Predictors of postsecondary educational and employment outcomes for transition age state-federal vocational rehabilitation consumers with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

This study examined the relationships among consumer demographic and vocational rehabilitation case service predictor variables and employment/postsecondary educational outcome variables for transition age consumers with ADHD ages 16-19 and 20-24. Utilizing the Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA) 911 data file from the 2012 fiscal year, logistic regression was used to examine predictors of successful employment outcomes and postsecondary educational attainment at case closure for each age group. Differences in weekly earnings at closure for White, African American and Hispanic/Latino males and females were examined using Analysis of Variance. Independent measures t-tests were used to examine mean earnings between consumers who received college training as a case service and those who were not provided with this service. Results revealed similarities and differences between the two age groups. Nearly 80% percent of transition age consumers with ADHD were in the younger age group. Race was a statistically significant demographic variable with Hispanic/Latino ethnicity related to successful employment and postsecondary educational outcome whereas African American status was negatively related to both successful employment and postsecondary educational outcome. Public support was also negatively related to successful employment outcome in both age groups. Job placement assistance, job search assistance, and on the job supports significantly predicted successful employment outcomes in both age groups. Gender, race/ethnicity and level of education were demographic predictors of postsecondary educational outcomes. Female and Hispanic/Latino consumers were more likely to have attained postsecondary education. Assessment, college training, occupational training, maintenance, rehabilitation technology and information and referral all positively predicted postsecondary educational attainment. On the job supports, job readiness training, job placement assistance, and miscellaneous training had a negative relationship to postsecondary educational attainment. Statistically significant differences were found in weekly earnings across race in both age groups and between men and women in the younger age group only. White males earned more than any other group and Hispanic/Latino consumers earned lower wages, despite having higher levels of education and employment. In both age groups, consumers receiving college training as a case service earned significantly more per week at closure than those who were not provided this service. Implications for practice and future research are discussed.