Assistive technology services for adults with disabilities in state-federal vocational rehabilitation programs

Prior research indicates that the provision of assistive technology (AT) services positively predicts successful employment outcomes in vocational rehabilitation (VR) programs. While AT services can be promising, they are underutilized overall, and there are apparent disparities in AT service utilization. The purpose of this study was to identify sociodemographic factors which may act as barriers to receiving AT services in VR programs. Recognizing potential disparities is the first step in improving equity in access to beneficial services.

This study is a retrospective analysis of national data collected by the Rehabilitation Service Administration's Case Service Report from fiscal years 2017-2019. The sample included 788,173 cases that reported having a disability, were aged ≥18 years old, was deemed eligible for VR services, and had a complete set of data.

Less than 9% of VR clients received AT services. We ran a multiple logistic regression analysis to examine the independent effects of various sociodemographic variables on the likelihood of receiving AT services through VR programs. The following client characteristics were associated with a lower likelihood of receiving AT services: men, unemployed, minority, low income, significant disability, non-enrolled in post-secondary education, mental or cognitive disability, less education, and younger age (all p < .001).

The findings emphasize the need for more research to identify underlying mechanisms and potential solutions to these apparent disparities in access to AT services for adults with disabilities. Future research and implications are provided.