Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation - Volume 48, issue 3

Authors: Reed, Karla S. | Meade, Michelle | Jarnecke, Melinda | Aust, Richard | Krause, James S.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Spinal cord injury (SCI) is associated with unacceptably high unemployment rates that are impacted by the environment in which employment and vocational activities take place. To improve employment outcomes, we must continue to gather data allowing us to evaluate the effectiveness of policies and programs associated with successful employment from the perspective of persons with disabling conditions. OBJECTIVE: Identify key components of programs and federal and state level polices which support employment outcomes, as perceived by individuals with SCI who have worked since injury . METHODS: Qualitative approach using six focus groups at two sites. …All participants (N = 44) had been employed at some point since injury. A semi-structured interview format asked questions about policies and program related factors influencing job attainment, maintenance, and advancement following SCI. Narratives were extracted into themes falling into the overlapping categories of policies, programs and awareness. RESULTS: Within programs, five themes emerged characterizing components of programs perceived to be significant in supporting employment: (1) support for education, (2) development of job seeking skills, including skills assessment; (3) job placement; (4) practical experience, and (5) instrumental support. Within policies, two themes were extracted related to policies focused on individuals and policies focused on changing the environment. Finally, within the category of awareness, themes reflect the importance of personal connections and self-advocacy. CONCLUSIONS: Policies and programs are not static factors but change and differ based on how they are understood, implemented, and reacted to in different places and by different groups. Researchers, program developers, and policy makers should consider how persons with SCI from diverse backgrounds and levels of impairment perceive and are supported by the varying programs and policies in their particular institution, region or state. Show more

Keywords: Spinal cord injuries, employment, qualitative research

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-180948

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 48, no. 3, pp. 403-415, 2018

Authors: Murfitt, Kevin | Crosbie, Jenny | Zammit, Jessica | Williams, Greig

Article Type: Review Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: There is entrenched exclusion of around half the working age people with disability in Australia and elsewhere. There also appears to be a lack of attention being paid to the ‘demand’ side of efforts to improve the employment of people with disability, particularly in relation to small and medium sized organizations. OBJECTIVE: To identify gaps in disability employment research, policy, and strategies in relation to small to medium employers; and to identify challenges and potential solutions for these employers in becoming disability confident and inclusive organizations. METHODS: A comprehensive search of literature was conducted including …published articles, books, and reports. Searches were also conducted on relevant government and disability employment related web sites. RESULTS: First, although larger employers are contributing to the discussion of ways to increase the employment of people with disability, small to medium employers are largely missing from the discussion. Second, reliance on the broad business case argument alone for employing people with disability, is not enough to change attitudes and organizational cultures that are at the root of the workforce exclusion of people with disability. CONCLUSIONS: The major barrier to employment of people with disability is negative attitudes that result in discriminatory organizational cultures. Current initiatives in this area are not addressing the needs or potential role of small to medium organizations. Solutions to both these issues are described. Show more

Keywords: Disability employment, inclusive organizations, employer engagement

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-180949

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 48, no. 3, pp. 417-431, 2018