Vocational outcomes: VR service determinants for persons with epilepsy

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Mount, David | Johnstone, Brick | White, Clarissa | Sherman, Ashley

Affiliations: Department of Health Psychology, University of Missouri-Columbia School of Health Professions, Columbia, MO, USA | Missouri Division of Vocational Rehabilitation services, Jefferson City, MO, USA | Medical Research Office, University of Missouri-Columbia, Columbia, MO, USA

Note: [] Address for correspondence: David Mount, Psy. D., University of Missouri-Columbia, Department of Health Psychology, School of Health Professions, One Hospital Drive, DC046. 46, Columbia, MO 65212, USA. Tel.: +1 573 882 8847; Fax: +1 573 884 2902; E-mail: MOUNTD@health.missouri.edu

Abstract: Persons with epilepsy experience numerous problems securing and retaining employment, and may require the assistance of state Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) services. Unfortunately, very little is known about VR clients with epilepsy, including their typical characteristics, the VR services they receive, the relative success of VR programs, and how VR services impact their ability to financially support themselves (i.e. income and insurance). This study collected data retrospectively to determine the demographic characteristics of state VR clients with epilepsy, their employment/financial outcomes, the type and frequency of VR services they receive, and the best predictors of successful employment for VR clients. The main outcome measures included demographic indices, financial/insurance status at case referral/closure, VR services offered, and vocational status at time of case closure (i.e., successful, unsuccessful, etc.). Study participants were 156 VR clients with epilepsy from Missouri who requested services between 2000 and 2001. Demographically, the participants were primarily Caucasian (81%), male (53%), and of limited education (i.e., 79% with a high school degree or less). Twenty percent of the participants were successfully employed at case closure, compared to 42% who were closed as unsuccessful, 14% who had services interrupted, 5% who had no services provided after referral, and 19% who were closed for 'other reasons'. The most common VR services offered were assessment, transportation, maintenance, job services, and training. Stepwise logistic regression indicated that the delivery of VR services (i.e., on-the-job training, etc.) were the only significant predictors of positive employment outcome. It was concluded that state VR programs can assist persons with epilepsy in becoming successfully employed, increasing personal income, and decreasing reliance on government support.

Keywords: Vocational rehabilitation, epilepsy, employment

Journal: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 23, no. 1, pp. 11-20, 2005