Predictors of Employment and College Attendance Outcomes for Youth in Transition: Implications for Policy and Practice

Abstract

An analysis of vocational rehabilitation (VR) data over a period of five years from a Midwestern state was conducted to identify predictors of employment and college attendance outcomes for youth with disabilities receiving transition services. The database included 26,292 transition cases. Transition outcomes were identified for 4,010 youth (15.3%). Results indicated that 11.2% of the cases were closed from application (ineligible), 45.2% were closed before the rehabilitation plan was completed, and 13.1% were closed after plan implementation (non-rehabilitated). Logistic regression analyses for predictors of employment and college enrollment indicated that females had a higher chance of going to college, as well as youth with a sensory disability. The chances of gaining competitive employment increased as the amount of money spent on the case increased. Youth who received vocational guidance and on-the job supports had higher chances of obtaining competitive employment than of going to college. Recommendations for VR practice with transition youth are suggested.