Working is a form of societal participation highly valued in American culture. The state-federal vocational rehabilitation system helps people with disabilities obtain and maintain employment in their communities. Although some people with traumatic brain injury return to work with minor adjustments, high proportions do not return to former employment or find work after their injuries. Analyzing vocational rehabilitation services, and other variables that impact competitive employment outcomes for this population, is important. This study examined the association of types and degree of limitations to functional capacities, and competitive employment outcomes; and selected VR services, and competitive employment, after controlling for demographic variables. The sample for this study consisted of 340 consumers of Illinois state-federal VR system whose cases were closed in fiscal years 2006 and 2007. Eligible individuals with TBI who did not receive services were also described (N=120). The present study also provided information on the types and reasons for case closure, length of rehabilitation, case expenditure, types and number of services received, and weekly earnings at case closure. Contrary to expectations, the degree of limitation across all areas of functional capacity, used by VR counselors to determine severity of disability, and priority for services, were not found to be significantly related to competitive employment among customers with TBI. Results also found that, when relevant demographic characteristics are controlled, the odds of achieving competitive employment increased significantly for VR clients with TBI in Illinois who received job placement and on-the-job supports. For clients who were of minority background, received SSI/SSDI at application, or had lower socioeconomic status (based on income, education and pre-service work status), these odds significantly decreased. Service variables were stronger predictors of competitive employment than demographic variables. Implications, future directions, and limitations of this study are also discussed.

Consumers with spinal cord injury (SCI) served by state vocational rehabilitation services programs receive a variety of services to help them achieve competitive employment and higher earning outcomes. The purpose of this study was twofold: (a) to determine whether there was a relationship between specific vocational rehabilitation (VR) services and vocational outcomes (i.e., competitive employment and weekly earnings) at closure and (b) to establish whether there was a relationship between specific demographic variables and vocational outcomes (i.e., competitive employment and weekly earnings) at closure. The RSA-911 data for fiscal year 2006 were analyzed. The analysis of specific VR service variables indicated job placement, maintenance, and rehabilitation technology were significantly related to competitive employment of consumers with SCI. However, rehabilitation technology was negatively related to competitive employment. Vocational rehabilitation counseling and guidance, college/university training, and rehabilitation technology were positively related to weekly earnings; whereas occupational/vocational training, on-the-job training, and job placement services were negatively related to weekly earnings. An analysis of demographic variables indicated that gender and age were not related to competitive employment. Level of education and race were related to competitive employment. Gender, age, educational level, and race were related to weekly earnings. Males, young consumers, consumers with most education, and Whites were more likely to earn higher salaries.

<p dir="ltr">Students with an intellectual disability along with their family are constantly working on learning and building skills to be successful in the next stage of their life. The planning for “the rest of their lives” starts as early as 14-16 years old. This research will explore the difficulties of transition and skills that are required for the student to be a self-determined adult and have a smooth transition from school into their postsecondary adult life.</p><p dir="ltr"><br></p>