Article Details - VCU RRTC

Journal Article Details

Citation:

Johanns, G.; Schles, R.A.; & Travers, H.E. (2025). An Examination of Interstate Differences in Eligibility Criteria for Vocational Rehabilitation Services for Individuals with Visual Impairments. Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, 62 (3), 298-309.

Title:

An Examination of Interstate Differences in Eligibility Criteria for Vocational Rehabilitation Services for Individuals with Visual Impairments

Authors:

Johanns, G.; Schles, R.A.; & Travers, H.E.

Year:

2025

Journal/Publication:

Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation

Publisher:

Sage Journals

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1177/10522263251326522

Full text:

https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/10522263251326522

Peer-reviewed?

Yes

NIDILRR-funded?

Structured abstract:

Background:

The Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS) outlines provisions states must follow regarding vocational rehabilitation (VR) services. However, states are allowed to develop and implement their own guidance documents.

Purpose:

Drawing from VR eligibility documents obtained from 20 states, this paper discusses the variations in eligibility criteria across states, VR representatives’ perception of their states’ criteria, and the referral process for individuals with visual impairment (VI) applying for VR.

Data collection & analysis:

This study involved a national online survey and review of state VR agency contacts. In-vivo coding and descriptive statistics (frequency and percentages) were used to summarize survey responses and findings from policy documents.

Findings:

This study reveals preliminary evidence of interstate and intrastate differences in eligibility criteria for VR services for individuals with VI, variability between special education (school-based) and VR (adult-based) eligibility criteria, as well as variability in the number of referrals VR agencies receive, the ways in which referrals are received, and the time from initial contact to eligibility determination among states.

Conclusions:

The findings provide important implications for professionals and policymakers when determining eligibility for adult VR services for individuals with VI. Further research should examine eligibility documents from all U.S. states and territories.

Interventions:

Vocational rehabilitation