Document Type
Fact Sheet
Publisher
RTC:Rural
Publication Date
7-2026
Disciplines
Economics | Labor Economics | Social and Behavioral Sciences
Abstract
This fact sheet compares the utility of two different return on investment (ROI) models for assessing the value of VR services. In this fact sheet, the research team compares data from the Virginia VR program to demonstrate differences between the social and taxpayer ROI models and makes a case for using social ROI for assessing VR services.
Keywords
rural, disability, return on investment, cost effectiveness, ROI model
Rights
© 2026 RTC:Rural
Granting Agency
National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR)
Acknowledgement
The factsheet was supported through a grant from the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR grant number 90IFDV0028). NIDILRR is a Center within the Administration for Community Living, Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The contents of this report do not necessarily represent the policy of NIDILRR, ACL, or HHS, and you should not assume endorsement by the Federal Government
Project Number
90IFDV0028
Recommended Citation
Ipsen, C., Clapp, C. (July 2026). A Rationale for Social Return on Investment. Missoula, MT: The University of Montana Rural Institute for Inclusive Communities. Retrieved from https://scholarworks.umt.edu/ruralinst_employment/54/
Comments
For further details, see: Clapp, C. M., Pepper, J., Schmidt, R., & Stern, S. (2026). Problems in Using Measures of Taxpayer Return on Investment to Evaluate Work Force Programs. Rehabilitation Counseling Bulletin, 69(4), 263-273. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1177/00343552251355344.