Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation - Volume 40, issue 1

Authors: Luciano, Alison | Drake, Robert E. | Bond, Gary R. | Becker, Deborah R. | Carpenter-Song, Elizabeth | Lord, Sarah | Swarbrick, Peggy | Swanson, Sarah J.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Individual Placement and Support (IPS) is an evidence-based vocational rehabilitation intervention for people with severe mental illness. IPS emphasizes client choice, rapid job finding, competitive employment, team-oriented approaches, benefits counseling, and ongoing supports. OBJECTIVE: This paper summarizes 20 years of research on IPS, describes studies in the field now, and proposes priorities for future research. METHODS: To identify published and unpublished IPS research studies, we conducted an electronic search of qualitative and quantitative IPS studies, findings from recent reviews, and sought expert recommendation. RESULTS: Past research indicates that IPS supported employment is the most effective and cost-effective approach for …helping people with psychiatric disabilities find and maintain competitive employment. Employment improves clinical, social, and economic outcomes. Current studies on IPS address several research gaps: IPS modification, generalizability, program settings, international dissemination, cultural awareness, and supportive technology. Looking forward, the field needs studies that report long-term outcomes, financing mechanisms, cost offsets, and standardized supported education models. CONCLUSIONS: While IPS is one of the most extensively studied of all vocational models, significant literature gaps remain. Show more

Keywords: Supported employment, individual placement and support, vocational program, vocational rehabilitation, implementation, mental illness

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-130666

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 40, no. 1, pp. 1-13, 2014

Authors: Müller, Eve | VanGilder, Rebecca

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Although there are currently more than 200 Project SEARCH programs throughout the U.S., evidence supporting the program's efficacy remains limited. OBJECTIVE: This pilot study examines the relationship between participation in Project SEARCH, a business-led transition program, and job readiness and employment rates of 10 young adults with disabilities. METHODS: Baseline and end-of-year data were gathered on participants' job readiness skills using a 29-item Job Readiness Assessment Tool (JRAT) developed for this purpose. Interviews with key stakeholders were conducted in order to identify perceptions regarding areas of growth for participants, as well as ongoing challenges. RESULTS: Based on JRAT scores, …participants demonstrated significant growth overall, as well as demonstrating significant growth in a majority of specific entry-level job skills and workplace behaviors. Sixty percent of participants were offered permanent jobs within three months of the program's conclusion. No significant differences emerged between job coach/instructor evaluations and supervisor evaluations. End-of-year JRAT scores were significantly higher for participants offered jobs than for those not offered jobs. CONCLUSIONS: The Project SEARCH model holds promise for increasing participants' job readiness and employment rates. Further, the JRAT may offer a useful means of predicting job readiness for Project SEARCH participants. Show more

Keywords: Young adults with disabilities, vocational training models, job readiness, employment, workplace behaviors

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-130660

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 40, no. 1, pp. 15-26, 2014

Authors: Schreuer, Naomi | Sachs, Dalia

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Legislation and policy changes have enhanced enrolment of students with disabilities in higher education. These changes include establishing a duty to make ‘reasonable’ accommodations to educational institutions for the provision of accessible facilities and services in order to minimize barriers to equal participation in education. OBJECTIVES: To identify universal and personal accommodations that students with disabilities use; to assess students' appraisal of the accommodations' efficacy; to establish validity and reliability of the Physical, Human and Academic Accommodation Services (PHAAS), that evaluates the use of accommodations and their efficacy. METHOD: Study participants were 170 students with various disabilities from higher-educational …institutions. Research tools included the PHAAS scale, and the College Student Experiences Questionnaire (CSEQ). RESULTS: Revealed significant correlations between the use of accommodations and: Grades Point Average, participation in student experiences, satisfaction with participation, and appraisal of the institution as a facilitating environment. CONCLUSIONS: Evaluating efficacy of accommodations is crucial to improve participation of students with disabilities in higher education. The study uncovered gaps in the application of accessibility and universal design principles, and lacunas in services provided. Thus, the evidence presented can aid managers and policy makers in high education and in workplaces to create an inclusive accessible environment. Show more

Keywords: Academic experience, accommodation, inclusion, participation

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-130665

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 40, no. 1, pp. 27-40, 2014

Authors: Brantschen, Elisabeth | Kawohl, Wolfram | Rössler, Wulf | Bärtsch, Bettina | Nordt, Carlos

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Self-motivation, subjective norms, and support of social network are central factors in supported employment. OBJECTIVE: To measure these factors a short questionnaire was developed and tested. METHODS: 116 people with mental illness were enrolled. RESULTS: In the present study we found that self-motivation was high; 98% of the consumers think competitive employment is important or very important. The perceived motivation of the social network was also high, but significantly lower than self-motivation. Furthermore, the consumers assume that their social network supports their desire to work. CONCLUSION: People with mental illness are motivated to work, they are not idle.

Keywords: Supported employment, motivation, social network, social support, mental illness

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-130661

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 40, no. 1, pp. 41-47, 2014

Authors: Van Hout, Marie Claire | Bingham, Tim

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Previous Irish research on client perspectives on the ‘lived social world’ of methadone maintenance treatment (MMT) and participation in Special Community Employment (SCE) schemes have illustrated how MMT offers clients the opportunity to commence recovery and community reintegration, with participation in the SCE schemes acting primarily as therapeutic support mechanism with improvement needed in work based support and employment related outcomes. OBJECTIVES: The research aimed to explore service providers' views on MMT client experiences of participation in SCE vocational training, education and employment seeking. METHODS: Five in depth interviews and three focus groups (n = 14) were conducted with …key specialist treatment and rehabilitation service providers' in Dublin, Ireland. RESULTS: Narratives were thematically analysed, and indicative of the positive role of MMT in recovery pathways in terms of stimulating initial client stabilisation, reducing client chaotic lifestyles, initiating new positive health and social behaviours with partners, children, families, and facilitating renewed vocational training on SCE schemes. Outcomes whilst positive in terms of personal development when in recovery are compromised by lack of employment prospects and dedicated work-based supports on exit. CONCLUSIONS: Recommendations were made around the need for long term integrated community care, vocational certification, supported volunteer, employment planning and back to work schemes. Show more

Keywords: Methadone maintenance, vocational training, support work, rehabilitation for addicts

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-130664

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 40, no. 1, pp. 49-58, 2014

Authors: Yamamoto, Kathryn K. | Stodden, Robert A. | Folk, Eric D.R.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Persons who participate in postsecondary education (PSE) enjoy improved prospects for securing gainful employment and realizing greater independence. Historically, state vocational rehabilitation (VR) agencies have supported persons with disabilities to participate in PSE as a pathway to future employment. However, until recently PSE was not considered as an option for individuals with intellectual disabilities (ID) who were frequently encouraged to transition directly from school to employment or placements in community rehabilitation programs. With a growing recognition of the value of PSE as a quality placement for persons with ID and an increasing number of available programs, VR counselors and administrators …face what may amount to a paradigm shift away from the traditional transition trajectory for clients with ID. This paper highlights how one VR agency assumed a leading role in the transition of students with ID into PSE through participation in a model demonstration based around three evidence-based practices: interagency team processes, person centered planning, and provision of essential PSE supports (educational coaches). Show more

Keywords: Transition, postsecondary, intellectual disability, vocational rehabilitation, interagency collaboration

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-130662

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 40, no. 1, pp. 59-71, 2014

Authors: Koch, Lynn C. | Mamiseishvili, Ketevan | Higgins, Kristin

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Accumulating evidence indicates that although the enrollment of students with psychiatric disabilities in U.S. postsecondary institutions is on the rise, these students are not persisting to degree completion at the same rate as their peers without psychiatric disabilities. However, a national investigation of the persistence rates and characteristics of students with disabilities has yet to be conducted. This research study summarizes descriptive data from the Beginning Postsecondary Students Longitudinal Study (BPS: 04/09) data set on the characteristics and persistence rates of students with psychiatric disabilities (N = 350) enrolled in U.S. postsecondary institutions. The first-to-second year persistence rate of these …students was 76.6% while the three year cumulative persistence and persistence to degree completion rates were 61% and 54.7%, respectively. The demographic and background characteristics of the participants resembled those of typical at-risk students in postsecondary education. Although their academic and social integration into their institutions was limited, chi-square analyses did reveal a significant association between first-to-second year persistence and how often students met with their academic advisors in their first year. These analyses also demonstrated a significant relationship between first-to-second year persistence and all three social integration variables examined in the study. Show more

Keywords: Psychiatric disabilities, higher education, Beginning Postsecondary Students Longitudinal Study, postsecondary institutions, degree completion

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-130663

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 40, no. 1, pp. 73-82, 2014