Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation - Volume 30, issue 2

Authors: Inge, Katherine J. | Wehman, Paul | Revell, Grant | Erickson, Doug | Butterworth, John | Gilmore, Dana

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to present the findings from a national survey of a random sample of community rehabilitation programs (CRPs) that hold Special Wage Certificates established under Section 14(c) of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), 29 U.S.C. 214(c). The intent of the survey was to identify the types of services provided, the trends in the employment services, and the factors that were perceived as inhibiting and facilitating integrated employment outcomes. The survey …results are categorized for this report in the following three areas: 1) characteristics of community rehabilitation programs, 2) organizational change trends, and 3) factors that influence the type of employment program utilized by consumers with disabilities. Representative results from the survey are that overall, facility-based programs continue to be the predominant service provided by community rehabilitation programs holding 14(c) certificates. Of the 20,075 staff members identified as serving consumers, only 1,741 (8.7% are reported as working with individuals earning at least minimum wage. Although competitive employment and individual supported employment services among these CRPs are growing at a faster rate than other services, use of facility-based services continues to expand. Overall, the findings indicate that the organizations that provide daily services to those Americans with disabilities utilizing 14(c) certificates are continuing to predominately support facility-based work and non-work activities versus services leading to integrated employment outcomes. Show more

Keywords: Community rehabilitation programs, employment of persons with disabilities, national employment survey

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-2009-0454

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 30, no. 2, pp. 67-85, 2009

Authors: Corbière, Marc | Lanctôt, Nathalie | Sanquirgo, Nathalie | Lecomte, Tania

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Self-esteem plays an important role in the recovery, particularly the work integration, of people with severe mental disorders. The Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, a widely used instrument that taps into global self-esteem, has been adapted to specifically assess self-esteem as a worker. The present study aimed at validating the Rosenberg Self-Esteem as a Worker Scale and determining its sensitivity to change in people with severe mental disorders registered in Supported Employment programs. An exploratory factor analysis …showed two emerging factors later supported by a confirmatory factor analyses. The first subscale was named "Individual Self-Esteem as a Worker", and the second subscale, was entitled "Social Self-Esteem as a Worker". A subsequent MANCOVA further showed that the past work experience has a significant main effect on the Individual Self-Esteem as a Worker subscale. Furthermore, results revealed that only the Individual Self-Esteem as a Worker subscale changes significantly when people obtain employment. Finally, work satisfaction and particularly items related to satisfaction regarding the supervisor were significantly related to the Individual Self-Esteem as a Worker subscale. Avenues of research are discussed concerning the crucial role of the supervisor in improving the self-esteem as a worker and the work integration of people with severe mental disorders. Show more

Keywords: Self-esteem, work satisfaction, severe mental disorders, validation of questionnaire

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-2009-0455

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 30, no. 2, pp. 87-98, 2009

Authors: Stumbo, Norma J. | Martin, Jay K. | Hedrick, Brad N.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: The purpose of this manuscript is to discuss how assistive technology impacts individuals with disabilities in relation to their education, employment, and ability to live independently. Appropriately selected and utilized assistive technology is imperative for individuals to approach an even par with their non-disabled peers. This paper specifically addresses a number of key questions: How important is assistive technology (AT) to the success of individuals with disabilities in education, employment, and achieving …independence? If AT is important, in what ways is it important? What essential need(s) are met by the use of AT in education, employment, and independence? What remain as unresolved issues and questions regarding the use of AT by individuals with disabilities as they pursue postsecondary education, meaningful careers, and living independently? This review notes that AT is a foundational support that produces multiple and life-altering benefits. While we know much about the impact of AT on the lives of individuals with disabilities, many unanswered issues and questions remain. Show more

Keywords: Assistive technology, independence, education, employment, physical disability

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-2009-0456

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 30, no. 2, pp. 99-110, 2009

Authors: Cimera, Robert Evert

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: This paper illustrates the implementation of a new cost-accounting methodology that can be used to measure the monetary outcomes of supported employment from the perspective of employers. The methodology attempts to ascertain which "type" of employee (i.e., workers with disabilities versus workers without disabilities) is most economical for employers to hire. Avenues for future research are also presented.

Keywords: Supported employment, monetary outcomes, employer perspective

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-2009-0457

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 30, no. 2, pp. 111-119, 2009

Authors: Crockatt, Satoko Yasuda | Targett, Pam | Cifu, David | Wehman, Paul

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: With so many people affected by arthritis and the significant impact it has on themselves and on their families, employers as well as on society, employment of individuals with arthritis is an important topic to consider. A review of literature was conducted to examine the issues that arise from arthritis, factors that influence work disability and employment retention, and interventions and services that are available to promote and retain employment for individuals with arthritis. In recent …years, employers have begun to proactively intervene in terms of both prevention activities as well as provision of accommodation. Work disability is a common occurrence for individuals with arthritis and factors that influence work disability for those with arthritis include employment factors, employee factors, disease factors, and other factors such as access to health care and vocational rehabilitation. It is critical to consider the complex interaction of these factors in order for individuals with arthritis to remain productive and future research must consider all of these aspects when developing and implementing interventions. Show more

Keywords: Arthritis, employment, work disability, vocational rehabilitation

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-2009-0458

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 30, no. 2, pp. 121-131, 2009