An analysis of trends for people with MR, cerebral palsy, and epilepsy receiving services from state VR agencies: Ten years of progress

This article presents the results of a secondary analysis of the RSA-911 da tabase from the Rehabilitation Services Administration. All successful voca tional rehabilitation (VR) closures for individuals with mental retardation , cerebral Daisy, and epilepsy for five data points between 1985 and 1995 w ere investigated. Trends in the use of competitive employment versus shelte red workshops and employment outcomes (hours and earnings) are examined. Th e use of supported employment in the VR system and its outcomes are also di scussed. An additional analysis of the impact of the 1992 Rehabilitation Ac t amendments is included. Findings include increased incidence of competiti ve employment and supported employment services but a decrease in real earn ings.