Vocational Rehabilitation Service Patterns Research Articles

Differential vocational rehabilitation service patterns and outcomes for transition-age youth with specific learning disabilities: Implications in the COVID-19 era

BACKGROUND: It is essential to ensure that youth with specific learning disabilities (SLD) receive an appropriate type and amount of vocational rehabilitation (VR) services to facilitate their entrance to employment and career development. METHODS: In this study, the chi-squared automatic interaction detector (CHAID) analysis and multivariate logistic regression analysis were used to investigate the relationship among demographic variables, VR services, and employment outcomes for transition-age youth with SLD. RESULTS: Results indicated that age, gender, race, educational level, and cash benefits from the Social Security Administration were significant predictors of employment outcomes for transition-age youth with SLD. After controlling for the effects of demographic variables, job and training related services had significant relationships with employment outcomes. Most notably, job placement, occupational/vocational training, and on-the-job support services had the strongest relationships with competitive employment outcomes. CONCLUSION: These findings support the effectiveness of job-related services and supported employment for transition-age youth with SLD. Implications for future research and practice in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic are discussed.

An exploration of Asian Americans in the state vocational rehabilitation system by disability type.

The limited amount of information available on Asian Americans with different types of disability in vocational rehabilitation (VR) system has been a major obstacle to developing appropriate policies and practices. Using the Rehabilitation Service Administration data (RSA-911), this study investigated the associations between demographic characteristics, VR service patterns, and employment outcomes of Asian Americans. Whether the relationships differed by type of disabilities (i.e., sensory/communicative, physical, cognitive, and psychiatric disabilities) among Asian Americans was also examined. A series of chi-squared tests, one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), and logistic regression were conducted to examine the associations and differences among demographic characteristics, service patterns, and employment outcomes across four major disability groups. Each disability group showed different service patterns that indicate unique consumer needs, individualized services and supports to be delivered in a culturally sensitive manner. Along with the demographic profiles of Asian Americans, factors significantly associated with competitive employment in each group were identified. This explorative study's finding implies VR practitioners' need to understand individual needs by disability type as well as characteristics of Asian culture, and need to develop and implement effective strategies and services to assist this population.

Differential vocational rehabilitation service patterns and outcomes for transition-age youth with autism.

It is important to investigate receipt of vocational rehabilitation (VR) services, service patterns and outcomes for youth with autism, so that limited public resources can be used more efficiently. This study used chi-squared automatic interaction detector, and multivariate logistic regression analysis to investigate relationships between demographic variables, receipt of VR services and employment outcomes for transition-age youth (TAY) with Autism. The results indicate that gender, education level and cash benefits are significant predictors of employment outcomes. After controlling for the effect of demographic variables, several VR services (i.e., job placement, on-the-job support, on-the-job training, maintenance, other services, information referral, and diagnostic and treatment services) were significantly associated with competitive employment. Overall, the results indicate that job-related services were significantly related to employment outcomes for TAY with Autism; therefore, it is important these youths are provided with more targeted job placements and supported employment services (Wehman etal., ).

Vocational Rehabilitation Service Patterns: An Application of Social Network Analysis to Examine Employment Outcomes of Transition-Age Individuals With Autism

Young adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) face poor employment outcomes following transition from school to adult life. Social network analysis is a useful approach for examining service patterns associated with employment success for this population. An advantage of this approach is its focus on the interdependence of variables rather than individual predictors. This study applies network methodology to examine the relations between vocational rehabilitation services and young adults with ASD to predict employment status. Using the Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA-911) data set, participants included 2,219 individuals with ASD between the ages of 16 and 24 served by the public vocational rehabilitation system and closed as either competitively employed or not employed. A two-mode network was constructed such that a relation was defined for each service an individual received. Results from a core-periphery analysis indicated that of the 22 services available, core services included assessment, counseling/guidance, job placement, on-the-job support, job search support, and transportation services. Follow-up analyses suggested that the greater number of these six core services an individual received, the better the employment outcome. Findings highlight that these services should be viewed as interconnected and suggest a set of six core services that may be particularly beneficial for this population.

VR Service Patterns and Employment Outcomes of Transition-Aged Youth

The purpose of this study was to descriptively explore the service provision of transition-aged youth in a state vocational rehabilitation (VR) agency and to determine if predictor variables could be identified for successful employment outcomes through logistic regression. At closure, more than half the participants were closed successfully in competitive employment. The majority were working in service, clerical and sales, or professional/technical/ managerial positions after receiving VR services focused on understanding the consumer's needs and creating appropriate plans, preparing for a job, obtaining a job and then retaining employment. Implications for transition and rehabilitation practice include the necessity o[specific transition-related training for VR counselors.

Vocational Rehabilitation Service Patterns and Outcomes for Individuals with Autism of Different Ages.

Young adults with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) often experience employment difficulties. Using Rehabilitation Service Administration data (RSA-911), this study investigated the service patterns and factors related to the employment outcomes of individuals with ASD in different age groups. Hierarchical logistic regression analyses were conducted to examine the effects of demographic and vocational rehabilitation (VR) service variables on employment outcomes in each age group. The results show that transition youth made up the largest portion of VR service users among the ASD population, yet they have the worst employment outcomes across all age groups. Factors that are significantly associated with increased odds for employment in each age group were identified. Implications from systemic, practical, and research perspectives are also provided.

Differential vocational rehabilitation service patterns related to the job retention and job placement needs of people with diabetes

BACKGROUND: It is clear that the chronic progression of diabetes, as well as other socio-environmental factors, act as barriers to individuals seeking to maintain employment. Long-term employment outcomes of people with diabetes can be improved by providing customized interventions to help individuals retain their current employment. OBJECTIVE: This investigation examined differential vocational rehabilitation (VR) service patterns between two groups of clients with diabetes, those who were employed at the time of application and those who were unemployed. METHODS: Quantitative descriptive research design using multiple discriminant analysis (MDS). Participants included 5,427 individuals with diabetes whose VR cases were closed in Fiscal Year 2011. RESULTS: MDS revealed that the employed applicants group had higher propensities than the unemployed applicants group to receive assessment, diagnosis and treatment, counseling and guidance, rehabilitation technology, and on-the-job supports as part of the VR process. The unemployed applicants group had higher propensities to receive occupational/vocational training, job readiness, job placement, and other services. CONCLUSION: These differential service patterns suggest that the client’s employment status at the inception of his or her VR program is taken into close consideration during the case planning and goal-setting phases of the VR process. Implications for future research and VR service delivery are discussed.

Differential Vocational Rehabilitation Service Patterns Related to the Job Retention and Job-Seeking Needs of Individuals With Multiple Sclerosis

The experience of living with multiple sclerosis (MS) can have a profound effect on employment. The impact of MS is a complex interaction of personal, medical, functional, financial, and psychosocial variables that ultimately results in up to 80% of persons with MS leaving their jobs within 10 years of their diagnosis. The aim of this study was to investigate whether the employment status of applicants with MS who were seeking services from state vocational rehabilitation (VR) agencies could be classified based on the type of services provided. A quantitative descriptive research design employing discriminant analysis (DA) was used to determine differential services received by employed and unemployed applicants with MS. Findings indicate that persons with MS who were employed at application were more likely to receive services geared toward career stabilization (i.e., assistive technology/accommodation services, counseling and guidance, and cognitive retraining-type rehabilitative services). Conversely, the unemployed applicant group had a higher propensity to receive services focused on job placement (i.e., job readiness, job seeking, and job placement services). Although a disparity persisted between the average worker in the United States and the outcomes achieved by VR service recipients regarding weekly wages and hours, services provided by the state-federal VR program reduce this disparity. In addition, the return on investment (ROI) associated with providing services to persons with MS was calculated as providing an $8 return for every dollar spent. Persons with MS employed at application had an ROI of more than $10 for every dollar spent. Implications for persons with MS, rehabilitation counselors, health care professionals, and policymakers are provided.

Vocational rehabilitation service patterns and employment outcomes of people with epilepsy

This study aimed to examine the association between vocational rehabilitation (VR) services and employment outcomes of people with epilepsy (PWE), after controlling for demographic covariates. Data was retrieved from the Rehabilitation Services Administration Case Service Report (RSA-911) database for fiscal year (FY) 2011. Multivariate logistic regression was used to predict employment outcomes of PWE. Of the 2030 previously unemployed PWE who received services, 884 (43.5%) achieved successful competitive employment. Results indicate that higher education level and cost of VR services consumed were positively related to successful employment. In contrast, having co-occurring anxiety/depression, receiving cash benefits, or increasing time spent in the VR system was negatively associated with employment. Eight specific VR services (e.g., education, vocational training, and job search and placement assistance) were also found to be significant predictors of employment. Services provided by state VR agencies were proven to be beneficial in improving employment outcomes. PWE should be encouraged to pursue VR services to increase the chances of attaining employment. Health care providers should also become familiar with the array of VR services.

Vocational Rehabilitation Service Patterns and Employment Outcomes for Hispanics with Spinal Cord Injuries

PurposeThis study examined demographic and rehabilitation service variables affecting employment outcomes of people with spinal cord injury (SCI) receiving services from state vocational rehabilitation agencies. A secondary purpose was to determine whether there are disparities in services and outcomes between European American and Hispanic clients.MethodThe sample included 3,119 European Americans and 395 Hispanics who were closed either as rehabilitated (Status 26) or not rehabilitated (Status 28) by their state vocational rehabilitation agencies in the fiscal year 2005. The dependent variable is employment outcomes. The predictor variables include a set of personal characteristic variables and rehabilitation service variables.ResultsLogistic regression analysis results indicated that education, on-the-job training, job search assistance, job placement assistance, on-the-job support, maintenance services, assistive technology and other services were significant predictors of successful employment outcomes for individuals with SCI. European Americans were more likely to receive assistive technology services, and Hispanics were more likely to receive support services related to basic living needs.ConclusionsAssistive technology services, basic support services, and job placement support services were found to contribute significantly to successful rehabilitation outcomes. Minor disparities in case expenditures and service patterns were found between Hispanic and European American clients.

Vocational Rehabilitation Service Patterns and Employment Outcomes for Hispanics with Spinal Cord Injuries

Vocational Rehabilitation Service Patterns and Employment Outcomes for Hispanics with Spinal Cord Injuries