Young adults with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) often experience employment difficulties. Using Rehabilitation Service Administration data (RSA-911), this study investigated the service patterns and factors related to the employment outcomes of individuals with ASD in different age groups. Hierarchical logistic regression analyses were conducted to examine the effects of demographic and vocational rehabilitation (VR) service variables on employment outcomes in each age group. The results show that transition youth made up the largest portion of VR service users among the ASD population, yet they have the worst employment outcomes across all age groups. Factors that are significantly associated with increased odds for employment in each age group were identified. Implications from systemic, practical, and research perspectives are also provided.

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This explorative study's finding implies VR practitioners' need to understand individual needs by disability type as well as characteristics of Asian culture, and need to develop and implement effective strategies and services to assist this population.

People are social beings and as such have a right to personal dignity, social security, citizenship, and full participation in civil and social activities as a member of society. Active engagement in social roles enables each individual to have a sense of connection and acceptance through interacting with other people, build his or her self-esteem by contributing to the society; and, consequently, improve his or her overall quality of life. Paid work is a core factor in one's ability to contribute fully to society. This is important for all people, but can be particularly important for people with disabilities, who often experience social isolation. Vocational training is a means to achieve the desired goal of paid employment in an integrated setting and full community participation as a resulting outcome, and is one that rehabilitation psychologists should not overlook in their services. This chapter begins with the importance of community citizenship and valued roles for people with disabilities and examines the positive impact of social integration and inclusion on quality of life. In addition to an overview of the historical and philosophical roots and evolution of related employment and disability policy, we discuss the importance of vocational training and related services that can lead to successful employment outcomes. Following a discussion of current issues and concerns in vocational training and social integration, we conclude with the implications for rehabilitation psychology practice, training, and research.

Current legislation requires enhanced accountability in data collection and reporting across federal initiatives, including the state-federal Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) program. The Vocational Rehabilitation Technical Assistance Center on Program Evaluation and Quality Assurance (PEQA-TAC), funded by the Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA) within the U.S. Department of Education, assisted state VR agencies by building their capacity to carry out high-quality program evaluation and quality assurance practices aligned with contemporary performance management expectations. This paper highlights the need for formal in-service training in this specialized area, shares an overview of the program model involving online coursework and capstone projects, and discusses recommendations for further enhancing state VR capacity in this area.Modern public service agencies are challenged by increasing competition for public funds and demands for accountability. Within the state-federal vocational rehabilitation (VR) program, the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, established evaluation standards and performance indicators leading to an expansion of program evaluation and quality assurance systems and personnel with state VR agencies. Over time, these evaluation systems have become imperative to demonstrating program effectiveness, efficiency, value, and ensuring state and federal policy compliance. Data from evaluation systems is also important for use in state planning. VR agency program evaluation specialists play a pivotal role in meeting these demands through designing strategies and systems, collecting and assessing program performance data, managing projects, and communicating information to agency leaders and other stakeholders. The Vocational Rehabilitation Technical Assistance Center on Program Evaluation and Quality Assurance (PEQA-TAC), funded by the Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA) within the U.S. Department of Education, was designed and implemented to assist state VR agencies improve performance management by building their capacity to carry out high-quality program evaluations and quality assurance practices that promote continuous program improvement (Notice of Final Priority, 2015).The purpose of this paper is to provide background information highlighting the need for formal in-service training in this specialized area, share an overview of the program model involving online coursework and capstone projects, and discuss recommendations for further enhancing state VR capacity in this area.