Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation - Volume 38, issue 1

Authors: Burke, Raymond V. | Allen, Keith D. | Howard, Monica R. | Downey, Doug | Matz, Michael G. | Bowen, Scott L.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: The current study involved a preliminary job-site testing of computer software, i.e., VideoTote, delivered via a computer tablet and designed to provide users with video modeling and prompting for use by young adults with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) across a range of employment settings. A multiple baseline design was used to assess changes in rates of completion with a complex, 104-step shipping task by four participants diagnosed with ASD. Baseline data were collected on accuracy of task completion after exposure to typical job-training involving instruction, modeling, and practice. The intervention involved video modeling and prompting with a 13 minute …video depicting an individual completing job responsibilities that entailed checking to make sure materials were in working order, replacing defective items, packing materials in a container, entering information into a computer, and attaching a label to a container. Results suggested that video modeling and prompting were effective in helping individuals with autism complete a multi-step shipping task. Participants and their parents gave the device and software high ratings as an acceptable treatment for adults with autism to use in the workplace and intervention that complies with universal design principles. Implications for competitive job opportunities for individuals with autism are discussed. Show more

Keywords: Autism, assistive technology, computer tablet, employment, video modeling, video prompting

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-120616

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 38, no. 1, pp. 1-14, 2013

Authors: Yamamoto, Scott H. | Alverson, Charlotte Y.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: This study examined self-employment within the context of U.S. vocational rehabilitation (VR) to identify significant predictors of successful self-employment case closure, how these predictors changed over time, and whether there were differences in the likelihood of successful self-employment closure across states. To answer the research questions, five fiscal years (FYs) of RSA 911 data from 2003 to 2007, constituting more than a million cases, were analyzed using a two-level Hierarchical Linear Modeling (HLM). These years were selected because they occurred between the two most recent economic recessions. Statistically significant (p < 0.001) predictors of successful self-employment closure across the FYs …were: gender, ethnicity, cost of VR services, education attainment, and public supports. The only difference occurred in FY 2004, when significant-disability status was also a significant predictor. Among the significant predictors, ethnicity had the largest effect, followed by education attainment and gender. States were significantly different in their likelihood of successful self-employment closures. Analyses of additional, more recent years of RSA data using HLM with other predictors are warranted to draw more definitive conclusions and develop substantive theoretical explanations. Limitations and implications of this study for researchers and VR agencies are discussed in conclusion. Show more

Keywords: Self-employment, vocational rehabilitation, Hierarchical Linear Modeling

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-120617

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 38, no. 1, pp. 15-27, 2013

Authors: Darensbourg, Brandi L.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationships among demographics and competitive employment outcomes of vocational rehabilitation consumers with blindness or visual impairments. Using a sample from the RSA-911 data file from fiscal year 2006, relationships were examined among 20 consumer demographic variables related to competitive employment outcomes. The methodology, results, limitations of the study, and implications for practice and future research are discussed.

Keywords: Blind, visual impairments, competitive employment, vocational rehabilitation

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-120618

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 38, no. 1, pp. 29-34, 2013

Authors: Harris, Sarah Parker | Renko, Maija | Caldwell, Kate

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Social entrepreneurship has been gaining increasing attention as a possible employment strategy for people with disabilities. However, little is known about the experiences of social entrepreneurs with disabilities in relation to their resources needs, opportunities for participation, and barriers they encounter. Further, little is understood about how social entrepreneurship differs from self-employment or forms of commercial entrepreneurship. The findings included herein are representative of the first empirical research integrating the fields of disability studies and entrepreneurship studies to explore social entrepreneurship among people with disabilities through interviews with key stakeholders working in the field (n = 19) and focus groups …with social entrepreneurs with disabilities themselves (n = 27). Three themes emerged from this qualitative research that hold particular importance to policymakers and professionals working in the field of vocational rehabilitation: 1) education, training and information; 2) finance, funding and asset development; 3) networking and supports. The findings demonstrate that social entrepreneurship can be an effective model of employment but is currently underutilized. With additional investment, it can offer a meaningful way for people with disabilities to participate in the labor market and complement existing strategies in competitive and customized employment to promote choice and self-determination. Show more

Keywords: Disability, social entrepreneurship, entrepreneurship, self-employment, qualitative

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-120619

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 38, no. 1, pp. 35-48, 2013

Authors: Russinova, Zlatka | Rogers, E. Sally | Ellison, Marsha Langer | Bloch, Philippe | Lyass, Asya | Wewiorski, Nancy

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: This study explored the predictors of financial self-sufficiency among Social Security beneficiaries with psychiatric disabilities. The study was conducted with individuals who were either past or current disability beneficiaries and who had sustained competitive employment as evidenced by their involvement in a longitudinal investigation on sustained employment among persons with serious mental illnesses. We conducted an exploratory cross-sectional study employing a survey methodology to determine what factors were associated with participants' capacity to leave the Social Security disability rolls due to gainful employment. We used a stepwise approach to data analysis to explore the association of demographic, clinical, vocational and …motivational factors with financial self-sufficiency. Results suggested that individuals with higher occupational status, higher levels of proactive coping and without medical comorbidities were more likely to terminate Social Security disability benefits and achieve financial self-sufficiency due to gainful employment. Study findings can inform the development of innovative interventions targeting these malleable predictors associated with financial self-sufficiency among persons with psychiatric disabilities. Show more

Keywords: Social Security disability benefits, psychiatric disability, employment, financial self-sufficiency, serious mental illnesses

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-120620

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 38, no. 1, pp. 49-66, 2013

Authors: Kelley, Kelly R. | Westling, David L.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Postsecondary education opportunities for students with intellectual disabilities (ID) have increased over the past 40 years. Although programs vary, some have been designed to provide a fully inclusive learning experience. The University Participant (UP) Program at Western Carolina University (WCU) is a fully inclusive program where participants live in campus residence halls, audit classes, work in internships on campus, and participate in a wide variety of on-campus activities. An important part of the UP program is the student volunteers serving as natural supports or individuals providing necessary assistance in typical environments for UP Program participants throughout the day. This paper …describes how the WCU UP Program uses natural supports to facilitate inclusive opportunities, responsibilities, recruitment, training, coaching, coordination, scheduling, and evaluation of work performance. We conclude with benefits of having undergraduate students serve as natural supports in postsecondary education programs. Show more

Keywords: Postsecondary education, intellectual disability, inclusive, natural supports, secondary transition

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-120621

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 38, no. 1, pp. 67-76, 2013