Article Details - VCU RRTC

Journal Article Details

Citation:

Meyer, J.S; Brinck, E.A; Weathers, M.D.; Park, S.; Qisti, D.A; Zencir, A.C.; Fosu-Asare, L. Anderson, C.A.; & Tansey, T.N. (2024). Vocational rehabilitation outreach to diverse populations: Identifying underserved populations through demographic analysis. Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, 62 (1), 39-48.

Title:

Vocational rehabilitation outreach to diverse populations: Identifying underserved populations through demographic analysis

Authors:

Meyer, J.S; Brinck, E.A; Weathers, M.D.; Park, S.; Qisti, D.A; Zencir, A.C.; Fosu-Asare, L. Anderson, C.A.; & Tansey, T.N.

Year:

2024

Journal/Publication:

Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation

Publisher:

Sage Journals

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1177/10522263241301196

Full text:

https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/10522263241301196 | PDF

Peer-reviewed?

Yes

NIDILRR-funded?

Structured abstract:

Background:

Underserved populations face many barriers to vocational rehabilitation (VR) services. However, outreach can build bridges with underserved populations.

Purpose:

This study compares Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA) client data with US Census data to identify which demographic groups are underserved at the national level. This data analysis strategy can also be applied by agencies and providers to identify underserved populations at the local level.

Data collection & analysis:

RSA 911 data from 77 agencies in the United States and its territories between the first quarter of 2021 through the third quarter of 2023 was compared to US Census data. RSA 911 data was analyzed, quantifying VR populations by demographic type. Diachronic analysis was utilized to identify service changes over time.

Findings:

This study found that several historically underserved demographic groups—including African Americans and Native Americans—were being served by VR at or above those groups’ representation among the general population. However, Hispanic/Latino, Asian, and female populations were underrepresented in VR applications.

Conclusions:

VR agencies and providers have made significant progress with many traditionally underserved groups. However, Hispanic/Latino, Asian, and female populations are groups that require enhanced outreach efforts. In addition, agencies and providers can compare local client data with local Census figures to identify local underserved populations.

Interventions:

Vocational rehabilitation