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.