Ari K. Mwachofi

Gender difference in access and intervention outcomes: the case for women with disabilities

Purpose. This study replicated the one that was conducted 30 years ago to determine systematic gender differences in access and outcomes of vocational rehabilitation services (VRS). Methods. Unlike the original study that was confined to Region V, this study examined case management data from 653,206 cases that were closed by State VRS in 2004 in all states. It used a t-test to analyse gender differences in access to VRS and intervention outcomes in education, employment, earnings and dependence on public support. The study also conducted multivariate analysis to determine the effects of gender on VRS intervention outcomes. Results. The study found differences similar to those found 30 years ago. Although women had better educational outcomes, they had lower employment and earnings and greater dependence on needs-based public support than did men. A disturbing finding is that the gender employment and earnings gaps were wider after VRS interventions than before. After controlling for other factors, the study found that gender is a significant predictor of earnings and employment outcomes. Conclusion. These findings suggest that men with disabilities stand a better chance of escaping poverty than do women. There is a need for changes in VRS service provision that ensures equity in quality of services which might translate into more equitable employment and earnings outcomes.

Factors Affecting Vocational Rehabilitation Intervention Outcomes: The Case for Minorities With Disabilities

Vocational rehabilitation (VR) services are designed to help individuals with disabilities achieve gainful employment. This study examines VR’s effectiveness in assisting minorities achieve gainful employment. The study uses case management data from 617,149 cases closed by VR in 2006 in all states. It examines differences in access, employment, and earnings for White and ethnic minority clients. Multivariate techniques are used to assess factors that influence competitive employment outcomes, hourly earnings, and hours worked. Findings show significant differences in employment and earnings outcomes for minority and majority clients, with minorities faring worse. VR intervention length and per capita expenditures for services significantly influence employment and earnings outcomes. VR is more effective with White than with minority clients. There is a need to implement policies or practices that ensure equity in access to services that might translate into more equitable employment and earnings outcomes.

Factors Affecting Reduction of Gender Differences in Health Care Coverage for Vocational Rehabilitation Clients with Disabilities

BACKGROUND Uninsured women with disabilities experience serious difficulties in accessing quality health care. Employment improves an individuals ability to access health insurance. The aim of Vocational Rehabilitation Services (VR) is to improve employment abilities for people with disabilities. STUDY PURPOSE To examine gender differences in health insurance coverage for people who access VR and the factors that influence health insurance coverage for people with disabilities. METHODS The study analyzed VR case management data from 617,149 cases that were closed by VR in 2006 in the United States. Chi-square and t-tests were used to examine gender differences and multivariate analysis was used to assess factors that influence health insurance coverage. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS The study found significant gender differences in access to VR employment-enhancing services and in insurance coverage. Women were more dependent on coverage from public sources. CONCLUSION VR can improve health insurance coverage but is more effective with men than with women.