Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation - Volume 45, issue 3

Authors: Zalewska, Agnieszka | Migliore, Alberto | Butterworth, John

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Job seekers’ personal traits like self-determination and social skills are often highlighted as key for achieving employment. However, a growing literature suggests that external factors should not be overlooked either, including job search strategies and transportation. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to increase knowledge about the relationships between these factors and employment of young adults with autism, within the same analytical context provided by the National Longitudinal Transition Study-2 (NLTS2). METHODS: Chi-Square and One-Way-Anova were used to investigate the relationships between the four factors and employment of young adults with autism. …RESULTS: Contrary to the prevailing literature, our findings did not confirm a relationship between employment and most of these factors. Only a subscale of self-determination—psychological empowerment—and transportation independence were associated with employment outcomes of young adults with autism. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the findings, we recommend that transportation independence be a component of educational programs for students with autism in preparation for their professional careers. Moreover, we recommend improving instruments and data collection practices to accurately gauge self-determination, social skills, and job search practices before concluding that these factors are not associated with employment outcomes. Show more

Keywords: Employment, postsecondary outcomes, autism, social skills, self-determination, job search, transportation

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-160825

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 45, no. 3, pp. 225-239, 2016

Authors: Huber, Mary J. | Oswald, Gina R. | Webb, Tom | Avila-John, Alan

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Approximately 57% of students in the general population who began as full-time freshmen in 4-year universities in 2006 received a bachelor’s degree within a 6-year period. However, only 34% of students with disabilities (SWD) did the same. In addition, nearly 84% of nondisabled college graduates find employment soon after graduating compared to 53% of graduates with disabilities (GWD). These disparities highlight the need to examine which factors are supporting degree completion and employment. OBJECTIVE: This study examined what types of academic and disability services contributed to degree completion and post-graduation employment. METHODS: Recent GWD …from a Midwestern, mid-sized university completed a survey designed to illicit responses regarding the services they utilized while they were a student and their current employment status. RESULTS: Services most often utilized to assist with degree completion included extra time for tests, test proctoring and tutoring. Services most often utilized to assist with employment included resume writing, employer networking opportunities, and mock interviewing. Sixty-five percent of the GWD were employed while 20% were actively seeking employment. CONCLUSIONS: The value of creating a comprehensive office of disability services that goes beyond what is required by law yields better outcomes and is highly encouraged. Show more

Keywords: College students with disabilities, employment services, offices of disability services

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-160826

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 45, no. 3, pp. 241-247, 2016

Authors: Frøyland, Kjetil

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Researchers and others are worried about the marginalization of vulnerable youth who drop out of school and have difficulties finding and keeping a job. Supported Employment (SE) approaches have shown good employment results for persons with disabilities. Individual Placement and Support (IPS) for persons with severe mental challenges has shown particularly good effects. Can support based on the principles of IPS also contribute to increased job inclusion of vulnerable youth? OBJECTIVE: Research has suggested that the IPS principles are applicable to support for young adults with mental challenges, but little is known about their applicability to …support for non-psychiatric populations. This article aims to expand knowledge in this field by discussing the applicability of the IPS principles to support for vulnerable youth aged 15–25 who do not necessarily have severe mental challenges. METHODS: The article is based on theme-oriented, cross-case analysis of qualitative data gathered from 16 youth pilots. RESULTS: Modifications of six of the eight IPS principles are suggested if applied to vulnerable youth in order to better meet their needs and situation. CONCLUSION: The IPS principles can be applied to vulnerable youth, but the analysis indicates that the suggested modifications will increase their applicability. Show more

Keywords: IPS, SE, place-then-train, job inclusion, vulnerable youth, troubled youth, youth at risk, NEETs

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-160827

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 45, no. 3, pp. 249-265, 2016

Authors: Brickham, Dana | Kim, Jeong Han | Gonzalez, Rene | Rosenthal, David

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Vocational rehabilitation for people with alcohol abuse/dependence can help individuals access and maintain employment, and further enhance physical and psychological health and well-being. OBJECTIVE: To examine demographic and rehabilitation service patterns affecting employment outcomes of consumers with alcohol abuse/dependence in state vocational rehabilitation agencies. METHODS: The sample included 7,798 persons (74% men and 26% women) with alcohol abuse/dependence who were closed either as rehabilitated or not rehabilitated by their state-run vocational rehabilitation agencies in the fiscal year 2009. Mean age of participants was 40.1 years (SD = 10.2). The dependent variable was employment outcome. The predictor …variables include a set of demographic variables and vocational rehabilitation service variables. RESULTS: The chi -squared automatic interaction detector (CHAID) analysis indicated that counseling and guidance services significantly enhanced competitive employment outcomes. The study also revealed the underutilization of job related services for assistance in finding employment, gaining employment, and retaining employment (e.g., job search assistance, job placement, and on-the-job supports). Also, an underutilization of training type services such as on-the-job training, miscellaneous training, occupational/vocational, and college or university training were revealed in serving consumers with alcohol abuse/dependence. CONCLUSIONS: The data mining approach (i.e., CHAID analysis) provided detailed information and insight about interactions among demographic variables, rehabilitation service patterns, and competitive employment rates ranging from a low of 41% to a high of 76%, and these differences can be explained by rehabilitation service patterns. Show more

Keywords: Vocational rehabilitation, alcohol abuse, substance abuse, RSA 911, employment outcomes, CHAID

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-160828

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 45, no. 3, pp. 267-279, 2016

Authors: Cimera, Robert Evert

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Supported employment has long been regarded as a good investment for individuals with disability and taxpayers. However, not all supported employees are cost-effective to serve in the community. By examining supported employees who are not cost-effective, we can better understand how to make supported employment more effective and efficient. METHODS: The costs-per-month served and per-hour worked of 40,118 supported employees funded by state-federal VR agencies were compared to estimates of costs of sheltered workshops found in the literature. Rates of cost-ineffectiveness were examined by demographic variables (e.g., gender, ethnicity, impairment) and across all state-federal VR agencies …throughout the United States and its territories. RESULTS: Supported employees cost state-federal VR agencies an average of $342.07 (SD = $418.45) per month they received services. This was well below the lowest estimated monthly cost of sheltered workshops of (i.e., $593.72). However, supported employees cost VR agencies $7.23 (SD = $15.46) per hour they worked in the community. This was well above the lowest estimated hourly cost of sheltered workshops (i.e., $6.73). Costs-per-month served and costs-per-hour worked varied considerably from agency to agency, with substantial proportions of supported employees served by most agencies not being cost-effective to serve in the community. CONCLUSION: Rates of cost-ineffectiveness did not appear to be significantly influenced by supported employee demographics. Disparities among state-federal VR agencies were most likely the result of differences in policies or training of adult service providers. Future research will need to explore these issues. Show more

Keywords: Supported employment, cost, sheltered work, vocational rehabilitation

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-160829

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 45, no. 3, pp. 281-294, 2016

Authors: McMahon, Megan C. | McMahon, Brian T. | West, Steven L. | Conway, Joseph P.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: This article derives from data provided by the National EEOC ADA Research Project at VCU. It is one of 3 articles in this volume/issue. It is intended to document the nature and scope of discrimination as reported to the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the enforcement agency for ADA, by persons with learning disabilities (LD). Specifically, a group of 9,480 allegations filed with the EEOC and derived from individuals with learning disabilities is compared to a group of 313,480 allegations derived from individuals with other known physical, mental, and behavioral impairments. OBJECTIVE: Comparisons were made based …upon the characteristics of the individual charging parties including age, race and gender as well as characteristics of the employer including industry code and number of workers. METHODS: Database mining and descriptive and non-parametric analyses were applied to determine differences in these characteristics. RESULTS: Findings indicate that allegation activities are higher among LD charging parties who are white males between the ages of 15 and 39. Allegations by LD charging parties are more prevalent among smaller employers (15–100 workers) in the industries of Accommodation and Food Services, Retail Trade, Educational Services, and Arts/Entertainment/Recreation. Show more

Keywords: Learning disabilities, Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, discrimination

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-160830

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 45, no. 3, pp. 295-300, 2016

Authors: Murza, Kimberly A.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Although individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are accessing vocational rehabilitation services in larger numbers than previously, their vocational outcomes are extremely poor. The thoughts and experiences of vocational rehabilitation counselors in working with this population have not previously been explored. OBJECTIVE: The current study was designed to gather information about vocational rehabilitation counselors’ experiences and thoughts on working with adults with ASD. METHODS: An original 73-item survey was developed and disseminated to vocational rehabilitation counselors across the U. S. Participants were recruited through email and were asked to respond to a web-based survey. …RESULTS: A total of 932 vocational rehabilitation counselors representing 35 states participated in the survey. Although most respondents had a small caseload/workload of individuals with ASD, the majority had experiences working with this population. Respondents overwhelmingly agreed that social skill deficits presented barriers to workplace success. Almost all respondents indicated interest in receiving additional training in supporting their clients with ASD and felt these clients would benefit from social skill intervention programs. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study suggest that social skill deficits are critical to consider for practitioners working with individuals with ASD and researchers interested in exploring the efficacy of this work. Show more

Keywords: Autism spectrum disorder, supported employment, vocational rehabilitation counselors

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-160831

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 45, no. 3, pp. 301-313, 2016

Authors: Allen, Amy R. | Newnam, Sharon | Petersen, Alan | Vogel, Adam P. | Collie, Alex

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Compensable injury is a public health concern and understanding of the factors influencing recovery is crucial to improving physical and psychological outcomes for injured individuals. OBJECTIVE: Based on the bio-psychosocial model of disability (Engel, 1980 ), the aim of this study is to explore the experiences of injured people in compensation systems, focusing on factors that impact their health and mental well-being. METHOD: Telephone interviews were conducted with 15 compensated injured individuals who had time off work, to explore their experiences post injury. RESULTS: The key outcomes experienced post injury included fear, …physical disuse, depression and disability. The results are discussed within the fear-avoidance model of pain (Lethem, Slade, Troupe, & Bentley, 1983 ) and in relation to a readjustment of sense of self. CONCLUSIONS: The majority of participants were struggling to move beyond their injury and particular road blocks were impeding progression of their recovery. The results of this study offer recommendations for the way compensation systems interact with injured persons and psychological and/or social interventions to help recovery from injury and return to work. Show more

Keywords: Compensable injury, pain, sense of self, fear-avoidance model

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-160832

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 45, no. 3, pp. 315-325, 2016

Authors: Coduti, Wendy A. | Anderson, Cayte | Lui, Kat | Lui, John | Rosenthal, David A. | Hursh, Norman | Ra, Young-An

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Mental health (MH) in the workplace affects employers financially through the increased use of health care, disability leave plans and a loss of productivity (Ritter, Reif & McGuire, 2009 ). OBJECTIVE: Increases in the prevalence of MH requires a better understanding of how employers can create workplaces that are psychologically healthy and decrease the impact of MH, such as disability management (DM) programs. Understanding how the workplace culture contributes to, or alleviates, the impact of MH in the workplace is critical. CONCLUSION: Disability management programs, combined with psychologically healthy workplaces, are important for ensuring …that people with MH conditions have the supports in place through their employer to remain at work, or return to work. However, understanding successful integration of new employees with MH conditions is also important as a supportive workplace impacts the likelihood of continued employment. Show more

Keywords: Psychologically healthy workplaces, mental health, disability management, workplace culture

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-160833

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 45, no. 3, pp. 327-336, 2016

Authors: Shogren, Karrie A. | Gotto IV, George S. | Wehmeyer, Michael L. | Shaw, Leslie | Seo, Hyojeong | Palmer, Susan | Snyder, Megan J. | Barton, Kelli N.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: There is a need for supports to promote self-determination in career development and employment that can be implemented by community support providers to address the poor employment outcomes of adults with disabilities. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to examine outcomes of implementation of the Self-Determined Career Development Model (SDCDM) when implemented in community-based support organizations by direct employment support providers. METHODS: Twenty-two community support provider organizations participated and were randomly assigned to a treatment (SDCDM) or control (business as usual) group; data were collected at three time points by facilitators on self-determination …outcomes with 197 adults with disabilities. The data was analyzed using multilevel modeling and intraclass correlation coefficients were examined to determine the impact of the person with a disability, facilitator, and provider organization on outcomes. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: Participants and the outcomes they experienced were influenced by multiple levels including each participant’s own personal characteristics and experiences, as well as the characteristics of the facilitator they worked with and the organization that provided services. Autonomy showed greater change in the treatment group over time, compared to the control group. Implications for future research and practice are discussed. Show more

Keywords: Self-determination, career development, employment, Self-Determined Career Development Model (SDCDM)

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-160834

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 45, no. 3, pp. 337-350, 2016