Affiliations: [a]
Wright State University, Dayton, OH, USA
| [b]
University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| [c]
University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
Correspondence:
[*]
Address for correspondence: Mary Huber, PhD, CRC, Wright State University, College of Education and Human Services, 3640 Colonel Glenn Hwy, Dayton, OH 45435, USA. Tel.: +1 937 775 2022; Fax: +1 937 775 2042; E-mail: mary.huber@wright.edu.
Abstract: BACKGROUND: As the volume of evidence-based practices (EBPs) in vocational rehabilitation (VR) reaches a critical mass and leaders in the field recommend the need for a systematic and rigorous evaluation process that legitimizes and the effectiveness of those practices, a national registry in VR is clearly needed. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this paper is to provide the underlying rationale for the creation and maintenance of a user-friendly registry that would secure and support vocational service provision to improve employment outcomes and the quality of life of individuals with disabilities. METHODS: Collaboration from various entities is necessary to ensure the resources and credibility required for a project of this magnitude. All stakeholders should participate in the process of specifying what should be included in the registry and how they would use it. RESULTS: A registry would be a valuable vehicle for providing empirically-supported VR services and information to practitioners, educators, researchers, policy-makers and the public. It would allow for better-informed choices and potential cost savings. CONCLUSIONS: A registry containing effective VR practices is a perfect complement to the National Clearinghouse of Rehabilitation Training Materials and answers an important call from the VR community.
Keywords: Evidence-based practice, vocational rehabilitation, knowledge translation, service provision
