The Impact of Postsecondary Education and Career Services on Competitive Integrated Employment for Adults Who Are Blind or Have a Visual Impairment

Background Adults who are blind or have a visual impairment (BVI) continue to experience significantly lower rates of competitive integrated employment (CIE) than their peers without disabilities. Postsecondary education and vocational rehabilitation (VR) career services are important supports, yet their combined influence on CIE for individuals with BVI has not been examined using recent national data. Objective This study identifies factors associated with CIE among prime working-age adults with BVI by examining demographic and socioeconomic factors, postsecondary education, and VR career services. Methods Secondary analysis of U.S. Rehabilitation Services Administration Case Service Report data from PY 2022–2023 was conducted. The sample included 7,956 adults ages 25–54 with BVI who received VR services. Hierarchical logistic regression assessed variables associated with CIE in three steps: demographic and socioeconomic variables; postsecondary education; and VR career services. Results Overall, 52.4 percent of participants achieved CIE. Postsecondary education nearly doubled employment odds. VR career services, including counseling, job placement, short-term supports, and supported employment, were strongly associated with employment, while long-term unemployment, low income, SSI/SSDI receipt, and secondary disability decreased the likelihood of employment. Conclusions Postsecondary education and individualized VR services are jointly associated with higher CIE outcomes. Expanding access to intensive career services may further strengthen employment pathways.