Vocational rehabilitation services and outcomes for transition-age youth with visual impairments and blindness

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: This study examined data provided by the U.S. Department of Education’s Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA) in an effort to evaluate the impact of demographic variables, vocational rehabilitation services, and agency characteristics on the employment outcomes obtained by transition-age youth (i.e., 16 to 25 years old) with visual impairments and blindness.

RESULTS: Results indicated that young adults who were male, Hispanic, between the ages of 23 and 25, not receiving Social Security disability benefits, and diagnosed with less severe visual impairments were more likely to become employed than younger, female, Caucasian young adults with more severe visual impairments who were receiving Social Security disability benefits. Receiving reader and assistive technology services also predicted successful employment outcomes.

CONCLUSION: Results of this investigation document the importance of individualized VR services that promote long-term career success for transition-age youth with visual impairments and blindness.