RRTC-IDD Journal Article Database:
Journal Article Details
Citation:
Kim, J.; Park, S.; Castruita-Rios, Y.; Weathers, M.; Park, M.; Inge, K.; Riesen, T.; Keeton, B.; Avellone, L.; & Tansey, T. (2024). Customized employment for transition-age youth in state vocational rehabilitation program PY2017 - PY2020: Analysis of service outcomes and related factors.
Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, 60
(3),
281-297.
Title:
Customized employment for transition-age youth in state vocational rehabilitation program PY2017 - PY2020: Analysis of service outcomes and related factors
Authors:
Kim, J.; Park, S.; Castruita-Rios, Y.; Weathers, M.; Park, M.; Inge, K.; Riesen, T.; Keeton, B.; Avellone, L.; & Tansey, T.
Year:
2024
Journal/Publication:
Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation
Publisher:
IOS Press
DOI:
Full text:
Peer-reviewed?
Yes
NIDILRR-funded?
Yes
Structured abstract:
Background:
Customized employment (CE) is positively correlated with competitive integrated employment (CIE) outcomes and potentially supports transition-age youth in achieving sustainable employment.
Purpose:
This study examines the employment outcomes and related factors for transition-age youth with disabilities who received CE services through state vocational rehabilitation agencies (SVRAs) and their vendors from program year 2017 to 2020.
Data collection & analysis:
Employing a combination of descriptive analysis, binary logistic and multiple regression, chi-square tests, and t-tests, the study investigates the demographics, potential barriers, and vocational rehabilitation (VR) services received by the research sample using the RSA-911 dataset.
Findings:
The sample comprised 672 individuals with a mean age of 22.30 years. The most prevalent barrier to employment among CE participants was long-term unemployment, while Supplemental Security Income (SSI) was the most common social security benefit. Furthermore, only 13.2% of transition-age youth achieved CIE status, compared to 30.1% of adults. The key predictors of employment outcomes, including CIE status, weekly earnings, and working hours were identified.
Conclusions:
The research reveals significant differences in employment outcomes between transition-age youth and adult VR consumers. These insights emphasize the necessity for SVRAs to consider a range of factors, including demographics, potential employment barriers, and the effects of various VR services, to increase the CE service effectiveness for transition-age youth.
Populations served:
Transition-age youth (14 - 24)
Interventions:
Vocational rehabilitation