Vocational Rehabilitation Applicants Research Articles

Vocational rehabilitation applicants, the services they receive, and their employment outcomes

BACKGROUND: The U.S. Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) program helps people with disabilities gain or improve employment. However, previous research into program outcomes has primarily focused on subsets of participants with specific diagnoses instead of the full population. OBJECTIVE: We chronicled the population’s personal characteristics, services received, and program outcomes to inform hypotheses about relationships between personal characteristics, services, and program outcomes. METHODS: These characteristics were analyzed for all 572,490 adult cases that closed between 2017 and 2018. Descriptive statistical distributions compare the applicants with their two subgroups: participants and non-participants. RESULTS: Seven of the 20 primary impairment categories encompassed 78%of applicants. Sixty-three percent of applicants completed an individualized plan for employment (IPE) and became participants. Eighty-five percent of participants and 43%of non-participants received VR services. Half of VR participants exited unemployed and 44%achieved competitive integrated employment (CIE). Two-thirds of non-participants exited before developing their IPE mostly because they either lost interest in VR or VR lost the ability to talk to them. CONCLUSION: The results describe variables that can potentially affect program enrollment and program outcomes. Future work assessing VR should consider these variables when evaluating services that are most impactful to exiting employment.

Vocational Rehabilitation Services and Labor Market Outcomes for Transition‐Age Youth with Disabilities in Maine

AbstractUsing administrative data from Maine to quantify the effect of vocational rehabilitation (VR) services on employment outcomes for transition‐age youth with disabilities, we exploited the variation in VR counselors’ propensity to develop Individualized Plans for Employment (IPEs) for VR youth as an instrument for service receipt. We found that among the estimated 36 percent of VR clients on the margin of service receipt, having an IPE implemented increases quarterly employment rate by 15.4 percentage points and quarterly earnings by $1,442 (2018 dollars). We found heterogeneous program effects with individuals 18 or younger benefiting significantly more than those older than age 18 at the time of VR application. We estimate the annual real rate of return to be 10.2 percent for two years after VR case closure.

Impact of a summer work experience program on employment outcomes for youth who are blind or have low vision

BACKGROUND: Work experience programs are a common element of work-based learning for youth with disabilities under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, but few studies have focused on the effectiveness of these programs for youth who are blind or have low vision (B/LV). OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of a vocational rehabilitation (VR) agency-sponsored summer work experience program on employment outcomes for transition-age youth with B/LV. METHODS: In this retrospective cohort study, we used propensity score matching to analyze de-identified case records obtained from a VR agency. Participants were 14 to 24 years old at VR application and had a primary or secondary disability of blindness, visual impairment, or deaf-blindness. The matched sample (N = 302) included 151 youth who participated in the program and 151 youth who did not participate. RESULTS: Summer work experience participants were more likely to obtain competitive employment at VR case closure than non-participants. Work hours and hourly earnings did not differ significantly between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: These findings support the association between paid community-based work experiences and future employment for B/LV youth who receive VR services.

The Effect of Ruralness on Vocational Rehabilitation Applications.

Most of the literature on evaluating vocational rehabilitation (VR) programs has taken application to the VR program as given despite the obvious selection issues associated with the decision to apply. In this paper, we focus on the decision to apply for VR services and, in particular, on the effect of ruralness on that decision. We use ordinary least squares with and without state-specific fixed effects along with maximum likelihood estimation (MLE) to estimate models of the application decision. We find that people with disabilities from rural counties are less likely to apply for VR services than people with disabilities in more urban counties. We also find a wide distribution in state-specific fixed effect MLE estimates and show that only a small part of the variation across states is due to variation in Order-of-Selection rules. We conclude that states should sponsor more research to better understand variation in VR application rates across states and across counties. We also suggest how such research could be used to raise low application rates.

Six-year earnings and disability benefit outcomes of youth vocational rehabilitation applicants

Six-year earnings and disability benefit outcomes of youth vocational rehabilitation applicants

Vocational rehabilitation on the road to Social Security Disability

BACKGROUND: Vocational rehabilitation (VR) can potentially help disability-insured workers stay at work or return to work when they experience a disability. Such assistance could prevent or delay entry into the Social Security Disability (SSD) program. OBJECTIVE: We present descriptive statistics on the extent to which new VR applicants for 1998 through 2005 receive SSD benefits before or after VR application. METHODS: We matched Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA-911) records for the years 1998 through 2009 with the Social Security Administration’s program and earnings files. RESULTS: The analyses show that a substantial number of VR applicants entered SSD in the 60 months following VR application—more than 60,000 (12.3 percent) of the first-time VR applicants in 2002. The analyses also disclose variation in SSD entry across states, with some states accounting for entry percentages twice as high as that of others. We also found a positive relationship between our measure of wait time and entry into SSD. CONCLUSIONS: Although the large number of VR applicants entering SSD after VR application is modest compared to the number receiving an SSD award each year, the potential influence of VR services on later SSD and Medicare expenditures could be in the billions of dollars annually, in either direction.

Employed Vocational Rehabilitation Applicants with Visual Disabilities: Factors Associated with Timely Service Delivery

Introduction: Employed applicants for vocational rehabilitation need timely services to improve the likelihood of their successful job retention or career advancement. Little research exists that examines timeliness of services among employed applicants, particularly for applicants with visual disabilities. This study investigated time from vocational rehabilitation application to a signed Individualized Plan for Emplolyment (IPE) for employed applicants with visual disabilities. Method: The sample of 5,096 competitively employed vocational rehabilitation applicants from the FY2015 RSA-911 report was combined with survey responses from 51 vocational rehabilitation agencies about services to persons with visual disabilities. Multilevel modeling was used to examine effects of state-level and individual-level characteristics and cross-level interactions on the length of waiting time from vocational rehabilitation application to signed IPE. Results: The time from application to IPE was shorter for employed applicants with visual disabilities who received services from separate vocational rehabilitation agencies compared to that of combined vocational rehabilitation agencies. Employed vocational rehabilitation applicants with visual disabilities waited longer if they were younger, non-White, or received disability benefits. Official job-retention policies in state vocational rehabilitation agencies appeared to reduce the delay of IPE implementation for persons with secondary disabilities, for applicants who received disability benefits, and for persons who worked more hours per week. Discussion: Additional research to determine how vocational rehabilitation can provide services to employed persons as soon as possible after application is indicated, particularly for persons applying to combined agencies. Implications for practitioners: Vocational rehabilitation providers should explore ways to expedite service delivery, particularly for persons who are younger, non-White, or receiving disability benefits. Implementing official vocational rehabilitation policies for addressing job-retention and career-advancement cases may be one avenue to expedite services to some employed applicants.

Factors Related to Employment Outcomes for Vocational Rehabilitation Consumers with Visual Impairments: A Systematic Review

Introduction: The purpose of this article was to conduct a systematic review of peer-reviewed studies on factors related to employment in consumers who are visually impaired using Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA-911) Case Service Report data. Methods: We used database, hand, and ancestral search strategies to systematically identify peer-reviewed studies published between 1990 and August 2018 where researchers used RSA-911 data to address the target question. All included articles were coded by two reviewers for study and participant characteristics, quality indicators, and outcomes. Results: Nine articles consisting of 14 analyses were included. Twelve analyses concerned employment outcomes; two concerned earnings. Researchers in most studies used large samples of 3,000 or more consumers and used multivariable analyses, most commonly multilevel logistic regression. Factors that consistently predicted lower employment across studies included presence of a secondary disability and legal blindness; higher education level consistently predicted higher employment, as did earnings and self-support at vocational rehabilitation application. Few analyses included state- or agency-level variables or specific vocational rehabilitation services. Discussion: These results indicate that certain groups of vocational rehabilitation consumers with visual impairments may be at greater risk of unsuccessful closures; researchers should examine specific strategies that may improve outcomes in these groups. These results also highlight the importance of education in securing employment among people with visual impairments. Researchers should examine state- and agency-level variables that may affect outcomes as well as the effects of specific services on outcomes. Additionally, researchers should analyze factors that may affect employment quality as well as employment outcomes. Implications for practitioners: Practitioners who are working with visually impaired people who do not have a postsecondary degree should encourage and assist their clients in obtaining one; practitioners may also wish to provide more targeted support for consumers from potentially high-risk subpopulations.

Long-Term Outcomes for Transition-Age Youth With Mental Health Conditions Who Receive Postsecondary Education Support

This article examines the relationship between receiving support for postsecondary education (college or vocational training) from state vocational rehabilitation (VR) agencies and long-term outcomes for youth with mental health conditions (MHCs). We use longitudinal data to follow three cohorts of youth VR applicants for 9 years after they applied for VR services. The results show a strong relationship between receipt of postsecondary education support and long-term employment, earnings, and federal disability benefit receipt. For some outcomes, such as being employed in the 9 years after VR application, the number of years employed, and benefit receipt in the 9 years after VR application for those who did not receive benefits at the time of application, the association is larger for youth with MHCs than for those with other disabilities. These findings provide valuable descriptive estimates of the benefits of providing postsecondary education support for VR youth with MHCs and how these benefits compare with youth with other types of disabilities.

Surveying Vocational Rehabilitation Applicants Online: A Feasibility Study

Web surveys enable efficient data collection, but their usefulness is potentially limited when studying people with disabilities, who often lack Internet access. We test the feasibility of collecting web survey data from a sample of state vocational rehabilitation (VR) applicants, inviting nonrespondents to complete a telephone interview instead. People who lacked Internet access were provided with a mobile device and wireless access and were as likely to complete the web surveys as people who already had Internet access. Respondents who elected to complete the survey online versus by telephone differed in level of education and VR experience. These findings suggest that for disability studies, web surveys are an important supplement to, but not a replacement for, traditional data collection efforts.

Personal and Contextual Factors Associated With Successful Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Outcomes

Some individuals with disabilities have relatively better labor outcomes than others. If vocational rehabilitation (VR) counselors can better understand what factors are correlated with positive outcomes, they could better identify what clients are at risk for poor outcomes and then intervene early to improve chances for success. Unfortunately, until recently VR survey and administrative data have had insufficient information to investigate these questions. We use a survey of 932 Ohio VR clients combined with administrative earnings data to examine the barriers and facilitators associated with employment and earnings outcomes. The survey data are from the 2014 Survey of Disability and Employment, a survey of VR applicants in three states. We compare VR case status and earnings through 2016, by demographics, functional limitation status, employment history and attitudes, and reasons stated for not working in the survey. We find that about 25% of survey respondents exited the program employed or had at least one quarter of average monthly earnings above the Social Security Administration’s substantial gainful activity amount. Pain, depression or anxiety, longer duration of job separation, personal and familial attitudes about work, and not working because of personal and health reasons were associated with poorer outcomes among survey respondents.

Losing Employment: At-Risk Employed Vocational Rehabilitation Applicants with Vision Loss

Introduction Recent U.S. legislation supports vocational rehabilitation efforts to maximize employment and community integration of persons with disabilities by providing job retention and career advancement services. The study presented here investigated employed persons with visual disabilities who applied for vocational rehabilitation services. Methods The sample included 4,499 competitively employed vocational rehabilitation applicants from the FY2015 RSA-911 report. Logistic regression was used to identify consumer characteristics and vocational rehabilitation services associated with losing competitive employment. Results Employed applicants tended to receive assessment, counseling and guidance, diagnosis and treatment, and rehabilitation technology. Characteristics that put employed applicants at increased risk of losing their jobs included being female, having a secondary disability, working fewer hours, having less education, or having a previous unsuccessful vocational rehabilitation employment outcome. There was a significant interaction between vocational rehabilitation case length and age: those served for longer periods were more likely to lose employment, particularly older consumers. Consumers who received short-term on-the-job support, diagnosis and treatment of impairments, or rehabilitation technology services were more likely to retain competitive employment. Discussion When developing rehabilitation plans for employed applicants, counselors may identify and attempt to provide services to address factors that put consumers at an increased risk of losing employment. Part-time employment at application is one risk factor that requires increased attention. Implications for practitioners Prompt service delivery is an important factor in facilitating job retention. Increased efforts to maintain consumer contact and motivation may influence the likelihood of job retention among employed applicants.

Variations in social capital among vocational rehabilitation applicants

Variations in social capital among vocational rehabilitation applicants

Using administrative data to explore the employment and benefit receipt outcomes of vocational rehabilitation applicants years after program exit

Using administrative data to explore the employment and benefit receipt outcomes of vocational rehabilitation applicants years after program exit

Personal characteristics of vocational rehabilitation applicants: Findings from the Survey of Disability and Employment

Personal characteristics of vocational rehabilitation applicants: Findings from the Survey of Disability and Employment

Youth With Disabilities at the Crossroads

State vocational rehabilitation (VR) agencies are well positioned to assist youth aged 16 to 24 years with disabilities who are transitioning from school to work. Using Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA)-911 records matched to Social Security Administration (SSA) administrative records, this article adds to the knowledge about state VR agency provision of services to youth with disabilities and differences in outcomes based on SSA benefit receipt status. Although agencies’ statistics varied widely, almost one in six SSA beneficiaries who sought VR services had at least 1 month of benefit suspension due to work within 48 months of their VR applications, and about one in 10 VR applicants without SSA benefits at the time of their VR application received SSA benefits within 48 months. SSA beneficiaries received services from VR agencies at the same level as non-SSA beneficiaries, but the levels at which they were employed when they closed from services were lower. The results have two main policy implications. First, the level of resources to which agencies have access may be important in influencing the outcomes we measured. Second, agency differences in the proportion of SSA beneficiaries who eventually had benefit suspension due to work point to the potential for additional gains by agencies in this area.

Too Disabled to Work

This study examined the rate at which applicants to Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) were denied services because their disabilities were “too severe.” It found that, from 2002 to 2012, 1.7% of all VR applicants throughout the United States were denied services because of the nature of their impairments. In addition, over this period, the number of VR applicants who were denied gradually declined. However, individuals who had cognitive impairments made up a larger proportion of the denied group over time while individuals who had physical disabilities made up a smaller proportion. Finally, although rates varied widely among states, most states (i.e., 34) were decreasing the use of “too disabled” as a means of denying services.

State vocational rehabilitation programs and federal disability insurance: an analysis of Virginia’s vocational rehabilitation program

Abstract We examine the association between the receipt of vocational rehabilitation (VR) services and Federal Disability Insurance using a unique panel data source on persons who applied for assistance from Virginia’s VR program in 2000. Three central findings emerge: first, VR services are associated with lower rates of participation in disability insurance programs-a nearly 2 point drop in SSDI receipt and 1 point drop in SSI receipt. Second, VR service receipt is associated with lower take-up rates of SSDI/SSI. Finally, among VR applicants on SSDI/SSI, those who receive substantive VR services are more likely to be employed. JEL codes H51, I13, J24

Vocational Rehabilitation on the Road to Social Security Disability: Longitudinal Statistics from Matched Administrative Data

Vocational rehabilitation (VR) agencies can potentially help disability-insured workers stay at work or return to work when they experience the onset of a disabling physical or mental condition. Such assistance could prevent or delay their exit from the labor force and entry into the Social Security disability (SSD) rolls. This study presents new descriptive information on the extent to which VR applicants receive SSD benefits before or after VR application. The analyses show that substantial numbers of VR applicants entered SSD in the 60 months following VR application -- more than 50,000 (11.3 percent) of the first-time VR applicants in 2003. SSD entry varies with VR applicant characteristics; those with relatively high SSD entry include non-Hispanic whites, those not employed at application, those with more than a high school education, and especially those already in SSI but not SSD. There is also wide variation in SSD entry across states, with some states having entry percentages twice as high as others. We also found a positive relationship between our measure of wait time and entry into SSD, and we discuss strategies to estimate the causal effect of wait time on SSD entry -- an effect that could theoretically be in either direction. Although the large number of VR applicants entering SSD after VR application is modest compared to the number receiving an SSD award each year, the impact that VR services have on later SSD and Medicare expenditures could be in the billions of dollars annually, in either direction.

Striking while the iron is hot: The effect of vocational rehabilitation service wait times on employment outcomes for applicants receiving Social Security disability benefits

BACKGROUND: State vocational rehabilitation (VR) agencies play a significant role in supporting the employment goals of people with disabilities, but delays in the receipt of vocational services could adversely affect employment outcomes of applicants for services. OBJECTIVE: We explore how exogenous variation in the duration to service receipt for VR applicants receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits affects their employment outcomes. METHODS: We constructed a data set for an annual cohort of SSDI applicants for VR services and followed them for 48 months after their application month using VR and Social Security Administration (SSA) administrative records. We then estimated multivariate models to predict employment-related outcomes based on agency order of selection characteristics and a measure of the usual wait time experienced by all SSDI applicants to the same agency in the same month. RESULTS: Having wait lists for services and experiencing longer wait times for services are associated with lower employment outcomes at VR closure and employment outcomes observed through SSA administrative data. CONCLUSIONS: Longer wait times harm the economic well-being of SSDI VR applicants, reduce VR agency revenues, and increase SSA benefit costs. An experimental test of the effect of accelerating the pace of service delivery seems worthwhile.