Propensity Score Analysis of RSA 911 Supported and Customized Employment Outcomes

Background Supported Employment (SE) and Customized Employment (CE) are vocational rehabilitation services designed to support individuals with significant disabilities to achieve competitive integrated employment. Both services target individuals for whom employment has historically been difficult to obtain. but they differ in implementation. These differences may lead to varying employment outcomes, such as occupation types, wages, and hours worked. Objective This study analyzes FY17-FY21 RSA-911 data to compare the outcomes at exit for individuals receiving SE and CE vocational rehabilitation services. Methods Propensity score matching was used to create comparable SE and CE samples to (a) examine the prevalence of CE and SE services within vocational rehabilitation programs, (b) describe exit patterns among individuals receiving these services, and (c) identify differences in employment outcomes. Results A smaller proportion of individuals receiving CE exited into competitive integrated employment compared to those receiving SE. However, CE participants were more likely to enter self-employment and a broader range of occupations, indicating that CE may provide more personalized and flexible employment options. Conclusion This analysis highlights disparities in the use and outcomes of CE and SE services within state vocational rehabilitation programs.