Article

This article compares the methods of a randomized multisite clinical trial of
evidence-based supported employment with conventional vocational rehabilitation
among veterans with spinal cord injury (SCI). The primary hypothesis is that,
compared with conventional vocational rehabilitation (i.e., standard care),
evidence-based supported employment will significantly improve competitive
employment outcomes and general rehabilitation outcomes. The secondary hypothesis
is that evidence-based supported employment in SCI will be more cost-effective
than standard care. The current article describes the clinical trial and presents
baseline data. The present sample includes 301 veterans with SCI, which includes
paraplegia (50%), high tetraplegia (32%), and low tetraplegia (18%). Baseline
data indicate that 65% of this sample of employment-seeking veterans with SCI had
never been employed postinjury, despite the fact that nearly half (41%) had
received some type of prior vocational rehabilitation. These rates of
unemployment for veterans with SCI are consistent with the rates reported for
community samples of persons with SCI. Forthcoming outcome data will provide much
needed insights into the best practices for helping these veterans restore
vocational goals and improve overall quality of life.

Langue : ANGLAIS