Article Details - VCU RRTC

Journal Article Details

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:

https://content.iospress.com/articles/journal-of-vocational-rehabili...

Peer-reviewed?

Yes

NIDILRR-funded?

Not reported

Structured abstract:

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.

Disabilities served:

Multiple disabilities

Populations served:

Transition-age youth (14 - 24)

Interventions:

Vocational rehabilitation

Outcomes:

Employment acquisition