A Structural Equation Model of Vocational Rehabilitation Services: Predictors of Employment Outcomes for Clients with Intellectual and Co-occurring Psychiatric Disabilities

Despite low employment rates and significant barriers to competitive employment, individuals with intellectual disabilities (ID) and co-occurring psychiatric disabilities want to work and are capable of working. From the context of the state-federal vocational rehabilitation (VR) program, this study analyzed variables from the Rehabilitation Services Administration 911 national data set through structural equation modeling. New knowledge about the state-federal VR program was generated. In particular, job-related VR services (Job Placement, Job Search Assistance, Job Readiness Training, and On-the-Job Support) were found to significantly predict employment outcomes for VR clients with ID and co-occurring psychiatric disabilities. Implications for VR practice and future research are discussed.