Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation - Volume 58, issue 3

Authors: Wehman, Paul

Article Type: Editorial

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-230022

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 58, no. 3, pp. 237-247, 2023

Authors: Lau, Stephanie J. | McKelvey, Susan

Article Type: Brief Report

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Passage of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) of 2014 placed an emphasis on increasing student education and preparation for employment for students as young as 14. When Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) was awarded a grant from the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR) to establish a Rehabilitation and Research Training Center (RRTC) on employment for transition-age youth with disabilities, one of the studies focused on knowledge translation methods to develop and deliver a toolkit to assist VR counselors (and others) providing pre-employment transition services (Pre-ETS) to students 14 to 16 years of age …with significant disabilities. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this practice brief is to share preliminary findings from Phase 1 and Phase 2 of VCU-RRTC on Employment of Transition-Age Youth with Disabilities’ study, Effects of Knowledge Translation Methods on Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors Providing Pre-ETS to Youth with Significant Disabilities 14–16 years of age. METHOD: To prepare this practice brief, program staff conducted a thematic analysis of interview findings from Phase 1 and reviewed program materials from Phase 2 to identify preliminary observations. Program materials included instructor case notes, student reports, student pre- and post-tests, interviews with families, vocational rehabilitation counselors, and school staff after instruction. RESULTS: From Phase 1, VR counselors, educators, and families desired early exposure to career exploration and felt that interest-driven experiences and education was generally lacking. From Phase 2, it was observed that lesson content needed to be relevant and engaging to younger students, who often had a very abstract understanding of work and limited self-awareness about career interests, personal interests, and strengths. CONCLUSION: Preliminary findings from Phase 1 and Phase 2 of the study underscore the desire and need to increase collaboration between educators, vocational rehabilitation counselors, and families. Observations from Phase 2 demonstrate the value of Pre-ETS instruction to younger students with significant disabilities, and how increased collaboration can prepare students for employment through early career exploration, workplace readiness skills, and community based work experiences. Show more

Keywords: Pre-ETS, significant disabilities, students, collaboration

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-230012

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 58, no. 3, pp. 249-256, 2023

Authors: Mitchell, DeBrittany | Cully, Julisa | Hoff, David

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Apprenticeships present an underutilized opportunity for people with disabilities to access in-demand jobs that provide stable employment at good wages, while meeting the needs of business for a skilled workforce. Numerous efforts are underway to increase the diversity of apprenticeships that are inclusive of people with disabilities. However, expanding the participation of people with disabilities in apprenticeship programs requires a long-term commitment to enhanced partnerships between public vocational rehabilitation (VR) and other disability programs, and state apprenticeship offices, as well as apprenticeship programs. OBJECTIVE: This paper explores the VR system’s role in partnership-building that includes mutual education …and learning, and systematically addressing the full range of barriers that exist in order for people with disabilities to more readily access apprenticeship opportunities. This includes creating apprenticeship models that are flexible and can readily support and accommodate those with more significant disabilities. METHODS: To increase the number of individuals with disabilities in apprenticeship programs, VR agencies have expanded efforts regarding apprenticeship programs as a viable employment strategy. This includes advocating for and helping inform the changes needed to make apprenticeship programs fully inclusive, equitable, and accessible. RESULTS: While apprenticeships have tremendous potential for improving employment opportunities for people with disabilities, there are numerous challenges to accessing apprenticeships at individual, programmatic, and systemic levels. CONCLUSION: Building more inclusive apprenticeships for people with disabilities requires a long-term systematic approach that includes building strong partnerships between the disability and apprenticeship communities, mutual learning and education, testing out various models and approaches, and addressing the fundamental barriers that currently exist. Show more

Keywords: Vocational rehabilitation, apprenticeship, equity, people with disabilities, employment

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-230013

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 58, no. 3, pp. 257-262, 2023

Authors: Sulewski, Jennifer Sullivan | Lyons, Oliver | Kwan, Ngai

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Despite an increase in supported employment, a large and growing number people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) still participate in non-work day services. Quality day services that lead to community life engagement (CLE) play an important role in both leading to and complementing competitive integrated employment. OBJECTIVE: Building off guideposts developed in previous research, we aimed to develop and test a new instrument, the CLE Fidelity Scale, for service providers to assess whether their day services and supports are well-designed to support CLE. METHODS: The research involved four steps: item generation based on existing …instruments, a self-advocate review panel and Delphi panel for content adequacy assessment, piloting the instrument with service providers, and internal consistency assessment and factor analysis of the pilot data. RESULTS: The end product of these four activities was an 18-item CLEFS that loaded onto three components. The CLEFS also displayed strong content validity (CVR over 0.5 for all items) and interrater reliability (average α = .837). CONCLUSION: The CLEFS can be a useful tool for service providers and state agencies seeking to assess and improve day services and supports. Show more

Keywords: Community life engagement, employment, day services and supports, intellectual and developmental disability

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-230014

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 58, no. 3, pp. 263-270, 2023

Authors: Migliore, Alberto | Miles, Britni | Fleisig, Micah | Gentry, Jeff

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Ensuring that job seekers with disabilities receive high-quality supported and customized employment services is key for increasing their chances of achieving their career aspirations. OBJECTIVE: To draw attention to the need for better support of employment consultants in the delivery of quality services. METHODS: Nine employment programs piloted ES-Coach, a tool designed to help employment consultants and managers visualize the implementation of supported and customized employment, reflect, set goals, and take action for continuous quality improvement. RESULTS: The nine employment programs invested an estimated 1:19 to 4:10 hours per day on …getting to know job seekers, finding jobs, and any other support leading to hire combined. A large amount of their time was invested in administrative activities, ranging from 2:11 to 4:12 hour per day. ES-Coach helped the participants reflect on the quality of their employment support services and set goals for quality improvement. CONCLUSION: Supporting employment consultants with data-enabled feedback is key for improving the quality of supported and customized employment services, a key step toward improving job seekers’ employment outcomes. Show more

Keywords: Job development, employment, technology, evidence-based, intellectual disability

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-230015

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 58, no. 3, pp. 271-277, 2023

Authors: Ottomanelli, Lisa | Smith, Tammy Jorgensen | Cotner, Bridget A. | Toyinbo, Peter A | Venkatachalam, Hari H. | McDonald, Scott | Goetz, Lance | Cessna-Palas, Julie | Mendelson, Samantha | Dillahunt-Aspillaga, Christina J. | Cruz, Areana | McCauley, Liron | Pierce, Bradford S.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: To date, the Individual Placement and Support (IPS) model is the only vocational intervention that has been rigorously studied and shown to be effective with Veterans with spinal cord injury (SCI). Customized Employment (CE) is an innovative vocational intervention with promising results among people with disabilities which has yet to be tested in persons with SCI. OBJECTIVE: To determine whether a Customized Employment (CE) intervention adapted for SCI rehabilitation is more effective than the standard care (IPS) for helping Veterans with SCI obtain and maintain employment. METHODS: A 4-year, 2-site randomized clinical trial (RCT) with …concurrent mixed methods using an intent-to-treat (ITT) approach. The primary outcome is competitive integrated employment as defined by the Work Innovation and Opportunity Act. Secondary outcomes are employment indicators, quality of life (QOL), and participation. RESULTS: This is a methods paper so there are no results to present at this time. CONCLUSION: The proportion of Veterans who attain employment will be greater for the CE group than the IPS group and they will outperform the IPS group on other employment-related metrics (e.g., higher job satisfaction, wages, and retention). Employed Veterans will demonstrate significant improvements in self-sufficiency, QOL, and participation. Qualitative data obtained from interviews will assist with adaptation strategies and will identify barriers to implementing CE. Show more

Keywords: Customized employment, disability, randomized clinical trial, spinal cord injury, supported employment, Veterans, vocational rehabilitation

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-230016

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 58, no. 3, pp. 279-292, 2023

Authors: Ortiz, Vikki

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Commitments to Employment First fluctuate among service providers nationwide. The Supported Employment field is also experiencing a workforce retention crisis. A structured onboarding process is often non-existent or siloed within the literal and figurative walls of the provider agency. This article summarizes a presentation selected for the 2022 National APSE Conference entitled Impactful Onboarding for Supported Employment Professionals which explores onboarding concepts and strategies for newly hired Employment Support Professionals that align with Employment First principles. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of the presentation was to promote the purposeful design and implementation of an onboarding that engages new …Employment Support Professionals around each service provider’s vision, values, and processes while equipping them with quality training and instruction that aligns with Employment First and the standards of practice across the Supported Employment field. CONCLUSION: Developing an Employment First focused onboarding for newly hired Employment Support Professionals is integral to the efficacy of direct services. Show more

Keywords: APSE, supported employment, employment first, onboarding, training

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-230017

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 58, no. 3, pp. 293-298, 2023

Authors: Whaley, Barry A. | Williamson, Pamela

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is sweeping civil rights legislation that affords people with disabilities equality of opportunity, economic self-sufficiency, independent living, and full participation in daily life. The protections of the ADA extend to individuals with alcohol and substance abuse disorders who are in recovery. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this article is to understand the ADA’s definition of disability and how it applies to addiction and recovery. The reader will recognize how the ADA applies to people with addiction to alcohol and those in recovery from substance abuse. The article will describe the rights and …responsibilities employers and employees have in the three stages of employment. METHOD: The material in this presentation was developed based on the authors’ research, training, education, knowledge, and skill of the ADA. RESULTS: Individuals in recovery are often unaware of their civil rights under the ADA. The ADA ensures that people with disabilities, including those with alcohol use disorder and substance use disorders, have the same rights and opportunities in the workplace. CONCLUSION: The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in an increase in increased rates of alcoholism and substance abuse. Individuals living with addiction are unaware of the employment protections they may have under the ADA. Title I of the ADA guarantees employment protections to ensure equality in the workplace for people with disabilities. A clearer understanding of the law will ensure that job seekers and employees are treated in an ethical, valued, and courteous way when disclosing disability and the need for accommodation. Show more

Keywords: ADA, addiction, alcoholism, alcohol abuse, substance abuse, recovery

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-230018

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 58, no. 3, pp. 299-305, 2023

Authors: Broda, Michael D. | Bogenschutz, Matthew | Lineberry, Sarah | Dinora, Parthenia | Prohn, Seb | West, Angela

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: People with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) tend to have poor employment outcomes relative to the general population, as do people with autism. Research is unclear, however, about how people with IDD with and without autism compare on a variety of employment-related indicators, including desire to work, having work as a goal in their service plans, and being employed. OBJECTIVE: To understand how people with IDD with and without autism compare on important employment-related outcomes, based on a matched random sample. METHODS: Using merged administrative datasets, we used propensity score matching to construct statistically proximate …samples of Medicaid waiver users in a single state with IDD both with and without autism, and then tested differences between the two groups on important employment-related indicators. RESULTS: People with IDD and autism were less likely than people with IDD alone to have a goal for employment in their individualized service plans and to hold employment in group community settings. There was no statistical difference between the two groups in terms of desire to have a job or employment in individual community settings. CONCLUSION: Results reinforce the importance of planning for employment if holding employment is a person’s aim, regardless of the presence of autism. Show more

Keywords: Employment outcomes, autism, propensity score matching

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-230019

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 58, no. 3, pp. 307-316, 2023

Authors: Downey, Angelica | Kearney, Kelly B. | Adams, Kaley | Brady, Michael P. | Berlingo, Lauren | Kenney, Stefanie

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: College students with intellectual disability (ID) face many challenges while maintaining employment. These challenges encompass both social and behavioral tribulations. Increasing social skills at work is a significant goal for practitioners and educators of adults with ID. Coaching strategies such as Covert Audio Coaching (CAC) and Remote Audio Coaching (RAC) have proven effective in teaching students with ID various employment related skills. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to determine if RAC would increase on-topic workplace communication skills for college students with ID. METHODS: This study used a multiple probe design to test the …effects of RAC on teaching communication skills in the workplace. In this study, college students logged onto a Zoom call to speak with a co-worker about an employment topic while the interventionist used RAC to coach the student through the conversation. RESULTS: The results of this study demonstrated that the RAC intervention was effective in increasing on-topic exchanges between college students with ID and their co-workers. CONCLUSION: The COVID-19 pandemic has shifted the workplace to virtual settings for training and work tasks. RAC can be used as an employment support for adults with ID while minimizing in person contact. Limitations and implications of this study were further described at the end of the article. Show more

Keywords: Coaching, adults, employment skills, conversation skills, inclusive postsecondary education programs

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-230020

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 58, no. 3, pp. 317-327, 2023