Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation - Volume 59, issue 1

Authors: Inge, Katherine J. | Keeton, Beth

Article Type: Editorial

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-230023

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 59, no. 1, pp. 1-5, 2023

Authors: Avellone, Lauren | Malouf, Emily | Taylor, Joshua P. | Whittenburg, Holly

Article Type: Review Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Self-employment is a flexible alternative to traditional workforce positions. Individuals with disabilities are self-employed at higher rates than individuals without disabilities, mainly because self-employment circumnavigates many of the commonly experienced barriers individuals with disabilities face when pursuing more typical employment situations. Still, little is known about factors that impact successful self-employment outcomes. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to identify factors that facilitate or hinder self-employment outcomes for individuals with cognitive and physical disabilities. METHOD: A scoping review of the empirical literature was conducted to examine individual/system level, programmatic, and key themes within lived …experiences that affect self-employment outcomes. RESULTS: A total of 40 articles were included in the final sample representing both national and international research efforts. Findings indicated that a multitude of factors affect self-employment outcomes including demographics (e.g., gender, race, age, disability), social network, financial standing and work history, personal motivation, interagency collaboration, services provided (e.g., business plan development and mentorship), and barriers (e.g., lack of training and services). CONCLUSION: There are a number of known variables that promote self-employment outcomes. Implications for future research, policy and practice are discussed. Show more

Keywords: Self-employment, physical disability, cognitive disability, scoping review

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-230024

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 59, no. 1, pp. 7-24, 2023

Authors: Hansen, Kathryn | Keeton, Beth | Jones, Joseph

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: State vocational rehabilitation (VR) agencies play a critical role in helping people with disabilities gain employment; however, self-employment remains an infrequent outcome for VR participants even though self-employment rates are disproportionately higher for people with disabilities than the general population. OBJECTIVE: The study provides a broad review and analysis of state VR self-employment policies to identify barriers that impede equitable access to self-employment services and provide recommendations on how to address these nationally. METHODS: The policy analysis included reviewing 73 VR state and territory agency’s policies across the country, using data from the RSA-911 self-employment …data and other sources about the self-employment process through VR agencies. RESULTS: Currently less than 2% of VR participants exit into self-employment nationwide. Three policy areas that could increase outcomes for self-employment are self-employment assessments, market analysis or business planning requirements, and self-employment funding and financing guidelines. CONCLUSION: Policymakers need to explore new opportunities to address unintended barriers and increase equitable access to self-employment such as replacing trait focused self-employment assessments, providing technical assistance from the beginning of the self-employment process, and develop funding policies that better align with those for wage employment services. Show more

Keywords: Vocational rehabilitation, employment, disabilities, self-employment

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-230025

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 59, no. 1, pp. 25-40, 2023

Authors: Revell, William Grant | Inge, Katherine J. | Cimera, Rob | Keeton, Beth | Brinck, Emily A.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Self-employment continues to be an elusive competitive integrated employment outcome (CIE) for people with disabilities receiving services from State Vocational Rehabilitation Agencies (SVRA). This article provides a snapshot of the extent to which self-employment is occurring within the SVRA program as a CIE outcome. Recommendations are included for VR policies and practices that may expand the self-employment participation and outcomes for an inclusive range of VR recipients. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study is to provide an analysis of the national outcomes in self-employment for individuals served by the SVRAs for program years 2018, 2019, and 2020. …METHODS: The data in this article was provided by the Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA) as part of the RSA Case Service Report (RSA-911) for 2018, 2019, and 2020. RESULTS: Self-employment continues to be an underutilized VR service. Outcomes in self-employment as a percentage of all VR outcomes in CIE remained low and stagnant during 2018 and 2019 with a noticeable drop in outcomes for PY 2020. Consistently, self-employment outcomes are predominantly achieved in the VR system by a homogenous population of older (age 50+) participants whose race is white and gender is male. CONCLUSION: Unless the field of vocational rehabilitation proactively commits to diversifying and expanding self-employment participation and outcomes, the odds are that the outcomes for self-employment will remain unchanged. Show more

Keywords: Vocational rehabilitation, competitive integrated employment, disabilities, self-employment, VR counselors, people with disabilities

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-230026

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 59, no. 1, pp. 41-53, 2023

Authors: Taylor, Joshua P. | Inge, Katherine J. | Malouf, Emily

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Self-employment is defined in the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act of 2014 as a competitive integrated employment (CIE) outcome. However, an analysis of the Rehabilitation Services Administration Case Service Report (RSA-911) reveals that a limited number of people with disabilities receiving vocational rehabilitation services exit the State Vocational Rehabilitation Agencies with a self-employment outcome. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to identify the factors that Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) professionals report as facilitators of self-employment outcomes for people with disabilities. METHOD: A national sample of VR professionals was recruited to participate in a series of …focus groups. Using Zoom Meeting, participants discussed their experiences with self-employment when providing services to people with disabilities. The research team used NVivo12 software to conduct primary data analysis of the transcribed focus group sessions with the consent of the participants. RESULTS: Four major themes emerged from the analysis to include 1) resources, 2) practices, 3) experiences, and 4) attitudes. Each of these major themes contained subthemes related to facilitators of self-employment for people with disabilities. CONCLUSION: A key finding was the need for more comprehensive and individualized training and support for VR counselors. Implications for future research, policy, and practice are discussed. Show more

Keywords: Self-employment, competitive integrated employment, CIE, vocational rehabilitation, people with disabilities

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-230027

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 59, no. 1, pp. 55-67, 2023

Authors: Riesen, Tim | Sullivan, Molly | Snyder, Aubrey | Keeton, Beth

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: While self-employment is a viable and beneficial employment strategy for people with disabilities, there seems to be considerable variation in how state rehabilitation agencies support self-employment. Because of this variation, research is needed to identify the critical elements for facilitating self-employment. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study is to gather information from vocational rehabilitation counselors about what they believe are the knowledge and skills essential to facilitating self-employment and the barriers to business ownership throughout key phases of the vocational rehabilitation process, including (a) application and intake, (b) plan development and service delivery, and (c) employment and …closure. METHODS: A Delphi method with three iterations was used to identify information from VRCs and managers about what they believe are the knowledge, skills, and barriers when facilitating self-employment and business ownership during the vocational rehabilitation process. RESULTS: Respondents rated 15 knowledge and skill items for the application and intake domain, 19 knowledge and skill items in the plan development and service delivery domain, and 12 knowledge and skill items in the employment and closure domain. Respondents also rated three barriers for application and intake, six plan development and service delivery barriers, and three barriers were rated in employment and closure. CONCLUSION: The VRCs identified a wide range of knowledge and skills and barriers across each area of the rehabilitation process. More research should be conducted to further operationalize the skills and proficiencies for self-employment. Show more

Keywords: Self-employment, Delphi, rehabilitation counseling, knowledge and skill, barrier

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-230028

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 59, no. 1, pp. 69-79, 2023

Authors: Riesen, Tim | Keeton, Beth | Byers, Rachel | Snyder, Aubrey

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The Rehabilitation Act references self-employment in its definition of competitive integrated employment (CIE) and description of vocational outcomes. The Act also references self-employment within its scope of services and stipulates that rehabilitation services include “technical assistance and other consultation services to conduct market analyses, develop business plans, and otherwise provide resources, to the extent those resources are authorized to be provided through the statewide workforce development system, to eligible individuals who are pursuing self-employment or telecommuting or establishing a small business operation as an employment outcome” 34 CFR 361.48(b)(19). OBJECTIVE: This policy review identifies and highlights specific …SVRA policy regarding TA and consultation for self-employment. METHODS: Policies from all 50 states and the District of Columbia’s combined or general SVRAs and policies from 18 blind SVRAs were reviewed and coded into categories (no reference, generic, internal, and external references) to determine the types of TA and consultation for self-employment that are outlined in state policy. RESULTS: The majority of general or combined SVRAs (n  = 38) have policies for self-employment technical assistance and consultation that are generic and the majority of blind SVRAs (n  = 16) have generic policies for self-employment technical assistance and consultation. These rehabilitation agencies’ policies only reference generic services and do not identify dedicated resources designed to meet the intent and scope of rehabilitation services. CONCLUSION: SVRAs must make a concerted effort to ensure that self-employment policy is adequately aligned to account for necessary supports, activities, and interventions that lead to positive self-employment outcomes. Show more

Keywords: Self-employment, technical assistance, rehabilitation counseling, policy

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-230029

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 59, no. 1, pp. 81-89, 2023

Authors: Goscicki, Brittney L. | Sanderson, Kelli A. | Urbano, Richard C. | Hodapp, Robert M.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Although parents and transition-aged students are critical stakeholders in Individualized Education Program (IEP) meetings, little is known about the extent to which both groups contribute during such meetings. OBJECTIVE: We examined the nature and extent of parent and student IEP meeting participation, similarities and differences in participation, and associated predictors for each group. METHODS: Responding to a national, web-based survey, 240 parents of transition-aged students (14– 21 years) completed a questionnaire related to their experiences at their child’s most recent IEP meeting. RESULTS: For both parents and students, participation items grouped into school- …and transition-related input. Overall, parents participated more than students and both parties contributed more toward school-related versus transition-related topics. Predictors of parent involvement included sharing input about the student before the IEP meeting and reviewing data on the student’s past performance during the IEP meeting. Student involvement was predicted by students actively leading their meeting. CONCLUSION: We offer recommendations for research and practice for facilitating parents and transition-aged students to actively participate in IEP meetings. Show more

Keywords: Special education, IEPs, transition, parents, students

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-230030

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 59, no. 1, pp. 91-106, 2023

Authors: Chang, Hsiao-Ying | Saleh, Matthew C. | Bruyère, Susanne M. | Vogus, Timothy J.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The traditional job interview process can pose numerous barriers which may disadvantage job seekers on the autism spectrum. Further research is needed to understand the specific dynamics of the interview process that pose the most significant challenges to hiring success and possible ways to remediate these challenges. OBJECTIVE: This qualitative research examined the barriers to, and facilitators of, successful employment interviews from the perspectives of three stakeholder groups: people on the autism spectrum, employers, and service providers. METHODS: We used qualitative content analysis to derive themes from interviews with 23 participants, including individuals on the …autism spectrum with job interview experience, employers with experience in interviewing job candidates on the autism spectrum, and service providers who provide employment support to people on the autism spectrum. RESULTS: Five themes emerged across stakeholder groups: (1) navigating unpredictability, (2) introducing flexibility and modifications, (3) relationship-building strategies, (4) importance of self-awareness and self-advocacy, and (5) nuances of Self-disclosure. Across the themes, participants described how to modify the interview process to be more inclusive of neurodiversity. CONCLUSION: We conclude with how rehabilitation service providers can more effectively provide direct services to individuals on the autism spectrum and consult with employers on workplace policies and practices to enhance neurodiversity inclusion. Show more

Keywords: Autism, employer, service provider, employment interview, qualitative research

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-230031

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 59, no. 1, pp. 107-122, 2023