Vocational rehabilitation outcomes: Relationship between individualized plan for employment goals and employment outcomes

This study examined the relationship between attaining a job congruent with the Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE) vocational rehabilitation goal and vocational rehabilitation outcomes. Study participants were 171 vocational rehabilitation clients served by the Maryland State Department of Education Division of Rehabilitation Services (DORS) who were successfully rehabilitated and closed (Status 26) in 2002. Results generally supported the relationship between Holland's person-environment congruence construct and employment outcomes for this population. The IPE goal and employment outcome congruency was found to have a significant effect on participants' wages. In addition, educational attainment and disability category were also found to affect vocational rehabilitation employment outcomes. However, person-environment congruence did not increase participants' vocational satisfaction.