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The employment of people with disabilities into meaningful careers continues to be a challenging problem. In 2019, 19.3% of individuals with disabilities were employed compared to 66.3% for people without [...], Self-employment has been identified as a component of customized employment and a means of achieving competitive integrated employment. However, rates of self-employment closures among vocational rehabilitation (VR) clients with disabilities has steadily declined over the last two decades. This study used a national sample of VR counselors engaged in current or past self-employment cases to examine their perceived barriers to successful self-employment closure. Two major themes (structural and feasibility barriers) were identified, which described six subthemes: funding challenges, implementation challenges, knowledge and skills challenges, system challenges, disability challenges, and perceptions of fit. Implications for future research, policy, and practice are discussed. Keywords: Self-employment; customized employment; rehabilitation counseling; implementation

Employment rates for individuals with cognitive disabilities remain low at 24%, compared to 78% for people without disabilities. Moreover, workers with cognitive disabilities typically work limited work hours and earn [...], Interviews with 16 employment consultants--triangulated with job seekers, family members, and supervisors--revealed a model of employment supports aligned with the elements described in the literature, although with an added emphasis on (a) building trust as a key element starting from day one; (b) a circular process converging on the job match; (c) and flexible intensity of supports. The model can be used for improving clarity in communication with employment consultants about effective employment support practices for assisting job seekers with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationship between Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) professionals' interactions with employers and those employers' hiring decisions regarding individuals who are blind or visually [...]

Adolescents with disabilities have federally mandated transition plans (or the transition individualized education program). Yet, even with services starting no later than age 16, many youth with disabilities have difficulty [...], The purpose of this study was to explore the personal characteristics of transition-aged youth served by a Midwest state vocational rehabilitation (VR) agency and to determine if these characteristics are predictive of service provision and successful employment. Chi-square tests and logistic regression analysis were used to determine the relationships between personal characteristics variables (such as disability type, gender, and race/ethnicity) and the provision of VR services and employment outcome. Individuals with sensory and other health impairments were less likely to be employed while individuals with a mental illness were more likely to be employed. Implications for practice, policy, and further research are discussed.