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Evaluating the Vocational Rehabilitation Program Using Longitudinal Data

Author

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  • David H. Dean

    (University of Richmond)

  • Robert C. Dolan

    (University of Richmond)

  • Robert M. Schmidt

    (University of Richmond)

Abstract

The study presents benefit-cost ratios for 14 disability cohorts served by the Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Program. The earnings impacts are estimated in a quasiexperimental framework using an internal comparison group. The earnings data are from a unique national panel constructed by linking client data of the Rehabilitative Services Administration with earnings histories from the Social Security Administration. These earnings data accommodate a series of statistical tests that allow us to identify and control for the presence of selection bias when estimating treatment impacts. The results indicate that the VR program is cost-effective in general, although not universally so across specific disabilities.

Suggested Citation

  • David H. Dean & Robert C. Dolan & Robert M. Schmidt, 1999. "Evaluating the Vocational Rehabilitation Program Using Longitudinal Data," Evaluation Review, , vol. 23(2), pages 162-189, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:evarev:v:23:y:1999:i:2:p:162-189
    DOI: 10.1177/0193841X9902300203
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Bach, Henning & Datta Gupta, Nabanita & Høgelund, Jan, 2007. "Employment Effects of Educational Measures for Work-Injured People," IZA Discussion Papers 2657, Institute of Labor Economics (IZA).

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