Serving Older Adults with Disabilities: Recognizing the Impact of Assisting Individuals to Stay Employed Versus Obtain Employment

Background The number of older working-age adults with disabilities (OWAD) seeking services from State Vocational Rehabilitation Agencies (SVRAs) has increased as individuals remain in the workforce longer and experience disability later in life. However, VR research and practice have largely focused on new employment acquisition rather than employment retention, particularly for individuals approaching retirement age. Objective This study examined differences in VR service utilization, employment outcomes, and expenditures between employment retention and job acquisition pathways for OWAD. Method Secondary analysis of Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA-911) data from PY 2017–2023 was conducted for individuals ages 50–69 who received VR services and exited the program. Outcomes were compared by age group and employment status using descriptive and inferential analyses. Results The proportion of VR applicants ages 50–69 increased steadily, reaching nearly one-third of all applicants by 2023. Older adults were more likely to be employed at IPE development and to exit VR in competitive integrated employment with lower expenditures needed for job retention. Conclusion Retention-focused strategies emphasizing early intervention, accommodations, and employer engagement may improve employment outcomes of older workers while containing costs, supporting a shift in VR approaches.