Incorporating independent living outcomes within rehabilitation agencies: Older disabled persons as an underserved population

This report shares findings from a survey examining the perceptions of administrators of 45 state rehabilitation agencies and 20 agencies serving the blind and visually impaired regarding the adequacy and appropriateness of their rehabilitation services for older persons. Our findings indicate that despite recent amendments to federal policies, state rehabilitation agency objectives remain predominantly vocational, providing most of their services to younger persons with disabilities. However, administrators are knowledgeable about the rehabililation needs of older persons with disabilities. The authors urge policy makers to modify specific policy and funding mechanisms to support and emphasize independent living outcomes to ensure that more older persons are served in the coming years.