Research Database: Article Details
| Citation: | Dutta, A.,Gervey R.,Chan, E.,F.,Chou, C.,& Ditchman,N. (2008). Vocational rehabilitation services and employment outcomes for people with disabilities: A United States study. Journal of Occupational Rehabilitation, 18 (4), 326-334. |
| Title: | Vocational rehabilitation services and employment outcomes for people with disabilities: A United States study |
| Authors: | Dutta, A.,Gervey R.,Chan, E.,F.,Chou, C.,& Ditchman,N. |
| Year: | 2008 |
| Journal/Publication: | Journal of Occupational Rehabilitation |
| Publisher: | Springer Science+Business Media, LLC |
| DOI: | https://doi.org/10.1007/s10926-008-9154-z |
| Full text: | http://proxy.library.vcu.edu/login?url=http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/... |
| Peer-reviewed? | Yes |
| NIDILRR-funded? | Yes |
| Research design: | Database mining |
Structured abstract:
| Background: | Work is fundamental to the physical and psychological well-being of all people. The United States state-federal vocational rehabilitation programs spend more than $2.5 billion annually. Understanding the factors and service patterns that contribute to successful employment outcomes will help enhance services. |
| Purpose: | The purpose of the study is to identify key factors associated with successful employment outcomes for people with sensory/communicative, physical, and mental impairments in the United States. |
| Setting: | This study included individuals with disabilities served by multiple vocational rehabilitation agencies in various settings. |
| Study sample: | Data for this study were extracted from the fiscal year 2005 RSA-911 Case Service Report. The sample includes 5,000 clients from each disability group (sensory/communicative, physical, and mental impairments) whose cases were closed as either rehabilitated or not rehabilitated. |
| Intervention: | Assessment, diagnosis and treatment of impairments, vocational rehabilitation counseling and guidance, college or university training, occupational/vocational training, on-the-job training, basic academic remedial or literacy training, job readiness training, job search assistance, job placement assistance, on-the-job supports, transportation, maintenance, rehabilitation technology, reader services, interpreter services, personal attendant services, information and referral, and other services. |
| Control or comparison condition: | Comparison of cases that were closed rehabilitated to those that were closed not rehabilitated. |
| Data collection and analysis: | Data extracted from the RSA-911 data were analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). Logistic regression analysis was used to examine the association among demographic characteristics, provision of cash or medical benefits, VR service patterns, and employment outcomes. (p. 328) |
| Findings: | Individuals with sensory/communicative impairments had the highest employment rate (75%) compared to 56% for the physical impairments group and 55% for those with mental impairments. Job placement, on-the-job support, maintenance, and other services were identified as significant predictors of employment success. |
| Conclusions: | This study provides some empirical support documenting the association between vocational rehabilitation services and employment outcomes of people with disabilities. (p. 326) |
| Disabilities served: |
Anxiety disorder Bi-polar Chronic mental illness Cognitive / intellectual impairment Depression Mobility impairment Orthopedic impairments Speech or language impairment Spinal cord injury (SCI) |
| Populations served: |
Gender: Female and Male |
| Interventions: |
Assistive technology Career counseling Individual Placement and Support (IPS) model of supported employment Job coach Job search and placement assistance Natural supports On-the-job training and support Personal assistance services (PAS) Rehabilitation counseling Training and technical assistance Vocational assessment Vocational rehabilitation |
| Outcomes: |
Employment acquisition |