Self-Employment as a Vocational Rehabilitation Closure

Abstract

The operation and funding of federal and state offices of vocational rehabilitation (VR) are governed by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Under the Rehabilitation Act, an individual can work toward the goal of attaining one of a range of employment options, including self-employment. While federal law appears not to favor one type of employment situation over another, self employment as a VR closure is not used as often as might be expected. Although self-employment is not an often used VR option, it may be an important one for people living in rural locations where employers and jobs are scarce, wages are low, and the jobs that are available often require physical effort. This article describes an analysis of state policies governing the use of self-employment as a VR option. Results show a wide range of policies and suggest a framework for a comprehensive policy and procedures for governing the use of self-employment as a VR closure.