VR service delivery and employment outcomes were present among consumers residing in urban and rural areas of the state. Case data for participants who had an Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE) signed and in place with the agency between 7/1/2017 and 6/30/2020 were examined to identify differences in employment outcomes and service delivery by county. A total of 7,235 cases were examined, 5,963 (82%) of which were residents of urban areas and 1,272 (18%) were from rural counties. Specific evaluation questions examined differences between these two groups regarding types of services provided to VR participants and length of time between initial IPE signature and service received. Analysis of administrative data indicated that training services were provided at a higher rate to participants in rural counties, whereas job search assistance, assessment, transportation, and maintenance services were provided at a higher rate to participants in urban counties. The overall successful case closure rate for urban (41.42%) and rural participants (41.80%) was comparable.