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Group-Based Trajectory Analysis of Longitudinal Employment Patterns and Predictors for Adults With Visual Impairments
Jennifer L Cmar1, Michele C McDonnall1
1The National Research & Training Center on Blindness & Low Vision, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, MS, United States.
Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation
|March 3, 2025
Summary
Visual impairment is linked to lower employment rates over time. Disability benefit receipt, health, and demographics significantly predict employment trajectories for individuals with visual impairments.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Sociology
- Rehabilitation Science
Background:
- Significant employment disparities exist between individuals with and without visual impairments.
- Existing research primarily focuses on cross-sectional employment data, neglecting longitudinal trends.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze longitudinal employment trajectories in adults with visual impairments.
- To identify factors influencing these employment trajectories.
Main Methods:
- Utilized data from the 2014 Survey of Income and Program Participation Panel.
- Employed group-based trajectory modeling with 816 adults with visual impairments and a matched control group.
- Investigated predictors of trajectory membership and the impact of health status.
Main Results:
- Visual impairment was associated with a higher likelihood of belonging to the 'Low' employment trajectory group.
- Disability benefit receipt, non-visual disabilities, demographics (gender, race, age, education), and health status predicted trajectory group membership.
- Fair or poor health correlated with declining employment across all trajectories.
Conclusions:
- Visual impairment is a significant risk factor for sustained unemployment over multiple years.
- Disability benefit receipt emerged as the strongest predictor of employment trajectory for this population.
