Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation - Volume 43, issue 3

Article Type: Editorial

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-150766

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 43, no. 3, pp. 169-171, 2015

Authors: Kregel, John

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: On July 9, 2015, Dr. John Kregel provided testimony to the U.S. House of Representatives Ways and Means Committee of addressing “Removing Obstacles to Employment and Increased Financial Independence through Improved Choices: Making DI Work Better for Beneficiaries.” The purpose of the hearing was to discuss promoting work opportunities for Social Security Disability Insurance beneficiaries. The panel was asked to address what modifications could be made to Social Security Disability Insurance to better assist beneficiaries obtain and maintain employment, improve financial independence, and decrease reliance on federal benefits. His testimony is provided in its entirety.

Keywords: Social Security Disability Insurance, SSDI, financial independence

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-150767

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 43, no. 3, pp. 173-181, 2015

Authors: Riesen, Tim | Morgan, Robert L. | Griffin, Cary

Article Type: Review Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Customized employment (CE) is a strategy that has shown promise in improving poor employment outcome for individuals with disabilities. The term customized employment was first used in 2001 and originated from efforts by the Department of Labor, Office of Disability Employment Policy to provide access to One-Stop centers and improve employment outcomes for people with disabilities. More recently, the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act of 2014 (WIOA) contained a number of provisions and modifications to the Rehabilitation Act that more formally recognized CE as service delivery option. Specifically, WIOA modified the definition of supported employment to …include CE and provided a formal definition in the statute. Given its recognition at the federal policy level, it is increasingly important to ensure that practitioners and adult service systems are implementing evidence-based practices associated with CE service delivery. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this review, therefore, is to examine the existing literature to identify the underlying conceptual and empirical basis for CE and to make recommendations for future research. CONCLUSIONS: Findings from this review indicate that CE is contributing to positive integrated employment outcomes for individuals with disabilities. More research is needed to replicate, validate, and establish the evidence base for CE. Show more

Keywords: Customized employment, disability, research, literature review

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-150768

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 43, no. 3, pp. 183-193, 2015

Authors: Morningstar, Mary E. | Trainor, Audrey A. | Murray, Angela

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: This study examines adult outcomes of young adults with high incidence disabilities. We examined variables across 5 postschool outcome constructs: (a) gainful employment, (b) community living and participation, (c) ongoing and advanced education, (d) social connections and positive relationships, and (f) health and well-being. OBJECTIVE: We compare specific outcomes among three disability groups often described as having high incidence disabilities: learning disabilities, emotional disabilities and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. METHODS: Descriptive statistics were calculated using procedures that accounted for the weighted and stratified design of the NLTS2 including the calculation of …appropriate estimated standard errors. Therefore, these results are representative of the national population of youth in the high incidence disability groups identified RESULTS: Results across all major life domains indicated that students from these three groups were more similar in achievement of adult life outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Implications of these results include the extension of previous postschool outcomes research beyond employment and postsecondary education to develop a comprehensive view of adult life engagement. In addition, future research regarding the influence of similar school transition experiences can be anticipated, given the similarity of outcomes. Show more

Keywords: Postschool outcomes young adults with high incidence disabilities, employment, postsecondary education, community participation, social engagement, quality of adult life

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-150769

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 43, no. 3, pp. 195-208, 2015

Authors: Kim, Sunny Jung | Bond, Gary R. | Becker, Deborah R. | Swanson, Sarah J. | Langfitt-Reese, Sandra

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Fidelity scales are used to monitor adherence to evidence-based practices. The underlying assumption is that high fidelity predicts better outcomes. The IPS-25 is a fidelity scale measuring adherence to the Individual Placement and Support (IPS) model. A previous study found a significant association between the IPS-25 and competitive employment outcome. The current study sought to replicate this finding. OBJECTIVE: We hypothesized that fidelity, as measured by the IPS-25, would predict program-level competitive employment rate. METHODS: Fidelity was assessed by the IPS-25 fidelity scale in 79 IPS programs in 12 states. The …quarterly competitive employment rate was collected as part of quality improvement efforts in the IPS Learning Community. We examined the correlation between these two measures. RESULTS: Five components of the IPS-25 including vocational generalists, caseload size and rapid job search were successfully implemented in most IPS programs, whereas nine fidelity components, including time-unlimited supports and agency leadership support, were less widely implemented. As hypothesized, the IPS-25 total score was significantly associated with competitive employment rate (r  = 0.27, p  = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: The study demonstrated that IPS programs adhering to good fidelity are more likely to achieve enhanced competitive employment outcomes than the sites that have low fidelity. Show more

Keywords: Individual Placement and Support (IPS) model, IPS fidelity scale, predictive validity, competitive employment, supported employment

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-150770

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 43, no. 3, pp. 209-216, 2015

Authors: Gross, Judith M.S. | Francis, Grace | Pijem, Maria A.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: In 2010-2012, the Kansas Division on Health Care Finance used Medicaid Infrastructure Grant monies to fund the development and implementation of an employment intervention for young adults with disabilities and their families. Family Employment Awareness Training (FEAT), a family-focused employment intervention, had two major goals: (a) increase participants’ expectations for the competitive employment of people with individualized support needs (ISN) in their community and (b) increase participants’ knowledge of state and federal employment resources to support the employment of people with ISN. Short- and intermediate-term research indicates that FEAT increased participants’ expectations and knowledge (Francis, Gross, Turnbull, …& Parent-Johnson, 2013 ; Francis, Gross, Turnbull, & Turnbull, 2013 ) and impacted long-term employment outcomes (Francis, Gross, Turnbull, & Turnbull, 2015 ). OBJECTIVE: In this manuscript, we provide a detailed description of FEAT, discuss the challenges of implementing it, and share future directions for this family-focused intervention. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION: FEAT is a two-day, family-focused intervention designed to increase expectations and knowledge regarding the employment of people with disabilities. FEAT was iteratively designed, incorporating stakeholder feedback, resulting in model emphasizing small group activities, networking, and technical assistance. CONCLUSION: Currently, more rigorous research is being conducted to assess FEAT’s efficacy. Future plans include adapting the model to other domains (e.g., housing, community participation) and other target populations (e.g., teachers, employment specialists). Show more

Keywords: Customized employment, expectations, family intervention, knowledge-based intervention, competitive employment

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-150771

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 43, no. 3, pp. 217-228, 2015

Authors: Honeycutt, Todd | Bardos, Maura | McLeod, Stephanie

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND : State vocational rehabilitation (VR) agencies are uniquely positioned to help youth with disabilities bridge the gaps in their transition to adulthood. OBJECTIVE : This study explores the variation in VR agency practices with youth with disabilities using a case study approach for a select group of eight agencies – five of which had statistics for their youth applicants that indicated relatively higher transition outcomes compared to all agencies and three of which that did not. METHODS : We conducted an in-depth examination of five areas of VR agency practices: organization and collaboration strategies; outreach, application, and …eligibility; service delivery; employment; and monitoring and evaluation. RESULTS : The eight agencies had many similarities in how they identified youth with disabilities and provided services to them, such as having staff dedicated to serving youth and having programs targeting youth, often in conjunction with one or more community partners. We also observed many differentiating features among agencies with high or low transition outcomes, some aspects less under an agency’s control (such as being involved in local or statewide stakeholder collaborations) and other aspects within an agency’s control (such as having state leadership with exclusive transition responsibilities and developing outreach to parents). Additional features, although within an agency’s control, represent a greater resource cost; these include developing intensive school-based programs, enrolling more youth at earlier ages, and implementing programs to connect youth to postsecondary schools. CONCLUSIONS : Information on varying characteristics among VR agencies could help Rehabilitation Services Administration and VR agency administrators identify promising practices in serving transition-age youth with disabilities. Show more

Keywords: Youth with disabilities, vocational rehabilitation agencies, transition, case study

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-150772

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 43, no. 3, pp. 229-247, 2015

Authors: Gormley, Maureen E.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Individuals with intellectual disability (ID) have always been part of society but the ways in which they have been characterized and perceived has changed over time. Despite decades of advocacy efforts aimed at promoting their social inclusion, a legacy of stigma remains towards these individuals, especially as they seek employment. School-to-work transition programs are one strategy aimed at effecting successful placement and assimilation of youth with ID into the mainstream workforce. OBJECTIVE: This study explores workplace stigma, as assessed through coworker perceptions over time, toward transition-age youth (i.e., 18–22 years of age) with ID …who entered a mainstream workforce through a formalized, school-to-work transition program. METHODS: This qualitative, descriptive design used thematic analysis to analyze data collected on 15 coworkers of individuals with ID from 14 organizations that had implemented Project SEARCH, a formalized, school-to-work transition program that began at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital in the mid-1990 s. RESULTS: Study findings supported the framework that youth with ID face challenges as they seek employment in fully immersed work settings, including stigma – initial negative perceptions related to their capabilities and behaviors. Findings suggest that participants addressed and overcame negative perceptions where workplace concerns about anticipated performance and behavioral challenges shifted to positive contributions they reported the youth with ID made. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, the school-to-work transition program played a key role in shifting coworker perceptions of youth with ID from initially stigmatic reactions toward workplace acceptance. Eliciting coworker perceptions is an important part of the dialogue concerning the ways in which youth with ID are stigmatized as they transition from school to the world of employment. Show more

Keywords: School-to-work transition, stigma, intellectual disability, youth, coworker perceptions

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-150773

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 43, no. 3, pp. 249-258, 2015

Authors: Persch, Andrew C. | Cleary, Dennis S. | Rutkowski, Susie | Malone, Helen I. | Darragh, Amy R. | Case-Smith, Jane D.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Individuals with disabilities are employed at rates significantly lower than those without disabilities. Job matching has been an integral part of supported employment practices for individuals with disabilities for over 30 years. However, no research examines the specific practices of key stakeholders who make job matching decisions with, or on behalf of, individuals with disabilities. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to determine the: a) current practices in job matching, b) outcomes of the job matching process, and c) tools used by Project SEARCH professionals to inform job matching decisions. METHODS: …This study used a mixed-methods sequential-explanatory research design to examine the practices of key stakeholders involved in job matching. Stakeholders were students and professionals participating in transition using the Project SEARCH model. Quantitative and narrative data were collected by survey during the first phase of the study. A second, qualitative phase employed a multiple case study design using focus groups to evaluate the perspectives of key professional and consumer stakeholder groups. RESULTS: Integration of quantitative and qualitative data revealed that: a) job matching is a collaborative process, b) stakeholders consider many different types of data when job matching, c) current practices in job matching are variable and lack consistency, and d) outcomes of the job matching process are poorly defined. CONCLUSIONS: Additional resources are needed to support the efforts of stakeholders who make job matching decisions with, or on behalf of, individuals with disabilities. In the absence of formal resources, key stakeholders who utilize a collaborative, consistent, data-driven process for job matching are most likely to observe positive outcomes. Show more

Keywords: Job matching, special education, vocational rehabilitation, occupational therapy

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-150774

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 43, no. 3, pp. 259-273, 2015

Authors: Hayes, Gillian R. | Custodio, V. Erick | Haimson, Oliver L. | Nguyen, Kathy | Ringland, Kathryn E. | Ulgado, Rachel Rose | Waterhouse, Aaron | Weiner, Rachel

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Employment interviews require mastery of a variety of skills that can be challenging for transition age youth with autism. Previous work suggests that video modeling is a viable approach to teaching vocational skills. OBJECTIVES: This paper presents the results of an evaluation of the efficacy of peer and self-modeling for employment interviews across a variety of industries. METHODS: Fifteen students participated in mock employment interviews at the beginning and end of a one-month period. Eight of these were randomized into an intervention condition in which participants were asked to use VidCoach, …a prototype video modeling application pre-loaded with seven interview videos, during the intervening month. We used t-tests to evaluate efficacy of each intervention, and qualitative interviews were used to supplement our understanding of these effects. RESULTS: Use of video-modeling resulted in a measurable improvement in interview performance. Participants in the intervention condition showed statistically significant improvement in overall interview performance rating by employers, as well as reduction of fidgeting, improvement in presenting ideas logically and succinctly, and improvement in hygiene and health care. Participants in the control group showed significant improvement in grammar and vocabulary usage. Use of the tool received high satisfaction ratings from participants. CONCLUSIONS: Mobile video modeling is an effective way to teach interview skills. Show more

Keywords: Autism, assistive technology, mobile device, video modeling, employment, video prompting, interviews

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-150775

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 43, no. 3, pp. 275-287, 2015