Changes in Vocational Rehabilitation Service Users, Service Receipt, and Outcomes Following Implementation of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act

Background

The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) of 2014 mandated significant changes to U.S. Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) services, including allocating 15% of state VR funds for pre-employment transition services (Pre-ETS) for youth with disabilities.

Objective

This study examined changes in VR service users, service delivery, and employment outcomes pre- (2014–2016) and post-WIOA (2017–2019) using RSA-911 administrative data.

Method

We analyzed demographic and disability characteristics, service types, and employment outcomes for over 1 million VR service recipients ages 14–64 across all U.S. states. Multivariable logistic regression assessed predictors of employment at VR exit. Post-WIOA, VR service users were younger and more likely to have a “most significant disability.”

Results

Receipt of nearly all service types declined, particularly postsecondary education and job-related services, despite stable spending per person. Employment outcomes decreased across all age groups, most notably among youth ages 14–18. Receipt of job-related services was strongly associated with higher odds of employment, while longer service duration predicted lower odds.

Conclusion

Findings suggest that WIOA's funding shifts may have unintentionally reduced service access and employment outcomes, especially for adults. As VR systems recalibrate, further research is needed to assess cost-benefit tradeoffs and ensure equitable service delivery across age and disability groups.