Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation - Volume 13, issue 1

Authors: Paul Wehman,

Article Type: Other

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 13, no. 1, pp. 1-2, 1999

Authors: Phillip Rumrill,

Article Type: Research Article

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 13, no. 1, pp. 3-4, 1999

Authors: Lou Brown, | Kim Farrington, | Joanne Suomi, | Michele Ziegler, | Tracy Knight,

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Workers with disabilities need protection from abusive, exploitative and otherwise negative phenomena. However, while some interpretations of intendedly protective work related federal, state and local laws, rules and regulations are helpful, some cause harm. Harm results when they are used to exclude them from the real world of work because they cannot earn minimum wages for an arbitrary number of hours per week; cannot learn to meet minimally acceptable production standards in relatively short periods of …time; etc. Tragically, they then sit at home, hang out at the agencies paid to support them, engage in handicapped only recreation-leisure programs or are confined to segregated workshops, activity centers, enclaves or mobile crews. In an attempt to neutralize that which is not helpful and yet afford and maintain access to integrated workplaces, individuals with disabilities, the significant persons in their lives and the employers directly involved should be able to negotiate Work-Wage Social Contracts. These agreements between fair, concerned, informed and honorable persons should include: \begin{itemize} \item Clear articulations of individualized relationships between work related actions and wages that are in concert with the helping and protecting spirits of relevant laws, rules and regulations; \item Carefully designed and individually relevant evaluation plans that are implemented continuously; and, \item Procedures that encourage anyone involved or concerned to appeal any part of an agreement to an oversight person, group or agency. \end{itemize} The guiding principles of Work-Wage Social Contracts are that: arrangements should be in the short and long term interests of the worker; a wage is only one of many benefits that can result from functioning in integrated vocational and related settings; if individualized work-wage arrangements are designed, implemented, evaluated and adjusted, better outcomes will be realized than if they are not; and, existing laws, rules and regulations can be interpreted to allow their use. Finally, one legislative intention for the Vocational Rehabilitation Act of 1998 is that, if resources are limited, individuals with the most significant disabilities should receive services before others. In too many instances, they do not. Work-Wage Social Contracts should allow more such individuals access to the spirit of this most important law. Show more

Keywords: Work-Sage Social Contract, disability, transition, job training

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 13, no. 1, pp. 5-13, 1999

Authors: Michael Pendergast, | Keith Storey,

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Individual Program Plans written for adults with developmental disabilities in integrated and segregated work programs were evaluated on the basis of the degree to which they included components identified as indicators of best practice. Indicators of best practice were materials, tasks, basic skills, critical activities, interaction activities, teaching across settings and materials, and that skills were taught in the natural setting. The results showed a statistically significant difference in the overall quality of …Individual Program Plan objectives from the two types of programs with the integrated programs scoring higher in all but one category (basic skills). Show more

Keywords: objectives, integration, best practice, program indicators

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 13, no. 1, pp. 15-19, 1999

Authors: Paul Wehman, | Kristi Wilson, | Pam Targett, | Michael West, | John Bricout, | William McKinley,

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Affordable, reliable transportation options are critical to successful community reintegration for individuals with spinal cord injuries (SCI). Lack of access to these options can significantly impact one's capability to gain and maintain employment, access medical and other essential community-based supports and services, and participate in social and recreational activities. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), as well as a variety of other federal, state and local legislation has systematically addressed the spectrum …of accessibility issues regarding both public and private sector transportation. For the most part however, individuals with SCI and other disabilities continue to report limited transportation options as a primary barrier to full reintegration back into their homes, schools and communities. With this in mind, regional disability advocacy organizations, social service agencies, and vocational and employment service professionals have taken a more active role in designing and implementing innovative programs and creative options to assist individuals with SCI in overcoming the transportation-related barriers that interfere with community mobility. This article provides (1) an overview of the ADA as it pertains to transportation, (2) options available to assist individuals with SCI to overcome barriers to community mobility, (3) strategies of facilitating regional systems change, and (4) a list of national advocacy organizations and transportation resources. Show more

Keywords: transportation, community reintegration, spinal cord injuries

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 13, no. 1, pp. 21-30, 1999

Authors: Julie Ann Racino,

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: As part of the international movement toward user-directed and community approaches to assistance, this article highlights the findings of a comprehensive technical assistance and training effort to increase the community integration of people with the most severe disabilities in 35 states in the US. The first section of the article presents an overview of the US state, regional, and private vendor systems, describes the process of assistance, compares it with traditional university approaches to training, and …discusses the methods, approaches and techniques in creating local and state change. Highlighting leadership and person-centered approaches, the author analyzes policy and systems in relationship to families, foster care, housing, recreation, education, employment, and prevention. The article concludes with translating philosophical principles through regulations, legislation, financing, quality, and agency change to better support the participation of people with disabilities in community life. Show more

Keywords: community integration, systems change, technical assistance, human service organization, university training

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 13, no. 1, pp. 31-44, 1999

Authors: Paul Livelli,

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: This article describes the initial steps in implementing a community-based vocational training program for students with significant disabilities. Issues that surround current practices are addressed and a case is made for using businesses in a partnership model to create a learning environment in the community. Benefits to students in one school are presented in a case study.

Keywords: autism, community partnerships, vocational training, business partnerships, job placement, effective partnerships

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 13, no. 1, pp. 45-49, 1999

Authors: Douglas Householder, | Duane Jansen,

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: The purpose of this article is to stress the importance of making a concerted effort to meet the rising expectations for the disabled. The focus will be the issues that families, employers and the community encounter around transition planning, programs and services. Some of the issues are attitude, knowledge, support, organizational structure and resources. Because we are living in a competitive, technological and increasingly complex global society, individuals and groups in leadership roles in local, state, …national and international positions will need to create opportunities in a variety of inclusive environments. They must provide acceptable access to the workplace and set the stage for quality of life issues for individuals with multiple disabilities in a blended society. Show more

Keywords: partnerships, families, employers, transition, disabled

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 13, no. 1, pp. 51-54, 1999

Authors: Michael R. Benz, | Lauren Lindstrom, | Tim Latta,

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Helping youth with disabilities successfully negotiate the transition from school to work and community life requires innovative, effective, and enduring partnerships among a variety of key stakeholders. The vocational rehabilitation system is identified consistently as a fundamental partner in any collaborative transition effort because of its ability to help youth develop vocational skills, obtain employment, and advance the opportunity to live independently. Systematic efforts must be undertaken to address the barriers that …historically have prevented school and VR staff from working together effectively on behalf of youth with disabilities and their families. The Youth Transition Program is a nationally recognized school to work transition model that has been operated collaboratively by schools and vocational rehabilitation agencies in communities throughout Oregon for the past nine years. The authors provide an overview of the pattern of services provided to youth in the program. Employment outcomes achieved by youth are also provided. Show more

Keywords: transition services, school-to-work, youth in transition, school and rehabilitation collaboration

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 13, no. 1, pp. 55-63, 1999

Authors: Phillip D. Rumrill, Jr., | James L. Bellini,

Article Type: Research Article

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 13, no. 1, pp. 65-70, 1999