Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation - Volume 57, issue 3

Authors: Thimbriel, Roberta | Urkmez, Bilal | Lee, Beatrice | Umucu, Emre

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: People experience higher levels of psychological distress during times of crisis, such as the current COVID-19 pandemic. Resilience is a psychological resource that helps people to recover from adverse events. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of resilience on COVID-19-related stress and worry about job loss in people with chronic conditions and disabilities (PwCID). METHODS: The Perceived Stress Questionnaire -8 (PSQ-8) and the Brief Resilience Scale were used to measure COVID-19-related stress and resilience, respectively. Demographics were also assessed. A two-step hierarchical regression and binary regression analyses were …conducted. RESULTS: A moderate amount of perceived stress and resilience with mean scores of 2.45 (SD = 0.69; range 1-4) and 3.17 (SD = 0.98; range 1-5), respectively, were found among the 269 participants. Resilience (β=-0.44, p  < 0.001) was significantly associated with COVID-19-related stress after controlling for demographic variables. Results also revealed that those with higher resilience scores had lower probability to worry about job loss. CONCLUSION: PwCID who have higher scores on resilience reported lower levels of COVID-19-related stress. Resilience can be cultivated among PwCID for better psychological outcomes during times of crisis. Vocational rehabilitation counselors can implement strategies to improve resilience in PwCID. Show more

Keywords: Resilience, stress, pandemic, disability, chronic conditions, employment

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-221211

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 57, no. 3, pp. 207-213, 2022

Authors: Murfitt, Kevin | Gaskin, Cadeyrn J.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The Australian Government has applied considerable focus to improving the unemployment rate of people with disability through initiatives to build their capacity and job readiness. Far less attention has been paid to addressing the needs of business, especially small- to medium-sized enterprises (SME). OBJECTIVE: We evaluated the Diversity Field Officer Service (DFOS) pilot, which aimed to address that gap through providing direct support to SME to build disability confidence and more inclusive organizations. METHODS: We used a mixed method approach (pre- and post-service surveys along with post-service semi-structured interviews) with representatives from 36 businesses. We …used descriptive statistics and thematic analysis to summarise the survey data and interview material, respectively. RESULTS: Confidence in employing people with disability increased, as did the employment of, and intention to employ, people with disability. Many businesses were implementing, or planning to implement, measures to increase the employment of people with disability. DFOS capacity building exercises and activities (e.g., one-to-one conversations to understand the specific needs and challenges of their businesses) were all rated highly. Participants were generally supportive of an ongoing role for DFOS. CONCLUSION: The DFOS holds promise as a strategy to increase the employment of people with disability in SME. Show more

Keywords: Disability employment, inclusive organizations, employer engagement

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-221212

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 57, no. 3, pp. 215-223, 2022

Authors: Kim, Jaeyoung

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Disability s tigma is a significant risk factor that reduces job satisfaction. Based on the previous studies, the role of disability acceptance as a buffer to prevent the negative impact of stigma in the workplace is hypothesized. OBJECTIVE: This study examined the moderating effect of disability acceptance on the negative effects of disability stigma on job satisfaction of people with disabilities. METHODS: 164 participants working at the time of the survey completed questionnaires measuring disability stigma, disability acceptance, and job satisfaction. The associations among the three variables were examined using simple linear regression analyses. Hierarchical …linear regression analysis was conducted to identify the moderating effect of disability acceptance after controlling disability type. RESULTS: Disability stigma (β=–0.17, p  < 0.05) and disability acceptance (β=0.18, p  < 0.05) were significantly associated with job satisfaction respectively. In the final model, disability acceptance moderated the relationship between disability stigma and job satisfaction (β=–0.16, p  < 0.05). Specifically, the impacts of disability stigma on job satisfaction for participants with higher disability acceptance differed from those with lower acceptance. CONCLUSION: The current research suggests that disability acceptance plays a critical role for people with disabilities to cope with the negative impact of disability stigma. This result implies that disability acceptance should be an important focus of intervention to increase job satisfaction. Show more

Keywords: Disability acceptance, disability stigma, job satisfaction, attitude toward disability

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-221213

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 57, no. 3, pp. 225-235, 2022

Authors: Bloom, Julia | McLennan, Vanette | Dorsett, Pat

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The Back2Work Early Intervention Vocational Rehabilitation (EIVR) program was developed in response to the low employment rate of people with spinal cord injuries (SCI) and their lack of access to early, specialised vocational rehabilitation (VR). The program has been delivered by qualified rehabilitation counsellors to hospital patients with newly acquired SCI since 2016. OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness and consumer perspective of the Back2Work EIVR program. METHODS: The program was evaluated using a mixed-methods, longitudinal, prospective design. RESULTS: Data analysis revealed a return to work rate (RTW) …of 43% by 12 months post-discharge. Qualitative data indicated positive participant experiences with the program, emphasising the hopefulness brought about by early vocational support. CONCLUSIONS: The Back2Work program has a positive impact on participants’ RTW outcomes, through the provision of early specialist vocational rehabilitation interventions. This includes building a positive culture around RTW after SCI and engagement with employers to maximise the likelihood of timely and sustainable re-employment. The RTW outcomes and emergent themes will help inform service development in the field of early vocational rehabilitation after SCI. Show more

Keywords: Spinal cord injury, vocational rehabilitation, return to work

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-221214

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 57, no. 3, pp. 237-247, 2022

Authors: Strauser, David R. | Brehmer, Chelsea E. | Rumrill, Phillip | Strauser, D. George | Phillips, Brian | Kosciulek, John F. | Shen, Sa

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Individuals with disabilities experience disruptions in life participation at the onset or exacerbation of a disability. The multiple dimensions of functioning impacted go beyond the symptoms of a disabling condition and assessing an individual’s level of functioning is a critical first step of a strengths-based rehabilitation approach. With functioning playing an important role in the vocational rehabilitation process, it would be important to have an assessment tool that can be used to measure an individual’s level of functioning. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to examine the psychometric properties of the Illinois Brief Functioning Inventory (IBFI), …a scale developed to measure the multi-dimensional nature of functioning as it relates to vocational rehabilitation, career development, and employment of people with disabilities. METHODS: Factor analysis, including exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), was used to determine and validate the underlying dimension of IBFI. RESULTS: Overall, the study findings indicate strong psychometrics for a 26-item instrument comprised of five meaningful subscales identifying functioning across physical, cognitive, and emotional dimensions. CONCLUSION: The results of this study provide initial psychometric support regarding the IBFI as an instrument that can be used to identify an individual’s current level of functioning. Show more

Keywords: Functioning, vocational rehabilitation, career development, factor analysis

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-221215

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 57, no. 3, pp. 249-259, 2022

Authors: Soeker, Mogammad Shaheed | Beversdorf, David | Fish, Cortney

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Individuals living with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) experience challenges when they enter the open labor market or competitive employment. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study is to explore the experiences of individuals living with ASD and the perceptions of health therapists with regard to establishing and maintaining the worker role. METHODS: The data was collected through interviews with two groups of participants diagnosed with ASD working in the open market, and key informants from South Africa and central United States of America participated in the study. RESULTS: The data were collected by means …of descriptive qualitative research methods and analysed using thematic content analysis. Three themes emerged from the study. Theme one: Facilitation of integration into the workplace after work training; Theme two: A need for client-centred practice in matching the client’s job to their interest; Theme three: Work enables a sense of normality. CONCLUSION: In conclusion the study presented findings that were common among participants in both cities, especially the importance of exercising supported employment and client-centred practice in placing the individual with ASD in the workplace. Show more

Keywords: Open labor market, autism, coping skills and strategies, meaning, vocational rehabilitation

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-221216

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 57, no. 3, pp. 261-273, 2022

Authors: Bujanover, May | Mashiach-Eizenberg, Michal | Moran, Galia S.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Finding meaning in life and wellbeing through vocational work-roles are central to recovery of persons with psychiatric disabilities. However, there is a disconnect between positive concepts and vocational rehabilitation, rendering meaning and wellbeing rarely explored in vocational rehabilitation. OBJECTIVE: We assume higher meaning and wellbeing exists among individuals engaged in peer-helping work-roles (meaningful role) as compared to non-helping work-roles. We examine this and additional questions to learn about relationships between positive concepts and vocational work-roles illuminating mental health recovery. METHODS: 114 individuals with psychiatric disabilities (ages 20-70) from various vocational-services participated. Sixty-nine worked in peer-helping …roles (i.e. consumer-providers/peer-supporters) and 45 engaged in non-helping work-roles (vendors/clerical work, etc.). Participants filled in the meaning in life and work-related flow (assessing wellbeing at work) scales. Additionally, participants in peer-helping work-roles filled a peer-developed scale estimating their salience of peer-role characteristics. RESULTS: Individuals in peer-helping work-roles had significantly higher meaning in life levels than those in non-helping roles. Having meaning in life also predicted higher work-related flow across the sample. Finally, meaning in life positively mediated relations between salience of peer-role characteristics and work-related flow experiences. CONCLUSION: Researching meaning and wellbeing can broaden theoretical understanding and bear practical implications for enhancing vocational work-role fit mental health recovery. Show more

Keywords: Mental health recovery, psychiatric rehabilitation, positive psychology, occupational groups, supported employment, vocational work-roles, peer providers, generativity

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-221217

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 57, no. 3, pp. 275-287, 2022

Authors: Bross, Leslie Ann | Huffman, Jonathan M. | Hagiwara, Mayumi

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Many individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have special interest areas (SIAs) which are characterized by significant depth and breadth of knowledge in a particular topic. These interests can continue through adulthood. OBJECTIVE: We conducted this study to develop a better understanding of the relation between SIAs and employment and mental health outcomes of adults with ASD. METHODS: Qualitative and quantitative analyses were used to examine the data with an emphasis on bringing autistic voices to the forefront of the discussion. Seventy-two adults with ASD, ages 18–53, completed an online survey describing their SIA engagement, …employment status, and current mental health measured by two standardized assessments. Respondents provided open-ended responses describing their SIA and beliefs regarding SIAs broadly. RESULTS: Open-ended responses indicated adults with ASD have highly diverse SIAs that are rarely utilized in their employment experiences. Hierarchical regressions revealed SIA-related bullying was associated with higher levels of depression, anxiety, and stress. SIA employment was associated with depression such that those who were not currently employed in their SIA reported higher levels of depression. Respondents without support from people in their life related to their SIA reported higher levels of stress. CONCLUSION: SIAs are extremely important in the lives of autistic adults and should be utilized to enhance their employment experiences and overall well-being. Family members, adult service providers, and educational professionals should support and encourage SIAs. Show more

Keywords: Anxiety, autism, depression, employment, special interest areas, stress

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-221218

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 57, no. 3, pp. 289-305, 2022