Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation - Volume 59, issue 3

Authors: Sung, Connie | Fisher, Marisa H. | Okyere, Christiana | Park, Jiyoon | Choi, Heerak

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Project SEARCH is a one-year school-to-work transition program that prepares students with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) for competitive employment. OBJECTIVE: The current study used a mixed-method explanatory design to examine Project SEARCH graduates’ overall experience of transitioning from Project SEARCH to employment, their long-term employment outcomes, and their support needs during and after the program. METHOD: Parents of 31 Project SEARCH graduates completed an online survey regarding the graduates’ outcomes and 9 parents agreed to participate in a follow-up interview. RESULTS: Respondents reported positive employment outcomes for 24 of the Project SEARCH …graduates (77.4% employed after Project SEARCH), primarily in the customer service industry. CONCLUSION: The graduates were satisfied with their employment but also experienced difficulties and a need for additional employment preparation and support after Project SEARCH. Show more

Keywords: Employment, vocational rehabilitation, transition, support needs, intellectual and developmental disabilities

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-230042

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 59, no. 3, pp. 233-249, 2023

Authors: Ipsen, Catherine | Jain, Kamini | Stern, Steven

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: An important factor embedded within Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) delivery capacity relates to geography, such as distance from the VR office and availability of service providers or community rehabilitation programs. OBJECTIVE: We explored receipt of VR job search and placement services based on distance to an urban center, demographics, and disability variables after controlling for local employment conditions. METHODS: Using 2015 RSA-911 case services data, we used probit to produce estimates for each combination of service and service source (agency and purchased), and Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) and semi-parametric regression to estimate log expenditures for each …service category. RESULTS: Being Black or living at a long distance from a metro area increased the probability of receiving agency-based services but lowered the probability of receiving purchased services. Conversely, being older and having less education lowered the probability of receiving agency services but increased the probability of receiving purchased services. Females, Blacks, and those living at a distance greater than 50 miles from a metro area received significantly lower expenditures. CONCLUSION: Systematic differences in the types of services provided call for more in-depth analysis to ensure that policies and procedures are in place to minimize sociodemographic disparities in service delivery and outcomes. Show more

Keywords: Disability, vocational rehabilitation, service delivery, rural, equity

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-230043

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 59, no. 3, pp. 251-261, 2023

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

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: College graduates without visual impairments earn more than college graduates with visual impairments. Differences in degree majors obtained or differences in earnings associated with degree majors for the two groups might explain this discrepancy in earnings. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to examine (a) differences in degree major categories and (b) relationships between degree majors and earnings for college graduates with and without visual impairments. METHOD: We obtained data for college-educated, working-age adults from the American Community Survey. We utilized descriptive statistics to compare degree major categories by visual impairment and multiple regression …to evaluate predictors of annual earnings for college graduates who worked full-time/full-year. RESULTS: Small differences in degree majors obtained were found between college graduates with and without visual impairments. Significant predictors of earnings included 23 out of 25 degree majors and several other demographic and socioeconomic characteristics. Effects of three majors and several other variables differed for people with visual impairments. CONCLUSION: People with visual impairments were slightly more likely to hold degrees with lower-paying majors and less likely to hold degrees with two higher-paying majors. Regardless of degree major, college graduates with visual impairments had substantially lower average earnings than the general population. Show more

Keywords: Blind, low vision, visual impairment, postsecondary education, college degree major, earnings

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-230044

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 59, no. 3, pp. 263-272, 2023

Authors: Deng, Jiaxuan | Sarraf, Lisa | Hotte-Meunier, Adèle | Sauvé, Geneviève

Article Type: Review Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Results from past research on the association between work outcomes and self-esteem were inconsistent. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to review and quantify the correlation between employment variables and self-esteem in people with severe mental illness. METHOD: The first electronic database search was performed between November 5 and November 12, 2021. A second search update was completed in September 2023. Studies that reported a correlation between at least one employment-related variable and self-esteem were subsequently verified. Pooled effect sizes were calculated with random-effects models by aggregating Fisher’s Z-to-Pearson r transformed correlations. RESULTS: The database …search generated 3,547 reports. Thirteen and seven reports were included in the qualitative review and the meta-analyses, respectively. Meta-analyses results based on data from 1,065 participants suggested a positive albeit small correlation between employment variables and self-esteem in people with severe mental illness (r  = 0.26, p = .002 for global self-esteem; r  = 0.21, p  < 0.001 for total self-esteem). It was found through systematic review that greater confidence in personal capacity, more opportunities on novel activities, and positive affirmation from coworkers were some potential mechanisms underlying self-esteem improvement following work. CONCLUSION: Future research on employment in severe mental illness would benefit from including adapted self-esteem measures and can build on this work by examining the relationships between specific employment variables (e.g., job acquisition, job tenure) and self-esteem. Show more

Keywords: Psychosocial, schizophrenia, vocation, effect size, correlation, rehabilitation, job

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-230045

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 59, no. 3, pp. 273-283, 2023

Authors: López, Omar S.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: More than 1 in 4 adult Americans have a disability limiting their daily functioning to earn living wages. Meanwhile, the shortage of U.S. professionals in STEM fields persists because of underrepresentation of specific groups, such as racial and ethnic minorities, women, and people with disabilities. OBJECTIVE: The study investigates the determinants of wages among Americans with disabilities in non-STEM and STEM occupations to explore the feasibility of broadening their participation in STEM careers where they may earn higher wages and thereby, close the wage-gap with their non-disabled peers. METHODS: The study used a research design …based on Mincer’s earnings regression model to analyze select variables as wage determinants based on data from the 2018 American Community Survey (ACS). RESULTS: While the findings suggest that within the Americans with disabilities group, working in a STEM occupation with a college degree in a STEM field was the best route to attain maximum wages, significant wage disparities exist compared to Americans without disabilities. CONCLUSION: The implications of the findings for Vocational Rehabilitation providers are discussed. Show more

Keywords: Americans, disabilities, employment, STEM occupations, wages

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-230046

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 59, no. 3, pp. 285-300, 2023

Authors: Chen, Ada | O’Neill, John | Phillips, Kimberly G. | Houtenville, Andrew J. | Katz, Elaine

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Employers are increasingly interested in the inclusion of employees with disabilities in the workplace. To be inclusive, employers need effective strategies for recruiting people with disabilities (PWD) that supervisors can endorse, as they are ultimately accountable for the success of all employees that they supervise, including people with disabilities. To date, little research has focused on effective practices for recruiting people with disabilities or the supervisors’ perspectives on successful disability recruitment practices. OBJECTIVE: This study presents results from the 2017 Kessler Foundation National Employment and Disability Survey-Supervisor Perspectives (KFNEDS-SP) that utilized a novel approach to investigating employer …organizational characteristics and practices related to the recruitment of PWD. METHODS: The KFNEDS-SP is a web-based survey that used standard, replicable survey methods to collect data from a Qualtrics business-to-business panel of supervisors at U.S. organizations. Respondents included 6,530 supervisors ages 18 and older from private, nonprofit, and governmental organizations across industries. RESULTS: The results show that several organizational characteristics and practices are significantly associated with supervisor perceived effectiveness of disability recruitment processes. The degree of effort put forth to recruit people with disabilities, commitment from upper management in hiring and accommodating employees with disabilities, training hiring managers in accessible recruitment and interview practices for people with disabilities were all positively related to supervisors’ perceived effectiveness of their organizations’ disability recruitment processes. However, organizations that put a lot of effort into recruiting for diversity or had diversity hiring goals were less likely to be perceived by supervisors to have effective disability recruitment processes. CONCLUSION: Supervisors are at the center of an organization’s effort to include people with disabilities in the workplace and, as such, are good barometers of what works and does not work to support the recruitment, hiring and onboarding of people with disabilities. The results of this study point to several organizational characteristics and practices that individually and together are likely to support efforts to include people with disabilities in the workplace. Disability workforce intermediaries can use these findings to assist businesses successfully include people with disabilities in their workforce. Show more

Keywords: Disability, employer practices, supervisor, effective practices, diversity

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-230047

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 59, no. 3, pp. 301-310, 2023

Authors: Anderson, Olwen | McLennan, Vanette | Randall, Christine

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Although workplace injury rehabilitation is a significant economic and social burden for injured workers and the community, it remains inconclusive whether the worker’s choice of provider and treatment type influences these costs or the outcome of rehabilitation. OBJECTIVE: This study explored what choices injured workers could access during rehabilitation in terms of their provider and treatment, what hindered or helped their choice, and whether workers perceived that choice influenced the outcome of their rehabilitation. METHODS: A mixed methods study was employed, utilising an online survey and semi-structured telephone interviews. RESULTS: Injured workers reported …that being able to choose their provider and treatment was not straightforward. Obstacles included systemic rigidity, poor relationships between stakeholders, and unfamiliarity with the system. Most survey respondents perceived that the degree of choice they had in their treatment influenced the outcome of their rehabilitation and sometimes also their occupational bond, career, and finances. CONCLUSION: The study found that choice of provider and treatment type does matter for workers undergoing rehabilitation, impacting on outcomes including occupational bond, income, and disputes. In balancing the need for cost containment with social responsibility, both financial and psychosocial outcomes are relevant for those engaged in rehabilitation of injured workers. Show more

Keywords: Vocational rehabilitation, choice, outcomes, workplace injury, costs, return to work, occupational rehabilitation

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-230048

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 59, no. 3, pp. 311-320, 2023

Authors: Petty, Stephanie | Eccles, Niamh | Tunstall, Lid | Richardson, Hannah

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Employment prospects are poor for autistic adults, despite their abilities and desire to work. OBJECTIVE: In this study, autistic and non-autistic employees gave shortlists of positive contributions of autistic employees, workplace difficulties and any adjustments being made to support autistic employees in the United Kingdom (UK). This aimed to provide routine and achievable good practice examples. METHOD: An online questionnaire was completed by 98 employees, mostly from the education sector. Freelisting methodology was implemented, which is a qualitative interviewing and data analysis technique whereby participants give their answers to survey questions as …lists, to identify priority answers for a particular group. RESULTS: Consensus analysis showed that workplaces agreed on ways that autistic employees contribute positively to the workplace, including approaching workplace tasks from a different angle, attention to detail and contributing innovative and creative thinking. The main difficulties for autistic employees were noise and communication differences relative to non-autistic peers. Despite agreed difficulties and positive contributions, autistic and non-autistic employees reported usual practice in their workplaces as there being no reasonable adjustments made. CONCLUSION: Findings show the need for investment into inclusive and supportive workplaces, and call for further research into good employment practices as identified by autistic employees. Show more

Keywords: Autism, employment, underemployment, psychosocial factors

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-230040

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 59, no. 3, pp. 321-330, 2023

Authors: Massey, Cynthia C. | Haughney, Kathryn L. | Devine, Stephanie M.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Vocational training centers improve outcomes for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), but employment rates remain low. Additionally, vocational direct support professionals (DSPs) often lack the training to implement effective instruction and the administrative procedures needed for change. OBJECTIVE: This study examines the effect of behavioral skills training (BST) on the maintained procedural fidelity of evidence-based practice (EBP) instruction in direct support providers with clients who have moderate to extensive support needs (M-ESN). METHOD: Three instructor-identified EBPs for teaching individuals with IDD were selected for professional development (PD): most-to-least prompting, time delay procedures, and …system of least prompts. Three single case multiple probe across behaviors experiments evaluated the efficacy of the researcher-delivered BST instruction model on trainee accuracy as assessed by trained center administrators. RESULTS: A functional relation between the BST instruction and generalized DSP implementation was indicated, despite challenges and limitations related to COVID-19. Social validity measures found the goals, procedures, and outcomes were socially significant, and the intervention was practical and effective. CONCLUSION: Practices in vocational training should reflect the high standards for systematic instruction in the K-12 setting. EPB BST training with administration progress monitoring can improve DSPs’ instruction with clients, thus improving learning outcomes for adults with M-ESN. Show more

Keywords: Systematic instruction, intellectual and developmental disability, vocational education, direct support professionals, behavior skills training, moderate to extensive support needs

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-230049

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 59, no. 3, pp. 331-343, 2023

Authors: Dunn, Jennifer A. | Boyce, Catey D. | Nunnerley, Joanne L. | Martin, Rachelle A. | Snell, Deborah L.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Spinal cord injury (SCI) frequently occurs in working-aged adults. Following SCI, return to work (RTW) is complex. OBJECTIVE: To describe RTW pathways for people with SCI in New Zealand. METHOD: Data from interviews of people with SCI were analysed using conventional content analysis and themes were developed. These themes were used to develop a graphic that described RTW pathways. RESULTS: Three groups of participants were identified: those who had returned to work, those who would work when they were ready and those where work seemed too far off. Among the first two groups, …the themes of constantly recalibrating expectations, having a supportive employer, control/autonomy over work role, exploring options, maintaining hope and knowing work will be there when I am ready, were prevalent. For participants where work seemed too far off, two themes, I don’t know if I can work and rehabilitation is my priority, were identified. The resulting model highlighted that RTW pathways following SCI are complex and non-linear. CONCLUSION: While RTW may be reasonably straightforward for some, for others it can be more circuitous and difficult to navigate. Therefore, vocational rehabilitation programmes should consider where the individual is on the RTW pathway and provide appropriate individualised interventions. Show more

Keywords: Spinal cord injury, return to work

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-230050

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 59, no. 3, pp. 345-354, 2023