BACKGROUND: A considerable proportion of Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) consumers with visual impairments are Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) beneficiaries. The consumer and the effectiveness of VR and the Social Security Administration can benefit from greater understanding of the processes leading to improved employment outcomes for this population. OBJECTIVE: Our purpose was to investigate service patterns and evaluate the impact of VR services on competitive employment outcomes for consumers with visual impairments who also are SSDI beneficiaries. METHODS: Using FY 2011 RSA-911 data on 3,610 consumers who received SSDI, closed after receiving services, we conducted descriptive, factor analytic, and multilevel analyses to determine service patterns and what services predicted competitive employment. RESULTS: We found service groupings related to special and remedial services, job-related services, evaluation, and training and supports. Job placement, job search, on-the-job supports, on-the-job training, counseling and guidance, rehabilitation technology, other services, and maintenance were positively related to competitive employment, but reader services, interpreter services, job readiness training, augmentative skills training, and assessment were negatively related to employment. CONCLUSIONS: Pattern groupings of services suggest a systematic, holistic approach in VR. A new perspective is needed when examining the service-outcome relationship. Services positively related to competitive employment can have direct, direct-assistive, or indirect effects. Services negatively related to employment can be viewed as risk indicators.

Introduction Individuals who are blind or have low vision (hereafter, visually impaired) encounter transportation barriers that impede their full participation in life activities, including transportation. This survey is the first national survey to focus specifically on the transportation issues of persons with visual disabilities. Methods A transportation survey was developed and disseminated electronically to people who are visually impaired. The first administration, in the fall and winter of 2013, went to persons in a volunteer registry. For the second administration, in early 2014, participants were recruited through electronic postings and e-mails with assistance from consumer groups and professional organizations. The combined useable sample of 492 included individuals with legal blindness ( n = 265), total blindness ( n = 188), and low vision ( n = 39). Results Participants were likely to have received orientation and mobility (O&M) training, and were confident in their O&M skills. They were also likely to have access to public transportation, to use public transportation to get to work, and to be generally satisfied with how they got to work. Transportation issues were less likely to impact participation in employment than several other life activities. Although most participants had received services from vocational rehabilitation agencies, few said those agencies assisted them in finding transportation to work. Discussion Although transportation issues affect the lives of persons with visual disabilities, the extent of their impact on employment remains unclear. Survey respondents appear to be using their O&M skills, to be fairly comfortable traveling, and to be generally satisfied with how they travel to work, thus confirming the importance of receiving quality O&M instruction. Implications for practitioners Service providers should consider evaluating the effect that transportation issues are having on the lifestyles of consumers. Individuals with visual impairments should be encouraged to take advantage of quality O&M instruction so that they can confidently access public transportation systems. More active rehabilitation practitioner participation in assisting consumers locate employment-related transportation is suggested, and evaluating the effect of that assistance would prove helpful.

Introduction The purpose of the study was to explore challenges facing deafblind entrepreneurs and the staff who work with them through the Randolph-Sheppard Business Enterprise Program. Methods Interviews were conducted with 41 Randolph-Sheppard staff and deafblind entrepreneurs across the United States. Participants were selected using a snowball sampling procedure. Interviews were conducted by telephone or e-mail, and results were coded to identify overarching themes. Results The top challenge identified among all staff was helping deafblind entrepreneurs interact effectively with customers. Common communication challenges included reliance on third parties and communication that was characterized by repetition and slowness. Although challenges surrounding communication were commonly cited by staff, problems with technology were the most important concerns for the entrepreneurs themselves. Over one-third of respondents (36%) felt deafblindness did not create any unique communication challenges. Common suggestions for program improvement were expanding access to interpreters and training in sign language and tactile interpreting. Discussion Entrepreneurs and staff agreed that many challenges relating to deaf-blindness can be overcome with creativity and determination. One important approach for improving communication is proactively informing customers about the entrepreneur's deafblindness and describing communication strategies. Further research to determine the extent of hearing loss among entrepreneurs in the Randolph-Sheppard program would be beneficial. Implications for practitioners Individuals with deafblindness have demonstrated the ability to take part in the workplace, but challenges remain. Staff who work with these entrepreneurs need to help them address their unique communication needs in a proactive, positive manner.

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