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Abstract

The Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Program, within the Utah State Office of Rehabilitation, provides services to individuals with disabilities to assist them in preparing for and obtaining employment. Assistance is provided through numerous services including assessment, counseling and guidance, restoration, training, job development, and job placement. This study explored the return on public investments in the VR Program. The findings indicate that the VR Program has a positive impact on employment outcomes and the earnings of the clients served. In addition to the private benefits of the program, the state of Utah also benefits from the increased earnings through additional tax revenue and a reduction in public benefits to participants.

Keywords

vocational rehabilitation economics policy employment

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The Economic Impact of Utah’s Vocational Rehabilitation Program

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