Research Brief: Effective Vocational Rehabilitation Services for Military Veterans

In this study, researchers found that veterans with college training were more likely to become employed when they also received job search assistance and job placement assistance, as well as that veterans without such training increased their probability of employment after receiving diagnoses and treatment of impairments, VR counseling, job placement assistance, rehabilitation technology, and other supports. In practice, the results of this study provide important information for rehabilitation counselors, vocational counselors, and other practitioners working with veterans with disabilities. In policy, policymakers should work to support and expand state VR programs to reach a wider population of veterans. Suggestions for future study include going beyond whether or not technology services were received, performing a more in-depth analysis of how the various components of rehabilitation technology affect the outcomes of veterans enrolled in VR programs, and exploring whether veterans’ service needs vary based on whether or not they are enrolled in higher education programs