Employment And Earnings Among Ex-Offenders With Disabilities: A Multivariate Analysis Of Rsa-911 Data

BACKGROUND: Ex-offenders with disabilities encounter barriers with obtaining employment upon post-release. Offender status may affect not only opportunities for employment, but earnings as well for ex-offenders with disabilities.OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study is to discuss barriers to employment for ex-offenders with disabilities and to identify how racial/ethnically marginalized ex-offenders are disproportionately unemployed and earn less than their White counterparts.METHODS: Descriptive and multivariate statistical analyses utilizing archival Rehabilitation Services Administration Case Service Report (RSA-911) data from fiscal years 2004-2013 was employed. RESULTS: Findings indicated that African American ex-offenders with disabilities are employed at higher rates than both Hispanic and White ex-offenders but earn less than both of these groups.CONCLUSIONS: Implications for VR service providers, training and policy reform are discussed.