Predictors of Outcomes for African Americans in a Rehabilitation State Agency: Implications for National Policy and Practice

A review of vocational rehabilitation (VR) data from a Midwestern state was conducted to identify predictors of rehabilitation outcomes for African American consumers. The database included 37,404 African Americans who were referred or self-referred over a period of five years. Logistic regression analysis indicated that except for age and disability type, none of the other demographic variables were significant predictors of vocational rehabilitation for the individuals in the sample. However, as the amount of money spent on a case increased, the probability of gaining employment increased. Recommendations for VR practice with minority consumers are suggested. (Contains 4 endnotes, 1 table and 3 figures.)