Factors Related to Short- and Long-Term Employment Outcomes for Handicapped Participants in an Industry-Based Rehabilitation Program. Final Report

• Main Author: Liebert, Diane E
• Format: Report
• Language: English
• Published: 01.12.1984
• Subjects: Adults; Disabilities; Employment; Followup Studies; Learning Disabilities; Mental Retardation; Success; Vocational Rehabilitation

The study examined factors related to short and long-term employment outcomes for 320 adults with four major handicapping conditions (learning disabilities, mental retardation, emotional handicaps, and other handicaps) who participated in an industry-based rehabilitation program. Clients, who were placed in competitive employment over the past 10 years, responded to a phone or mail survey regarding their current employment and recent job history. Results showed that the industry-based rehabilitation model achieves its goal of competitive employment for handicapped participants (72% were currently employed at short-term followup and 70% were employed at long-term followup). Despite a significant relationship between type of handicap and current employment status, the majority of clients in all four handicapped groups were competitively employed 1-10 years following placement. The 10 client variables examined in the study did not significantly predict successful employment outcomes at long or short-term followup or for any of the handicapped groups with one exception: employer ratings of clients after 1 month on the job were significantly related to successful employment outcomes for the learning disabled group. (Author/CL)