Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation - Volume 55, issue 1

Authors: Connor, Annemarie | Tilman, Ann | Isaacs, Madelyn | Sung, Connie

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: It is critically important to identify the longstanding needs for improved post-secondary transition outcomes among youth with disabilities. OBJECTIVE: This interagency case study aimed to examine stakeholders’ perceptions regarding transition-related counseling needs of students with disabilities through analysis of thick description. METHODS: Individual interviews were conducted with stakeholders including parents, teachers, administrators, and counseling service providers who work with transition students with disabilities. RESULTS: Data analysis resulted in three overarching unmet needs: (1) equity of resources, accommodations & services, (2) life skills training/interventions, (3) individual & family counseling/guidance, and (4) interagency collaboration. …CONCLUSION: In addition to identifying counseling, guidance, and case management needs of transition students with disabilities and gaining stakeholders’ perspectives and recommendations, this study also provides insights on the role of counselors in transition within a multidisciplinary school setting. Show more

Keywords: Students with disabilities, stakeholder perspectives, qualitative case study, transition needs, disability counseling

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-211142

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 55, no. 1, pp. 1-13, 2021

Authors: Tarconish, Emily | Lombardi, Allison | Madaus, Joseph | Taconet, Ashley | Coelho, Carl

Article Type: Review Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Postsecondary students with traumatic brain injuries (TBI) are a rapidly growing population, encompassing those who sustained injuries prior to attending postsecondary education and those who endure injuries during their postsecondary studies. Not only do these individuals face a broad range of symptoms, all of which can affect academic achievement, but they also do not achieve comparable academic outcomes to their peers without disabilities. OBJECTIVE: There is a need to develop and examine the effectiveness of available supports and resources to meet the needs of these students. METHODS: Twenty-three articles were systematically reviewed to illustrate what …supports are currently described in the literature for postsecondary students with TBI and what research methods were used to assess the effectiveness of these supports. RESULTS: Three categories of supports emerged, including concussion management protocols, typical study/learning strategies and accommodations, and interventions developed specifically for this population. Findings also indicated a lack of rigorous research methods used to assess these interventions’ effects. CONCLUSIONS: Implications for future research include a need for additional study of all supports and resources described in this review, and assessment of whether or not education professionals, including postsecondary disability services professionals, are aware of and using the tools and strategies addressed in this review. Show more

Keywords: Traumatic brain injury, postsecondary education, supports, interventions, disability

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-211143

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 55, no. 1, pp. 15-26, 2021

Authors: Nagib, Wasan | Wilton, Robert

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Despite the fact that poor employment outcomes of adults with autism was evident in literature, little attention was paid to the role of gender in shaping their labor market experiences. Recent research emphasizes the critical need for such an investigation to inform gender-specific vocational support and workplace accommodation. OBJECTIVE: This exploratory study investigated the gender-based differences among employed adults with autism about both types and severity of the challenges they face in the workplace. METHODS: The study drew on qualitative content analysis of 714 randomly sampled posts (357 by women and 357 by men) from …an online autism forum to explore on-the-job challenges as voiced by individuals with autism. RESULTS: The overarching observation was that women were more likely to experience greater workplace challenges. Women expressed higher concerns related to workplace stress, social interaction, and interpersonal communication. Additionally, women were disadvantaged by gender-related office expectations, especially about appearance. Men revealed a higher struggle with deficiencies in executive functions and disclosing their disability. Over-stimulating the physical environment influenced the workplace wellbeing of both women and men. CONCLUSION: Gender-sensitive vocational approaches in addition to flexible, communicative, structured, and supportive management behavior are needed to improve the workplace experiences of adults with autism. Show more

Keywords: Autism, gender, employment, workplace, online, forum

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-211144

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 55, no. 1, pp. 27-42, 2021

Authors: Cuevas, Sergio | Hansmann, Sandra | Rodrigo, Hansapani | Saladin, Shawn P. | Schoen, Barbara

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The State-Federal Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Program provides rehabilitation services to people with disabilities with the intention of assisting them in securing competitive employment. The VR services offer substantial resources to help individuals who are hard-of-hearing to enhance their quality of life and employment opportunities. OBJECTIVE: The current study investigated the impact of demographic variables and the use of VR services on employment outcomes among hard-of-hearing consumers. Specific VR services that lead to successful employment among hard-of-hearing consumers were thoroughly examined. METHODS: Binary logistic regression, Chi-square, and Chi-square Automatic Interaction Detector analyses were used to analyze …the data extracted from the 2014 fiscal year US. Department of Education Rehabilitation Service Administration Case Service Report (RSA-911). RESULTS: Logistic regression reveals that VR services such as diagnosis and treatment of impairments (p -value 0.000), counseling, and guidance (p -value 0.000), and rehabilitation technology (p -value 0.000) were influential factors in determining the successful employment outcome among the consumers. The relative importance of the factors based on the mean decrease in accuracy in CHAID identifies rehabilitation technology (0.264), diagnosis and treatment of impairments (0.090), job placement assistance (0.016), transportation (0.016), and secondary disability (0.010) to be among the most contributing factors. CONCLUSION: Overall, rehabilitation technology services were especially beneficial, particularly for minority consumers, in achieving a successful employment outcome. Show more

Keywords: Hard-of-hearing, employment, vocational rehabilitation

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-211145

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 55, no. 1, pp. 43-60, 2021

Authors: Samiee, Fatemeh | Naghavi, Azam

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Vocational rehabilitation for people with spinal cord injury (SCI) in Iran as one of the countries in the Middle East and North Africa region is under-studied. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to explore the perspective of people with SCI and service providers about vocational rehabilitation challenges. METHODS: We used an ethnographic methodology to collect data. Observation (2018 –2020) and semi-structured interviews with 21 persons with SCI and 11 service providers were the data collection methods, and a thematic analysis approach was used to analyze the data. RESULTS: Results demonstrate that career …self-knowledge (knowledge about capabilities, aspirations, and interests) and career knowledge (the importance of career exploration, vocational support and job characteristics) were the main two vocational rehabilitation resources. CONCLUSIONS: Knowledge (about the self and careers) is the main resource mentioned by the participants regarding the vocational rehabilitation. Implications for professionals and policy makers are presented. Show more

Keywords: Vocational rehabilitation, empowerment, ethnography, SCI, Iran, MENA region

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-211146

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 55, no. 1, pp. 61-71, 2021

Authors: Stevenson, Brian J. | Millner, Uma Chandrika | Satgunam, Sarah A. | Love, Richard

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Increased intensity in job-search behavior is associated with important employment outcomes like job attainment. There is evidence that work hope, and career adaptability are important antecedents of higher job-search intensity. However, there is no evidence that these relationships exist among individuals living with serious mental illness. OBJECTIVE: This study seeks to improve our understanding of factors that contribute to job-search intensity among individuals living with serious mental illness. METHODS: Eighty-five individuals living with serious mental illness completed surveys of demographics, work hope, career adaptability, and job-search intensity. Correlational and regression analysis was used to examine …the primary relationships in this study. RESULTS: Education level, employment status, and use of vocational rehabilitation services were background factors related to job-search intensity. Controlling for background factors, regression analysis found that work hope positively predicted job-search intensity, and career adaptability negatively predicted job-search intensity. Our model explained 35%of the variance in job-search intensity. Additionally, individuals who were employed had significantly higher career adaptability than individuals who were unemployed. CONCLUSIONS: Work hope and career adaptability are related to important vocational outcomes among individuals living with serious mental illness. Show more

Keywords: Work hope, career adaptability, job search, mental health, serious mental illness

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-211147

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 55, no. 1, pp. 73-79, 2021

Authors: Reyes, Antonio | Grenawalt, Teresa A. | Phillips, Brian N. | Reyes, Christino P.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Given the importance of working alliance to client engagement and outcomes in vocational rehabilitation, there is a need to better understand predictors of the client counselor relationship. Research has shown the tripartite efficacy model as a way of understanding working alliance in various contexts but has never been examined in vocational rehabilitation. OBJECTIVE: This study evaluates the relationship among tripartite efficacy beliefs constructs (self-efficacy, other-efficacy, and relation-inferred self-efficacy [RISE]), working alliance, and engagement for 350 clients receiving state vocational rehabilitation services. METHODS: Researchers used a path analysis to assess the hypothesis that the tripartite efficacy …model would predict client engagement through its impact on working alliance. RESULTS: The hypothesized model had a close fit. Other-efficacy and RISE beliefs had significant positive direct effects on working alliance and indirect effects on client engagement. Self-efficacy had a significant negative direct effect on working alliance and client engagement. CONCLUSIONS: The study supports the tripartite efficacy beliefs model as a way of better understanding client perceptions of working alliance in vocational rehabilitation. Show more

Keywords: Vocational rehabilitation, self-efficacy, working alliance, engagement, tripartite efficacy beliefs

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-211148

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 55, no. 1, pp. 81-89, 2021

Authors: Cmar, Jennifer L. | McDonnall, Michele C.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Research supports the short-term benefits of a job search intervention for youth with visual impairments, but its effectiveness over time has not been explored. OBJECTIVE: We examined the long-term effects of a research-based job search intervention on job search knowledge, job search behavior, job search self-efficacy, and employment outcomes. METHODS: We conducted a longitudinal study with 92 youth with visual impairments using a two-group, quasi-experimental repeated-measures design. The intervention group received 35–40 hours of job search skills training, and the comparison group received usual services. Data collection included telephone surveys at pretest, posttest, 8-month follow-up, …and 14-month follow-up. RESULTS: Intervention group participants had increases in job search knowledge, job search behavior, and job search behavior self-efficacy at posttest; they maintained increases in knowledge and self-efficacy, but not behavior. Comparison group participants also had increases in job search behavior and job search behavior self-efficacy at the end of the study. Changes in job search outcomes self-efficacy were not evident for either group; neither were differences in post-intervention employment. CONCLUSIONS: The intervention had lasting effects on job search knowledge, but findings for other outcomes over time were mixed. Both groups had low employment rates throughout the study. Show more

Keywords: Blindness, visual impairment, low vision, employment, transition, job search training

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-211149

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 55, no. 1, pp. 91-105, 2021

Authors: Jenssen, Kayla J. | Van Stratton, Jessica E.

Article Type: Brief Report

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The rate of employment for adults diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is low. This may be due in part to repetitive or disruptive behaviors associated with the ASD diagnosis and challenges to delivering services in the workplace. OBJECTIVE: This paper outlines a behavior analytic approach to providing job coaching supports in collaboration with employers in an inclusive setting. METHODS: A case example for a 26-year-old male (22 at the time of this project) diagnosed with ASD, employed as a data entry specialist, is highlighted. An A-B design was used to evaluate the impact of …behavior analytic interventions on the rate of disruptive vocalizations. Behavior analysts and job coaches from a university-based team worked with employers to identify feasible and effective strategies. RESULTS: Rates of vocalizations decreased and maintained for 5 months following intervention fading. Social acceptability ratings from key office personnel reflected improved coworker relations and a high degree of acceptability for procedures used by the team. CONCLUSIONS: Employer collaboration was necessary for intervention design and decision making. Service providers should consider response effort for employers, the degree of normalization of strategies, how to limit disruption to productivity and the work setting, and methods for fading interventions or components of interventions. Show more

Keywords: Behavior analysis, ASD, adults, employment

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-211150

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 55, no. 1, pp. 107-114, 2021