Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation - Volume 38, issue 3

Article Type: Other

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-130629

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 38, no. 3, pp. 157-162, 2013

Authors: Luecking, Richard G.

Article Type: Other

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-130630

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 38, no. 3, pp. 163-164, 2013

Authors: Martinez, Kathleen

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: For almost forty years, U.S. policy has steadily advanced the idea of presumed employability for all people with disabilities. This includes people with the most significant disabilities employed in integrated jobs with commensurate pay that is at or above minimum wage. This article traces the factors that have contributed to the evolution of policy and practice that have led to improving the likelihood that integrated employment is both desired and achievable for individuals with significant disabilities. It also shares current U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Disability Employment Policy, activities and initiatives that promote and support the achievement of integrated …employment for all people with disabilities. Show more

Keywords: Integrated employment, EmploymentFirst, U.S. federal policy, employment and disabilities

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-130631

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 38, no. 3, pp. 165-168, 2013

Authors: Boeltzig-Brown, Heike | Sashida, Chuji | Nagase, Osamu | Kiernan, William E. | Foley, Susan M.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Working-age Japanese with disabilities (ages 15–64) experience substantially lower employment rates compared to non-disabled Japanese, indicating a need for policy and programs that promote disability employment opportunities in competitive settings. Historically, the vocational rehabilitation (VR) service system in Japan has involved two government administrations – the Ministry of Labour and the Ministry of Health and Welfare – that, despite the merger in 2001, continue to focus on competitive and facility-based(sheltered) employment, respectively. In this paper, the authors provide an overview of the enabling legislation, key policies and measures, and personnel resources of the VR service system under labour. A cornerstone …policy and practice issue is the engagement of a mandatory disability employment quota for public-sector and private-sector employers administered by public employment security offices (PESO), and public employment and rehabilitation services delivered through a network of PESO offices, local and regional vocational centers, vocational training centers and employment support centers for persons with disabilities. The authors conclude with a discussion of current issues and trends in rehabilitation in Japan and implications for future cross-national comparative research. The information presented in this paper is based on a literature review and key informant interviews conducted between May 2012 and June 2012. Show more

Keywords: Disability, competitive employment, employment quota, public vocational rehabilitation, public employment service, Japan

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-130632

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 38, no. 3, pp. 169-183, 2013

Authors: dos Santos Rodrigues, Paulo | Luecking, Richard G. | Glat, Rosana | Daquer, Adriana Fernandes Caparelli

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Brazilian laws have have progressively mandated opportunity and access to community and work life for people with disabilities and other historically disadvantaged populations. Legal mandates to companies to bolster employment opportunities have included specific quotas for companies to hire people with disabilities and for providing youth apprenticeships. Under these mandates, companies struggle to meet the quotas, and, despite the laws, workforce participation for people with disabilities remain well below expectations. OBJECTIVE: This article presents an approach to address these challenges using processes implemented through an international exchange of knowledge and methodology as well as case examples of individuals and …companies who have benefitted from this approach. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Customized employment strategies were featured when Programa Integrando began working with students in Rio de Janeiro public schools in 2008. The case examples illustrate not only this process, but how disability hiring or YAP quotas were addressed by the hiring companies. CONCLUSIONS: It is important to emphasize that quotas, YAP, and disability hiring policies and initiatives are not enough to face the existing challenges of gaining work access, especially for people with intellectual disabilities. Connecting employers to job candidates is an essential part of the process. Show more

Keywords: Disability, employment quota, customized employment, youth apprenticeships, Brazil

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-130633

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 38, no. 3, pp. 185-194, 2013

Authors: Canha, Lúcia | Owens, Laura A. | Simões, Celeste | Gaspar de Matos, Margarida

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Transition from school to work is a key topic of current social research and public policy in both the United States and Europe. Legislation in the U.S. has proven effective in providing a framework for transitioning youth with disabilities from school to work. In 2008, Portugal passed legislation for transition planning focused on specific curriculum for students who cannot access the typical curriculum. This paper will compare and contrast the two pieces of legislation and the process for transition of youth with disabilities into integrated employment from the perspectives of parents. Specifically, the authors conducted focus groups of parents from …each country to identify post-school and in-school opportunities and supports and resources needed to ensure successful transition from school to integrated employment for youth with disabilities. Show more

Keywords: Transition, social research, public policy, integrated employment, youth with disabilities, Portugal, United States

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-130634

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 38, no. 3, pp. 195-205, 2013

Authors: Völker, Maria Paz

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Argentina has shown a growing interest from the different sectors of society towards the welfare of people with disabilities. Specifically in the labor area, due to the alarming data that 75% of working age people with disabilities are unemployed and according to the tenets of the International Convention on the Rights of People with Disabilities (U.N.), the Argentina government decided to develop and reactivate policies to address this situation. The business sector also shows more concern about the inclusion of people with disabilities in their workforce under Corporate Social Responsibility policies. These institutions are only beginning to regard supported employment …as a system of labor inclusion in the competitive job market for people with disabilities. There are challenges ahead to ensure full citizenship of people with disabilities, in which the inclusion in the open labor market takes an essential role, and supported employment is emerging to address them. Show more

Keywords: Disability, labor inclusion, supported employment, government policies, corporate social responsibility

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-130635

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 38, no. 3, pp. 207-214, 2013

Authors: Symonds, Peter | Luecking, Richard G.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Much of the advent and development of integrated and supported employment in Australia, or Open Employment as it is called, mirrors that of other English speaking countries, particularly the U.S. However, there are critical distinctions that are reflective of Australia's labour laws, disability employment funding history, and evolving disability policy. While there continue to be strong models of Open Employment service delivery, government policy and changes in the generic employment centre system are threatening the expansion, indeed even the nature, of Open Employment as an option for people with significant disabilities. The authors discuss the implications of these trends.

Keywords: Disability, employment, Australia, government policy

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-130636

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 38, no. 3, pp. 215-222, 2013

Article Type: Other

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 38, no. 3, pp. 223-224, 2013

Article Type: Other

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 38, no. 3, pp. 225-226, 2013