The Use of Employment/Vocational Rehabilitation Services for Persons with HIV/AIDS and Substance Abuse: A potential Health Benefit

Abstract

This study investigates Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) services related to competitive employment closure among non-Hispanic Blacks (NHB), non-Hispanic Whites (NHW), and Hispanics with HIV/AIDS and substance use disorder (SUD). Data of 4150 was extracted from the Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA-911) database. Descriptive statistics and multi-variate analysis showed consumers who received SSI and Medicare were less likely to be employed than those who did not, and, NHW who received rehabilitation counseling and guidance benefited the most compared to NHB who did not. Rehabilitation counselors can assist minorities with HIV/AIDS and SUD secure employment given the positive effects of employment for this population. Health professionals should consider incorporating employment, using VR services in their treatment strategies, while making sure clients with different racial ethnicity background benefit equally from all VR services.

Vocational Rehabilitation Services for Hispanic Individuals With Disabilities: Strengths, Challenges, and Opportunities

“…Growing research has examined employment outcomes across different disabilities, including deafness, hearing loss, SCI, TBI, HIV/AIDS, and substance use disorders between Hispanic and non-Hispanic clients (Arango-Lasprilla et al, 2011;Bradley et al, 2013;da Silva Cardoso et al, 2007;Diallo et al, 2017;Moore, 2002). Based on these study findings, there seemed to be mixed results on employment outcomes associated with Hispanic status.…”

“…Regardless of race/ethnicity, clients who received VR services were more likely to achieve competitive employment compared to those without VR services in a sample of Hispanic, non-Hispanic White, and non-Hispanic Black clients with HIV/AIDS or substance use disorders. More specifically, Hispanics who received VR counseling services had similar likelihood of employment to non-Hispanic Whites (Diallo et al, 2017). However, the types of VR services clients received could also play a role in employment outcomes.…”