Vocational rehabilitation outcomes of African American adults with specific learning disabilities

This study examined the psychological, educational, and rehabilitation service factors associated with successful vocational outcomes for African Americans with specific learning disabilities who are being served by the Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) system. A total of 119 African American clients were evaluated in this study, 62 (52%) of whom met the VR criteria for successful employment closure. Of the 23 variables investigated, only one, college training, was significantly associated with vocational outcome. Both groups had low-average range measured cognitive ability and borderline range academic skills. Results also revealed that approximately one-third of the sample had a psychiatric diagnosis, and that the race of the counselor was not a significant factor in performance of the two groups. Most persons whose cases were closed as successful were employed in service occupations. Implications and recommendations for current rehabilitation practice were discussed.