DOI

https://doi.org/10.25772/60QQ-G673

Defense Date

2010

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy

Department

Public Policy & Administration

First Advisor

Carolyn Funk

Abstract

This study utilizes the Longitudinal Study of the Vocational Rehabilitation Program to examine the impact of state-federal vocational rehabilitation services on the quality of life of consumers. The theory that guides this study is an amalgam of theories of Allardt, Halpern, Campbell, and Cummins which indicate that quality of life is made up of various domains which parallel Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs. The study followed the theory that improvement in the individual domains of life would improve its overall quality. The domains of physical functioning, self-esteem, community integration and productivity were assessed prior to and after the receipt of vocational rehabilitation services. Results indicate that consumers who obtain an employment outcome obtain higher scores on measurements of self-esteem, physical functioning and activities of daily living and productivity than do consumers who do not obtain an employment outcome. The linkages that specific VR services have on individual life domains were also explored. Consumers who receive more education and training services show an increase in community integration scores. Suggestions for state-vocational rehabilitation services change are provided based on a socio-ecological model.

Rights

© The Author

Is Part Of

VCU University Archives

Is Part Of

VCU Theses and Dissertations

Date of Submission

May 2010

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