Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation - Volume 20, issue 2

Article Type: Other

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 20, no. 2, pp. 81-81, 2004

Authors: O'Day, Bonnie | Wilson, Jean | Killeen, Mary | Ficke, Robert

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: This article presents findings from a comprehensive evaluation of Title VII, Chapter 1, Part C of the Centers for Independent Living (CIL) program funded by the Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA). These 2001 study results are based upon interviews with 569 consumers about their experiences at CILs. We asked consumers about services received, knowledge or skills gained, and changes in their lives they attributed to the CIL. We also asked consumers about the extent to which they …decided upon the services they would receive. This study found that CILs are providing a wide variety of beneficial services and advocacy in their communities. Consumers report a high level of satisfaction with the services they receive and report significant life changes as a result of CIL services. Only 56% of consumers stated that they decided on the services they would receive either by themselves or in conjunction with another staff person. Centers should take steps to insure that consumers are empowered to make or have a voice in decisions about the independent living services they receive. Show more

Keywords: independent living, consumer satisfaction, evaluation, consumer control outcomes

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 20, no. 2, pp. 83-89, 2004

Authors: Kim, KyungMee | Fox, Michael H.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Objectives: Understand the obstacles and benefits of greater integration of people with emerging disabilities into the independent living movement through two primary research questions: how do Centers for Independent Living (CILs) provide services to people with emerging disabilities, and, what more can be done with them by these centers? Study Design: Phone interviews and focus groups were used to interview 102 people with disabilities recruited through CILs in Kansas. Data for this study were …analyzed by using constant comparative analysis. Results: Five major themes on possible roles for CILs emerged: Outreach, disability awareness, health referral, employment assistance, and improved help at home. Conclusions: An expanded role of Centers for Independent Living can develop that recognizes, accepts and supports emerging disability groups. Show more

Keywords: emerging disabilities, Centers for Independent Living, integrating emerging disabilities, disability, CILs

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 20, no. 2, pp. 91-98, 2004

Article Type: Other

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 20, no. 2, pp. 99-99, 2004

Authors: McMahon, Brian T. | Shaw, Linda R. | Chan, Fong | Danczyk-Hawley, Carolyn

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: The purpose of this article is to describe two constructs recently highlighted in the counseling psychology literature – working alliance and counseling expectancies – and to describe first steps toward their application in vocational rehabilitation. As consumer and counselor embark on the vocational rehabilitation experience, differences in expectations may lead to a strained relationship and subsequent poor outcomes. In recognition of this challenge, the authors undertook a research project to give meaning and impetus …to the concept of consumer empowerment in a manner that would maximize VR outcomes. Specifically, enhancing the quality of the working alliance between counselors and consumers is presented as one way to achieve these goals. Show more

Keywords: rehabilitation counseling, vocational rehabilitation outcomes, counselor-consumer partnerships

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 20, no. 2, pp. 101-105, 2004

Authors: Shaw, Linda R. | McMahon, Brian T. | Chan, Fong | Hannold, Elizabeth

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Working Alliance has been described as a collaborative process characterized by shared goals, tasks and attachment bonds The development of a strong working Alliance is desirable in a rehabilitation system that embraces full and meaningful involvement from consumers. It has been suggested that the Working Alliance is dependent upon four factors that include congruence between counselor and consumer expectancies regarding counseling. This article describes a training protocol to help counselors develop awareness and specific …skills aimed at consumers achieving greater congruence in expectations early in the rehabilitation counseling process. The protocol utilizes both didactic and experiential instruction and includes values clarification activities, use of the Expectations About Rehabilitation Counseling (EARC) Scale, and a conflict resolution approach to expectation convergence. Training protocols, materials, and processes are presented along with discussion regarding the impact of the training protocol on participating counselors. Show more

Keywords: rehabilitation counseling, Expectations about Rehabilitation Counseling (EARC) Scale, consumer-counselor work relationships

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 20, no. 2, pp. 107-125, 2004

Authors: Chan, Fong | McMahon, Brian T. | Shaw, Linda R. | Lee, Gloria

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Identification and reconciliation of counselor expectations between consumer and counselor is believed to increase the counselor-consumer working alliance, which by extension will improve rehabilitation counseling outcomes. The purpose of this article is to describe the development of the Expectations About Rehabilitation Counseling (EARC) scale, one of the component measures used within the working alliance framework for enhancing counselor-consumer working relationship in rehabilitation. Principal components analysis results indicate a four-component solution (expectations about …counselor behavior, expectations about consumer behavior, expectations about vocational services, and expectations about clinical and support services) to be optimal both in terms of parsimony and interpretability. This article provides empirical evidence for the factorial structure of the EARC scale. Consumers and counselors were found to differ significantly on two counseling expectancy factors: consumer behavior and clinical/support services. Discrepancies in counseling expectancies between counselors and consumers are inversely related to working alliance. Clinical applications of the EARC scale are discussed. Show more

Keywords: Expectations About Rehabilitation Counseling (EARC) Scale, rehabilitation counseling, working alliance

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 20, no. 2, pp. 127-133, 2004

Authors: Fraser, Robert T. | Vandergoot, David | Thomas, Dale | Wagner, Christopher C.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: This paper reviews salient categories of rehabilitation programs' employment outcomes research, as recently presented by the authors at the May 2002 "Bridging Gaps" conference, sponsored by the National Institute of Disability and Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR) and the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitation Services (OSERS), US Department of Education and several co-sponsors (e.g., the American Psychological Association/Rehabilitation Psychology, Division 22, etc.). The purpose of this paper is to review these findings and …draw the most relevant implications for rehabilitation counselor training programs' curricula. The paper begins with a review of the contextual changes affecting vocational rehabilitation (VR) services delivery today and then presents employment outcomes research findings as related to the vocational rehabilitation participant, the rehabilitation counselor in the placement process, and the actual services provided. Implications for rehabilitation counseling curricula are presented not only in relation to job placement coursework, but also coursework relating to counseling strategies, vocational assessment, and medical aspects of disability. Modifications to coursework in the above areas (and potentially others) should have impact in preparing more of an "employment outcomes skilled and oriented" RC program graduate. Show more

Keywords: employment outcome, placement, rehabilitation counselor education

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 20, no. 2, pp. 135-142, 2004

Authors: Fitzgerald, Shawn M. | Rumrill, Jr., Phillip D. | Schenker, Jason D.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: The article describes correlational research designs as a method for testing relationships between or among variables of interest in the lives of people with disabilities. The authors describe conceptual aspects of correlational research, discuss the methods by which researchers select variables for this type of inquiry, explain the primary purposes of correlational studies, and overview data analytic strategies. These discussions are illustrated with examples from the contemporary vocational rehabilitation literature.

Keywords: correlational research, research design, data analysis

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 20, no. 2, pp. 143-150, 2004

Article Type: Other

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 20, no. 2, pp. 151-152, 2004