Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation - Volume 26, issue 3

Authors: Garcia-Iriarte, Edurne | Balcazar, Fabricio | Taylor-Ritzler, Tina

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: In this study we analyzed employment-related supports provided by case managers in a transition program for urban ethnic minority youth with disabilities. We further assessed the influence of these supports on employment outcomes. Urban ethnic minority youth with disabilities often have lives that are complicated by a host of factors related to living in poverty that influence their ability to find and maintain employment. We found that program staff provided two types of supports to address …work needs and living issues of these youth: job specific, related to on-the-job tasks, and off-site work supports, related to other areas of daily living. The results showed that both job specific and off-site work supports predicted higher employment retention for youth with disabilities. Show more

Keywords: Supported employment, case management, transition, ethnic minority, youth with disabilities

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 26, no. 3, pp. 129-140, 2007

Authors: Adam, Paul M. | White, Margaret A. | Lacaille, Diane

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: This qualitative analysis identifies factors that individuals with arthritis should take into consideration prior to pursuing self-employment (SE). Subjects were recruited from a database of all patients who had used the services of a provincial, out-patient arthritis treatment program between January 1999 and December 2000. Letters screening for SE experience were sent to 4414 individuals. Of the 1695 (38% individuals who responded, 442 (26% reported current or previous SE experience and 247/442 (56%) agreed to …participate and completed a mailed survey. Three open-ended questions asked respondents what advice they would give to someone with arthritis who was considering SE, and to provide their general thoughts on SE as an option for people with arthritis. Respondents provided a range of practical advice on determining the suitability of SE, choosing the type of SE in which to become engaged, and potential strategies for success. Advice for improving the chance of business success included the importance of formal and informal support, self care, maintaining close contact with one's medical team, pacing, and finally, planning the business. Show more

Keywords: Arthritis, self-employment, qualitative research

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 26, no. 3, pp. 141-152, 2007

Authors: Cimera, Robert Evert

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: This study explores the cost-effectiveness of supported employment and sheltered workshops in Wisconsin. Data from 1,118 supported employees and 209 sheltered workers with "most significant" mental retardation were compared. Results indicated that although supported employees generated greater initial costs per fiscal quarter, their cumulative costs were 33.7% cheaper than those of sheltered workers.

Keywords: Supported employment, sheltered workshops, cost-effectiveness

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 26, no. 3, pp. 153-158, 2007

Authors: Stone, Vathsala I. | Bauer, Stephen M. | Montgomery, Mark E. | Usiak, Douglas J.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: This paper summarizes the second in a series of two research studies completed by the Rehabilitation Research and Training Center (RRTC) on Independent Living Management (ILM). The study identified management practices potentially effective for the organizational context of Centers for Independent Living (CILs) by "taking stock" of current practices across the national network of CILs. Executive directors from a random sample of 131 CILs were interviewed over telephone, in a participatory research approach and using a …two-dimensional Kano survey. Findings included 246 practices relevant to CIL management, and their perceived quality was reported using a Kano classification as "expected", "revealed", "exciting" and "no-difference" practices. They were further distributed under the 9 management areas of the CIL organizational profile collectively identified by a national sample of CIL stakeholders during our first study. A direct application of this knowledge relates to improving organizational performance, by empowering CILs to plan, train, manage, evaluate and advance their organizations. The study conducted a pilot follow-up to illustrate the implemented practices as part of organizational snapshots, a planning tool used by the RRTC-ILM. Show more

Keywords: Independent living, independent living center, inclusion, Kano survey, organizational structure, management practices

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 26, no. 3, pp. 159-173, 2007

Authors: Tschopp, Molly K. | Perkins, David V. | Hart-Katuin, Colleen | Born, Dennis L. | Holt, Stephanie L.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Acquiring and maintaining employment is often challenging for individuals with psychiatric disabilities, and for those with a history of criminal offenses additional obstacles exist. This project used focus groups to identify ways in which supported employment providers deliver effective services to persons with mental illness and offense histories. Successful providers report that a sense of hope, a trusting relationship, realistic and sincere expectations about work, and optimism on the part of both the consumer …and provider are key ingredients, as are the consumer's remorse for past criminal activity and an action-oriented attitude toward change. Barriers to success with this population include stigma, which varies based on psychiatric symptoms and the nature of the criminal offense, and inadequate support. Successful employment reflects persistence, clinical and law enforcement supports as needed, lifestyle adjustments, face to face meetings with employers, effective disclosure strategies, and documenting work readiness using portfolios. Providers also cited many contributions of employment to recovery, including increased financial resources, pride, social connections to the community, and quality of life. Training of future professionals should promote skills in advocacy, helping consumers develop work portfolios and other assets, and a view of employment support that is holistic and individualized. Show more

Keywords: Vocational recovery, serious psychiatric disability, criminal offenses

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 26, no. 3, pp. 175-187, 2007

Authors: Crawley, Tess | Fitzerald, Natalie | Graham, Holly

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Objective: Meaningful employment is a common goal for those with schizophrenia [27] and can lead to significant clinical gains [18]. General practitioners provide a pivotal role in the care of individuals with schizophrenia, but lack of integration between clinical and rehabilitation services is a significant barrier to receiving vocational rehabilitation [31]. This study investigated general practitioners' awareness and understanding of the benefits of vocational rehabilitation in the treatment of schizophrenia. …Method: A 20-item questionnaire was mailed to 498 Tasmanian general practitioners accessed via the mailing lists of the Divisions of General Practice from each of the three Tasmanian regions: South, North, and Northwest. Responses were received anonymously from 102 participants. Results are reported as the percentage of responding general practitioners endorsing each item on the questionnaire. Results: The majority of respondents indicated average knowledge of schizophrenia and the benefits of meaningful employment for these patients. However, results indicated low rates of referral for vocational rehabilitation, which participants attributed to restricted information about available services, poor integration of clinical and rehabilitation services, and lack of time to discuss vocational rehabilitation goals. Conclusions: The current sample of Tasmanian general practitioners recognised the benefits of vocational rehabilitation in the management of schizophrenia, however they lack the appropriate resources (information, consultation time) to effect appropriate referrals to these services. Improved information dissemination to general practitioners, in particular information relating to available services and referral pathways, may improve referral rates for patients with schizophrenia to appropriate vocational rehabilitation services. Show more

Keywords: Vocational rehabilitation, schizophrenia, general practitioners

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 26, no. 3, pp. 189-196, 2007