Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation - Volume 29, issue 3

Article Type: Other

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 29, no. 3, pp. 131-132, 2008

Authors: Condeluci, Al | Ledbetter, Melva Gooden | Ortman, Dori | Fromknecht, Jeff | DeFries, Megan

Article Type: Research Article

Keywords: Social capital, people with disabilities, employment, social networks, friendships

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 29, no. 3, pp. 133-139, 2008

Authors: Flaherty, Patti

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: There is tremendous value in building the principles of social capital into mainstream rehabilitation for people living with disabilities. CONNECT (formerly Classic Rehab Community or CRC) is an example of how a community based transitional rehab setting for people living with brain injury incorporates and integrates social capital into the support and services they provide. Social capital's wealth lies in the strength of a community's networks and the inclinations that arise from these networks …for people to do things for one another [8]. Through the identification of the individual groups and the relevant communities that are part of CONNECT, a clearer understanding of the networks within and between them will be recognized. This clarity allows for more thoughtful action with the intent to help strengthen networks and relationships. The anticipated return on this action is a stronger community and reciprocity amongst its membership which then leads to improved health and wellbeing for each of its members. This article focuses on how and why social capital impacts the health of CONNECT and how it is moving from a broad conceptual understanding of social capital to implementing practical ways to foster individual and organizational social capital development for the people CONNECT serves and its employees. Show more

Keywords: Brain injury, social capital, CONNECT, classic rehab community, rehabilitation, participant

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 29, no. 3, pp. 141-146, 2008

Authors: Dyda, David J.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Seventy-five percent of Americans with disabilities, which represents millions of people, are under- or unemployed. If businesses (and government) would recognize and analyze their prospects for social responsibility using the same frameworks that guide their corporate business choices, they would discover that corporate social responsibility can be much more than a cost, a constraint, or a charitable deed – it can be a source of opportunity, innovation, and competitive advantage. The proposed solution …includes building local adoption through face-to-face relationships, coupled with the creation of a collaborative community that leverages the Internet. Show more

Keywords: Social capital, social responsibility, employment for people with disabilities

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 29, no. 3, pp. 147-156, 2008

Authors: Williams, Janet M.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: This article explores the changing expectations, practices and policies supporting Social Capital for people with disabilities living in the community. It introduces relevant developments in how communityworks, inc. operates in two arenas to support community membership. First, in the arena of people who buy services from the agency, philosophical principles that support community membership are delineated, including a personal story that illuminates these principles. Second, in the arena of people paid to work …through the agency, a discussion of standards developed by staff that give them ownership in the process and create consistency in developing Social Capital across the agency. In conclusion, the article addresses ongoing challenges we face as an agency that is always pushing the edge to further enhance Social Capital. Show more

Keywords: Social Capital, community membership, rehabilitation, community supports

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 29, no. 3, pp. 157-163, 2008

Authors: Parris, Angela N. | Granger, Tamara A.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: The Arc of Monroe County recently developed two major initiatives designed to increase the social capital of individuals we serve, our staff and our organization. One Good Turn was established in 2004 to demonstrate our commitment to volunteerism. Only two years later our constituents had reported over 10,000 hours of community service in the Rochester area. Through this reporting, we witnessed new relationships, shared knowledge and expanded resources. Community neighbors and businesses understood more about people …with disabilities and they began to see individuals we serve and our organization in a different light – a useful and functional light; and our community was strengthened because of it. Soon after, The Institute for Social Inclusion was established to begin driving the concepts of social capital throughout our community. This article shares what we have learned about the power and impact that social capital has for people with disabilities. Throughout, there are examples to document the critical relativity to vocation, school-to-work transition, and the role of service providers for individuals with disabilities. WHY … The Arc of Monroe County has dedicated so many resources to furthering our person-centered services through the cultivation of social capital. Show more

Keywords: Disability, person-centered, social capital, inclusion, service providers

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 29, no. 3, pp. 165-171, 2008

Authors: Zimmerman, Rex A.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Social Capital is examined from the perspective of a large human services agency transitioning the last of its site-based facilities to community-based services. The article begins with an overview of the culture of the agency's remaining segregated workshops, outlines barriers to transition to community services and suggests the role social capital can play in overcoming these challenges. Social capital is discussed as a means to and a goal of future service delivery and emphasizes supported employment …as a strategy to change community perception of disability. Show more

Keywords: Social Capital, employment, people with disabilities

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 29, no. 3, pp. 173-178, 2008

Authors: Curran, Jamie

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: This article focuses on Community Living Mississauga (CLM) and the support provided to people in the Mississauga, Ontario community. The article provides an introduction to the organization, followed by an exploration of the agency's experience with the theory of Social Role Valorization and the accreditation process of the Council on Quality and Leadership Canada. The article looks at results of past quality reviews, highlighting strengths and discussing strategies to improve the quality of supports provided. At …the center of quality improvement is a focus on building social capital for both the organization and the people it supports. This article examines strategies to do that, highlighting ways in which CLM educates its employees and works with people who have disabilities in the community. The article will conclude by describing CLM's social capital pilot project and ideas for future supports. Show more

Keywords: Social capital, people with disabilities, social networks, employment

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 29, no. 3, pp. 179-183, 2008