An Analysis of Trends for People with MR, Cerebral Palsy, and Epilepsy Receiving Services from State VR Agencies: Ten Years of Progress.

This article presents the results of a secondary analysis of the RSA-911 database from the Rehabilitation Services Administration. All successful vocational rehabilitation (VR) closures for individuals with mental retardation, cerebral palsy, and epilepsy for five data points between 1985 and 1995 were investigated. Trends in the use of competitive employment versus sheltered workshops and employment outcomes (hours and earnings) are examined. The use of supported employment in the VR system and its outcomes are also discussed. An additional analysis of the impact of the 1992 Rehabilitation Act amendments is included. Findings include increased incidence of competitive employment and supported employment services but a decrease in real earnings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]