Predictors of Competitive Employment for Blind and Visually Impaired Consumers of Vocational Rehabilitation Services

2005 ◽  
Vol 99 (5) ◽  
pp. 303-315 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michele E. Capella-McDonnall

In this study, four variables were found to have a significant association with competitive employment outcomes for blind and visually impaired consumers of vocational rehabilitation services. These variables were the receipt of education as a rehabilitation service that resulted in an educational certificate or degree, having worked since the onset of the disability, reason for applying to vocational rehabilitation related to obtaining a job, and the relationship between the counselor and the consumer being rated as high quality.

2019 ◽  
Vol 113 (6) ◽  
pp. 518-537 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emily M. Lund ◽  
Jennifer L. Cmar

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.


2016 ◽  
Vol 40 (3) ◽  
pp. 144-155 ◽  
Author(s):  
Charlotte Y. Alverson ◽  
Scott H. Yamamoto

Research has consistently documented poor employment outcomes for young adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Vocational rehabilitation (VR) services provide substantial federal and state commitments to individuals with disabilities to obtain and maintain employment. To date, little research has examined the relationship between VR services and employment outcomes of clients with ASD. The purpose of this descriptive study was to better understand employment outcomes of individuals with ASD. Data spanning 10 years from the Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA) 911 database were analyzed to identify characteristics of VR clients with ASD and the services they received. The percent of individuals who achieved competitive employment averaged 37% across the 10 years. Those who achieved an employment outcome participated in twice as many services as those who did not achieve an employment outcome.


2021 ◽  
pp. JARC-D-20-00017
Author(s):  
Kayli Seagraves

The unemployment rate of those with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is staggeringly low. The low number of those with ASD in the competitive workforce can be connected to the complex and sometimes severe manifestations of the disorder. However, there are many supports and accommodations that individuals with ASD can use in order to alleviate the stress of finding and maintaining competitive employment. Natural supports can be provided through supportive supervisors, informed coworkers, and on-the-job trainings. Vocational rehabilitation services are provided in order to assess, prepare, and support individuals with ASD through their employment. Lastly, job modifications are used to alleviate any stressors that an employee with ASD may experience on the job. In this literature it was found that natural supports, vocational rehabilitation services, and job modifications were effective in improving the employment outcomes for individuals with ASD. Rehabilitation counselors can use the information found in this literature review to inform employers of successful and effective job supports for employees with ASD.


1988 ◽  
Vol 19 (4) ◽  
pp. 11-15
Author(s):  
Anne M. Santiago

The present study examines the participation of blind and visually impaired Hispanics in vocational rehabilitation programs in New Jersey. An analysis of data from 1985 to 1987 reveals that visually impaired Hispanics have lower than expected levels of participation in vocational rehabilitation programs. Furthermore, very few Hispanic clients are being closed as rehabilitated. When Hispanics were successfully rehabilitated, 57 percent became wage earners.


1978 ◽  
Vol 72 (9) ◽  
pp. 374-376
Author(s):  
Frederick A. Silver

Describes the specialized services the visually impaired diabetic requires in addition to the usual vocational rehabilitation services. The diabetic must be trained in self-administration of insulin, in proper hygiene, and the correct diet must be made available. Counselor and rehab center staff must cooperate in handling the diabetic's unstable physical and visual condition and must be prepared to cope daily with new complications and possible emergencies.


2008 ◽  
Vol 39 (2) ◽  
pp. 25-29 ◽  
Author(s):  
David Hollar

Vocational rehabilitation (VR) services can be challenging for certain persons with disabilities, particularly persons with mental illness, traumatic brain injury (TBI), and substance use disorders (SUD). This study focused on successful (status 26) and unsuccessful (status 28) closures contained in the Longitudinal Study of the Vocational Rehabilitation Services Programs (LSVRSP). Individuals with ADHD, mental illness, physical disabilities, SUD, and learning disabilities had the lowest successful closure rates (43.2%, 45.5%, 50.6%, 51.3%, and 51.4%, respectively). Consumers reported a need for additional services, lack of job availability, family problems, discrimination, and transportation issues as leading reasons for unsuccessful closure. The results indicate a need for more comprehensive services directed towards persons with behavioral disabilities.


2019 ◽  
Vol 82 (6) ◽  
pp. 337-347 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kate Hayward ◽  
Bilal A Mateen ◽  
E Diane Playford ◽  
Gail Eva

Introduction This study aimed to understand existing vocational rehabilitation service provision in one locality in London (population 3.74 million), identify any gaps and explore reasons for this, to support service development. Method Using soft systems methodology to guide the research process, semi-structured interviews were completed with nine participants, who were clinicians and managers providing vocational rehabilitation within a National Health Service context. Data were analysed thematically to build a ‘rich picture’ and develop a conceptual model of vocational rehabilitation service delivery. Findings were then ratified with participants at an engagement event. Results The findings indicate a spectrum of vocational rehabilitation service provision for long-term neurological conditions with differing levels of funding in place. Vocational rehabilitation often takes place ‘under the radar’ and therefore the true vocational rehabilitation needs of this population, and the extent of service provision, is not known. There is inconsistency of understanding across the services as to what constitutes vocational rehabilitation and outcomes are not routinely measured. Conclusion For vocational rehabilitation services to develop they require appropriate funding, driven by government policy to commissioners. Clear definitions of vocational rehabilitation, collecting and sharing outcome data and effective communication across services are needed at a local level. This is expressed in a conceptual model of vocational rehabilitation service delivery.


2013 ◽  
Vol 19 (12) ◽  
pp. 1655-1664 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chung-Yi Chiu ◽  
Fong Chan ◽  
Malachy Bishop ◽  
Elizabeth da Silva Cardoso ◽  
John O’Neill

Background: Obtaining and maintaining suitable employment can be a significant challenge for people with multiple sclerosis (MS). Objective: The objective of this article is to identify what vocational rehabilitation (VR) services helped MS clients obtain and maintain employment, after controlling for the effect of demographic covariates and disability-related government benefits. Methods: We retrieved data from the Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA) 911 database in the fiscal year (FY) 2009, and used VR services as predictors to predict employment outcomes of people with MS by hierarchical logistic regression. Results: A total of 924 out of 1920 MS clients (48.1%) were successfully employed after receiving VR services. Logistic regression analysis results indicated that cash benefits (OR =0.51, p < 0.001) and public medical benefits (OR =0.76, p < 0.01) were negatively associated with employment outcomes, whereas counseling and guidance (OR = 1.68, p < 0.001), job placement assistance (OR = 2.43, p < 0.001), on-the-job supports (OR = 1.62, p < 0.01), maintenance services (OR = 1.59, p < 0.01), and assistive technology services (OR =2.09, p < 0.001) were significant predictors of positive employment outcomes. Conclusion: VR services were found to be associated with employment status. MS patients experiencing problems obtaining or maintaining employment should be encouraged to pursue services from state VR agencies.


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