Changes in Vocational Rehabilitation Service Users, Service Receipt, and Outcomes Following Implementation of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act.

Background: The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) of 2014 mandated significant changes to U.S. Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) services, including allocating 15% of state VR funds for pre-employment transition services (Pre-ETS) for youth with disabilities. Objective: This study examine...

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Detalles Bibliográficos
Publicado en:Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation Vol. 65; no. 2; pp. 175 - 187
Autores principales: Roux, Anne M, Rast, Jessica, Whittenburg, Holly N, Taylor, Joshua P
Formato: research tables/charts Journal Article
Publicado: Sage Publications Inc. Sep2026
Acceso en línea:Ver este registro en EBSCOhost
Descripción
Sumario:Background: The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) of 2014 mandated significant changes to U.S. Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) services, including allocating 15% of state VR funds for pre-employment transition services (Pre-ETS) for youth with disabilities. Objective: This study examined changes in VR service users, service delivery, and employment outcomes pre- (2014–2016) and post-WIOA (2017–2019) using RSA-911 administrative data. Method: We analyzed demographic and disability characteristics, service types, and employment outcomes for over 1 million VR service recipients ages 14–64 across all U.S. states. Multivariable logistic regression assessed predictors of employment at VR exit. Post-WIOA, VR service users were younger and more likely to have a "most significant disability." Results: Receipt of nearly all service types declined, particularly postsecondary education and job-related services, despite stable spending per person. Employment outcomes decreased across all age groups, most notably among youth ages 14–18. Receipt of job-related services was strongly associated with higher odds of employment, while longer service duration predicted lower odds. Conclusion: Findings suggest that WIOA's funding shifts may have unintentionally reduced service access and employment outcomes, especially for adults. As VR systems recalibrate, further research is needed to assess cost-benefit tradeoffs and ensure equitable service delivery across age and disability groups.