The unmet vocational rehabilitation needs of women with HIV/AIDS

Abstract

This article discusses the growing population of women with HIV/AIDS as an emergent disability group with unique needs for vocational rehabilitation services. Data from the National Working Positive Coalition Employment Needs Survey for people living with HIV/AIDS was used to describe the demographic, economic, health, and employment characteristics of a sample of 122 female respondents. Findings make several contributions to understanding this emerging population and their vocational development needs including limited knowledge of employment resources, incentives and barriers to employment, and unmet needs for vocational rehabilitation services. Implications for vocational rehabilitation professionals and future research are discussed.