A scoping review of vocational rehabilitation services for racialized disabled job seekers and workers

Purpose Racialized disabled job seekers and workers continue to face disadvantages in the labour market. This gap in labour market outcomes suggests there is a need to investigate the range of employment supports, also known as vocational rehabilitation (VR) services, available to this population. By examining the entire employment journey, we can thoroughly assess how these supports and services impact their employment outcomes. The purpose of this scoping review is to examine and synthesize the existing evidence about VR and identify gaps in practice with racialized disabled job seekers and workers using supports and services to help them gain employment. Design/methodology/approach An extensive literature search was carried out, encompassing the search of four electronic databases and a review of grey literature. From this search, 73 studies and 6 grey literature documents met the inclusion criteria. Findings The results of the analysis are focused on the intersectional impact of racial and (dis)ability identities on VR experiences and outcomes. The analysis suggests that current VR systems are not structured to address the complex needs of racialized disabled job seekers and workers. Service providers and employers should address this gap and design services that can be tailored for individual needs and strengths. Originality/value The study provides a crucial step towards establishing a clearer and more comprehensive understanding of how the intersection of race and disability affects outcomes and experiences within VR services.