Affiliations: [a] University of Illinois at Chicago, Department of Occupational Therapy, College of Applied Health Sciences, Chicago, IL, USA | [b] University of Illinois at Chicago, Department of Disability and Human Development, Chicago, IL, USA
Correspondence:
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Address for correspondence: Valentina Lukyanova, Ph.D., University of Illinois at Chicago, Department of Occupational Therapy, College of Applied Health Sciences, 1919 West Taylor, Chicago, IL 60612, USA. Tel.: +1 312 533 8123; vlukya2@uic.edu
Abstract:
BACKGROUND: Community Rehabilitation Providers (CRPs) are not-for-profit organizations that provide employment services to individuals with disabilities as subcontracts to vocational rehabilitation (VR) offices.
OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to identify facilitators to successful employment among individuals with disabilities.
METHODS: We analyzed 38 case files from individuals with disabilities served by CRPs that had been closed as being successfully employed.
RESULTS: We found that clients who were placed in jobs lived with their families, had previous work experience, and had strong job interview skills. They also had detailed written goals and needs; VR counselors often served as advocates between CRPs and the client, and they understood the difficulties of the current job market. On the other hand, clients who had difficulties in securing and maintaining employment experienced health-related issues, lack of reliable transportation, and challenging family situations.
CONCLUSIONS: Findings indicate that there is a greater need for certain services, such as career development, job coaching, and training. The implications for vocational rehabilitation research and practice are discussed.
Keywords: Community Rehabilitation Providers, vocational rehabilitation, employment outcomes, individuals with disabilities
