Research Article

Article Details

Citation:  Kim, J., Riesen, T., Inge, K., Keeton, B., Weathers, M., & Tansey, T.N. (2023). Customized employment as a pathway to competitive integrated employment: An analysis of RSA 911 data of state vocational rehabilitation agencies with the highest use of this intervention. Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, 58 (1), 89-98.
Title:  Customized employment as a pathway to competitive integrated employment: An analysis of RSA 911 data of state vocational rehabilitation agencies with the highest use of this intervention
Authors:  Kim, J., Riesen, T., Inge, K., Keeton, B., Weathers, M., & Tansey, T.N.
Year:  2023
Journal/Publication:  Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation
Publisher:  IOS Press
DOI:  https://doi.org/10.3233/JVR-221227
Full text:  https://content.iospress.com/articles/journal-of-vocational-rehabil...    |   PDF   
Peer-reviewed?  Yes
NIDILRR-funded?  Yes

Structured abstract:

Background:  Customized employment (CE) is a highly relevant but underused strategy for individuals with significant disabilities. It is important to examine how CE has been utilized in state vocational rehabilitation agencies (SVRAs).
Purpose:  The purpose of this study is to identify SVRAs’ CE service patterns and outcomes from 2017 to 2020.
Data collection and analysis:  Descriptive analysis, chi-square, and t-test comprised data analysis.
Findings:  78% of the consumers receiving CE were associated with 10 SVRAs. This sample (N?=?1,779) was 57.4% male and 42.6% female and had a mean age of 31.61 years. 77% were White. The frequent services provided with CE were VR counseling and guidance, assessment, and job placement assistance. Based on the service provision pattern, the agencies were separated into Group A, using co-occurring services other than supported employment (SE), and Group B, using SE along with CE. Consumers served by Group B are more likely to have cognitive impairment, intellectual disability, and the most significant disability. Group A is associated with lower employment, higher weekly earnings, and weekly hours worked.
Conclusions:  VR agencies and providers should consider these findings to refine and improve their service delivery and policies/procedures particularly for customized employment.

Disabilities served:  Cognitive / intellectual impairment
Developmental disabilities
Severe physical disability
Interventions:  Vocational rehabilitation
Customized employment
Outcomes:  Employment acquisition
Full-time employment