| Citation: |
Poppen, M., Lindstrom, L., Unruh, D., Khurana, A., & Bullis, M. (2017). Preparing youth with disabilities for employment: An analysis of vocational rehabilitation case services data.
Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, 46
(2),
209-224.
|
| Title: |
Preparing youth with disabilities for employment: An analysis of vocational rehabilitation case services data |
| Authors: |
Poppen, M., Lindstrom, L., Unruh, D., Khurana, A., & Bullis, M. |
| Year: |
2017 |
|
Journal/Publication:
|
Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation |
| Publisher: |
IOS Press |
| DOI: |
https://doi.org/10.3233/JVR-160857
|
| Full text: |
http://content.iospress.com/articles/journal-of-vocational-rehabili...
|
| Peer-reviewed? |
Yes
|
| NIDILRR-funded? |
Not reported
|
| Background: |
Despite national efforts to improve post-school outcomes, many students with disabilities are unprepared to enter the workforce. Coordination with Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) can offer opportunities for improved employment outcomes. |
|
Purpose:
|
This study examined Oregon VR data to identify predictors of positive closure status for youth with disabilities. |
|
Study sample: |
Researchers used logistic regression to explore the effects of individual, in-school, post-school and contextual factors on VR case closure status among 4,443 young adults with disabilities who received and completed services from Oregon VR between 2003 and 2013. |
|
Findings:
|
Being female, having a mental illness, traumatic brain injury, multiple disabilities, interpersonal or self-care impediments to employment, receiving SSI, and closing with VR in periods of high unemployment reduce the likelihood of a positive VR closure. Participating in a collaborative transition program, earning a high school completion certificate, receiving a greater number of VR services, closing below the median number of days to closure, and closing in low unemployment periods increase the likelihood of a positive VR case closure status. |
|
Conclusions:
|
These findings highlight specific barriers to employment for vulnerable groups of young adults with disabilities, and identify service and contextual factors that can support positive employment outcomes. |
