| In spite of the growing interest in vocational rehabilitation (VR) services for those with psychiatric disabilities, there still remains a large group of individuals, those with a dual diagnosis (D2) of a psychiatric disability and comorbid substance abuse problem, whose needs are not being met within the VR community. VR professionals are not prepared to treat the special needs of this group. Consequently, unemployment figures are likely to be even higher for those diagnosed with a D2. D2 is a large problem that appears to be growing, as approximately 6 out of every 100 persons in the United States are believed to suffer with comorbid issues. As a result of inequities in treatment, individuals with a dual diagnosis are unable to maintain employment and continue to drain economic resources.; This study asserts that the large and growing population of persons with dual diagnoses will greatly benefit from increased awareness by the VR community. This is the first study of its kind to examine which of the existing 13 rehabilitation services best provide the opportunity for positive VR outcomes (i.e., increase in earnings) in the treatment of persons with dual diagnoses. In addition, this study examines whether change in income at the time of closure of a VR case reflects a significant relationship between specific classifications of someone's dual diagnosis and the services that person has received. Similarly, the relationship between race and services provided is evaluated based on change in income.; Five of the possible 13 VR services listed in the 1998 RSA-911 database were identified as significant predictors of enhanced income at VR case closure. They were College Training, Business Training, Job Finding, Counseling, and Transportation services. While a few isolated instances indicated that race or diagnosis classifications with services provided predict increased income, overall, their effects in this study were minimal.; Our understanding of how to better meet the employment objectives of persons with a D2 can reduce the drain on public resources, as well as to enable individuals with a D2 to enjoy happy and productive lives. |
