Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation - Volume 17, issue 3

Authors: Hartnett, Johnette T. | Collins, Michael | Tremblay, Tim

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: This study explored strategies for providing service recipients with increased choice in the state vocational rehabilitation process. This study compared costs, services received and outcomes achieved for people served in the Standard Program of the Vermont Division Vocational Rehabilitation (Section 110) and its Consumer Choice Demonstration Project. The Choice group was more than two times more likely to have completed rehabilitation compared to the Section 110 group. The mean cost for paid services for the Choice …group was 11% higher than the Section 110 group ($1,838--$1,635). The mean quarterly earnings for the Choice group not receiving SSI or SSDI was 2.7 times higher for people receiving SSI or SSDI ($3,351--$1,168). The mean quarterly earnings for the 110 group not receiving SSI or SSDI was 2.3 times higher for people receiving SSI or SSDI ($3,369--$1,446). Show more

Keywords: consumer choice, vocational rehabilitation, employment outcomes

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 17, no. 3, pp. 145-154, 2002

Authors: McHugh, Shelley Anne | Storey, Keith | Certo, Nicholas J.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Supported Employment provides assistance to people with disabilities in competitive jobs. The supported employment model has developed beyond the use of job coaches as primary trainers to include natural support strategies, that is, enlisting the commitment of personnel employed at the work site to train and assist employees with disabilities. This study used a multiple probe design to educate and evaluate job coaches use of natural supports strategies. Results indicate that this intervention lead to increased …integration of workers with disabilities in the workplace. Show more

Keywords: natural supports, job coach training, checklists

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 17, no. 3, pp. 155-163, 2002

Authors: Block, Stephen R. | Athens, Kathy | Brandenburg, Gayann

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Managed care delivery systems seem to be one of the primary vehicles that policymakers have selected to control the accelerating costs of public programs, including services to persons with developmental disabilities. The article provides a case example of a Colorado managed care organization that developed a performance-based funding system to improve supported employment services for individuals with developmental disabilities. The presence of achieved outcomes and quality indicators led to additional funding of service …agencies. Contractors were given incentives for reaching certain milestones, such as job placement and job stabilization. To strengthen the milestone system, a three-day intensive skill-building training program was developed for the staff of service agencies to become or enhance skills as supported employment consultants. Service agencies with trained staff could bill at a higher rate for their services. Over a period of 3 years, this payment system led to a 37% in the number of long-term job placements in the community. Show more

Keywords: managed care, milestone payments, incentive payments, supported employment, developmental disabilities, consumer choice

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 17, no. 3, pp. 165-174, 2002

Authors: Graffam, Joe | Shinkfield, Alison | Smith, Kaye | Polzin, Udo

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: This paper is based on results of a national study in Australia. Questionnaires were completed by 643 employers, each of whom had employed a person with a disability between 1996--1998. Employers rated the importance of several factors relevant to decisions to hire and retain a person with a disability. Individual factors were rated most important, with grooming/hygiene and work-performance factors rated highest. Management factors and cost factors were rated moderately important. Social factors were rated least …important. Analyses of variance were conducted, identifying several employer differences in ratings. The paper discusses employer values as well as the need to include employers in a partnership approach. Show more

Keywords: employment, hiring and retaining a person with a disability, employer values

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 17, no. 3, pp. 175-181, 2002

Authors: Timmons, Jaimie Ciulla | Schuster, Jennifer | Hamner, Doris | Bose, Jennifer

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: This article reports on a study investigating the characteristics of effective state service systems. Findings are based on the experiences of individuals with disabilities who have used a state agency to find employment. Interviews were conducted to examine individuals' experiences with employment services including job search, job entry, strategies that facilitated involvement, supports provided, and barriers experienced. Findings indicated five key components to effective service delivery, including agency culture, consumer-directedness, access to …resources, quality personnel, and coordinated services. Using these five essential elements as guidelines, the implications explore what state systems can do to increase their capacity to support job seekers. Show more

Keywords: employment, effective service delivery, consumer perspectives

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 17, no. 3, pp. 183-194, 2002

Authors: Wittenburg, David C. | Golden, Thomas | Fishman, Michael

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: This paper characterizes the programs the complex set of programs that may affect the transition from school to work for a youth with a disability. Given the emphasis on accountability for outcomes in the recent IDEA legislation, it will be increasingly important for both researchers and policy makers to understand the interaction of school and non-school programs on the economic decisions of youth with disabilities. Unfortunately, there are relatively limited existing resources to examine these program …overlaps. We propose that government agencies consider various options to improve in this area by adding information on special education participation to major surveys efforts; developing existing administrative databases that include information on programs that serve youth with disabilities; and using qualitative methods to examine how the strategies in adult-based programs interact with those used by youth while they were in-school. Show more

Keywords: school to work transition, youth with disabilities, program participation, IDEA, SSI

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 17, no. 3, pp. 195-206, 2002

Authors: Flannery, K. Brigid | Slovic, Roz | Treasure, Tina | Ackley, Daryl | Lucas, Frank

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: For the past three decades, the vocational rehabilitation field has been moving from a system controlled by professionals to one beginning to promote the crucial role of consumers in decision making and planning for their futures. This focus on empowerment of consumers reflects the Independent Living philosophy developed in the late 1960s and promoted through Centers for Independent Living. This focus requires a major shift in thinking and action on the part of rehabilitation counselors and …administrators so that all people with disabilities can truly be legitimate partners. It also requires consumers to be more knowledgeable and have the skills necessary to be more involved, indeed directive, in choosing the goals and the services they want and need. Oregon has developed a partnership between rehabilitation agencies and Centers for Independent Living (CILs) to provide support and skills to consumers to increase their involvement and role in developing their rehabilitation plan. Show more

Keywords: peer mentors, partnership, independent living, Center for Independent Living, Vocational Rehabilitation

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 17, no. 3, pp. 207-215, 2002

Authors: Darling, William T. | Growick, Bruce S. | Kontosh, Larry G.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Transferable skills analysis (TSA) has been a fundamental tool for analyzing employability in vocational rehabilitation. Computerized software has reduced the cost and time necessary to perform a TSA, proliferating its use. The use of TSA software has also expanded in recent years beyond the forensic arena to other areas of rehabilitation including vocational evaluation, career exploration, and case management. However, among the various software packages, there is a lack of consistency in how a TSA is …performed, leading to varying results between programs. This paper highlights this inconsistency, its potential clinical impact on service provision, and the need for further research into the definition and application of TSA in rehabilitation. Show more

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 17, no. 3, pp. 217-224, 2002