Age at Application for Vocational Rehabilitation Services as a Predictor of Employment Outcomes for Transition-Age Youth

Abstract

Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) outcome data from the Rehabilitation Services Administration were used to examine age as a predictor of employment outcomes for transition-age youth with significant disabilities. Employment outcomes were examined with regard to type of VR case closure achieved and wages earned. Age at application for VR services was examined as a predictor to determine if youth who applied for VR services during their early secondary education years had better employment outcomes than those who applied later. Confounding variables were controlled (i.e., gender, race, education, SES, and primary disability type). Youth with significant disabilities who were aged 14 to 24 when they applied for VR services comprised the population for this study. Logistic and linear regression were used to analyze these data. Results indicated that age was a predictor for wages earned. Gender, SES, and primary disability type were also predictors of employment outcomes. Findings from this study suggest that VR’s earlier involvement could lead to more positive employment outcomes.