Predictors of competitive employment among persons with physical and sensory disabilities: an evidence-based model

Persons with physical and sensory disabilities continue to face difficulty securing and maintaining employment. Despite all of the efforts of individuals providing assistance to job seekers, family members, friends and colleagues, the employment deficit of people with disabilities has remained nearly static for years. This study examined factors salient to the attainment of competitive employment among people with physical and sensory disabilities served by the state-federal rehabilitation system. Employing a series of logistic regression analyses measured against national rehabilitation data, the results support the need for provision of job placement services to improve potential for competitive employment. Predictors of competitive employment, job placement service provision implications, the need for vocational evaluation and appropriate planning are discussed. An evidence-based service model designed to address the predictors of competitive employment among persons with physical and sensory disabilities is presented.