Assistive technology services for transition-aged young adults with disabilities in state-federal vocational rehabilitation programs.

Objective

Transition-aged young adults (TAYA) with disabilities face high rates of unemployment and underemployment. Although assistive technology (AT) services can improve em-ployment outcomes in state vocational rehabilitation (VR) programs, they remain underutilized with notable disparities. This study examined how sociodemographic factors and their interactions predict the receipt of AT services for TAYA with disabilities.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of national data collected by the Rehabilitation Service Administration's Case Service Report from fiscal years 2017-2019 was conducted. The sample included 271,698 cases reporting a disability, aged 18-24, and eligible for VR services. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to examine the main and interaction effects of various sociodemographic variables on the likelihood of receiving AT services through VR programs.

Results

Results indicated that less than 3% of TAYA with disabilities in the study sample received AT services. Characteristics associated with a lower likelihood of receiving AT services included being unemployed, from a minority group, having a significant disability, being older, having cognitive or mental health conditions, and not being enrolled in post-secondary education (PSE). Discussion and

Conclusion

Findings suggest that AT services are underutilized, particularly for TAYA with cognitive and mental disabilities, those not enrolled in PSE, or those who are unemployed. These findings highlight the need for targeted efforts to enhance VR AT services to support employment transitions. Increasing AT training in rehabilitation educational programs and in-service training may improve service utilization. Future research should focus on evidence to support AT use in vocational settings and on developing guidelines for employment transitions.