Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation - Volume 43, issue 1

Authors: Henry, Alexis D. | Laszlo, Aniko | Nicholson, Joanne

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Collaboration among employment service providers has been suggested as one strategy for enhancing outcomes for people with disabilities. Yet, little research exists on the process of collaboration building or factors that contribute to effective collaboration among employment providers. OBJECTIVE: We engaged partners of five Regional Employment Collaboratives (RECs) in Massachusetts to identify the critical elements needed to build and sustain an employment collaborative. METHODS: We used concept mapping, a mixed-method approach that included brainstorming sessions during which REC partners generated statements in response to the research question – what does it take to build …and sustain an employment collaborative? Partners sorted statements thematically and rated statements in terms of importance and challenge. Sorting and rating data were analyzed using multidimensional scaling and hierarchical cluster analysis. RESULTS: The analysis yielded six “clusters” reflecting critical elements in building and sustaining a collaborative. Three elements, build trust and respect, do business differently and have effective structures and processes, are consistent with the literature on general collaborative building. The other three elements, address employer needs, engage job developers, and innovate strategically, reflect activities specific to an employment-focused collaborative. CONCLUSIONS: Collaboration is a complex and time-consuming undertaking, but holds promise as a way to enhance employment outcomes for people with disabilities. Show more

Keywords: Employment services, vocational rehabilitation, collaboration, concept mapping, people with disabilities

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-150750

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 43, no. 1, pp. 1-15, 2015

Authors: Brucker, Debra L.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Social capital, an attribute that reflects connectedness or engagement with other individuals, organizations or communities, may be associated with participation in the labor force and with employment. OBJECTIVE: To examine variations in social capital among persons with disabilities. METHODS: Data from the 2010 Civic Engagement Supplement to the Current Population Survey is used to describe levels of social capital among persons with disabilities by employment and labor force participation status, controlling for demographic characteristics. RESULTS: Adults with disabilities who are in the labor force have higher levels of …social capital than adults with disabilities who are not in the labor force. Among those persons with disabilities who are in the labor force, however, little difference in social capital exists between those who are and who are not employed. CONCLUSION: Advocates, policymakers and service providers seeking to maximize the successful inclusion of persons with disabilities within society must not lose sight of social capital as a construct as equally important as built, human, and economic capital. Innovative programs and services that are offered throughout the lifespan should incorporate strategies to address each of these types of resources. Show more

Keywords: Social capital, persons with disabilities, labor force participation, employment

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-150751

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 43, no. 1, pp. 17-31, 2015

Authors: Lukyanova, Valentina | Suarez-Balcazar, Yolanda | Balcazar, Fabricio | Oberoi, Ashmeet

Article Type: Research Article

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. Show more

Keywords: Community Rehabilitation Providers, vocational rehabilitation, employment outcomes, individuals with disabilities

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-150752

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 43, no. 1, pp. 33-40, 2015

Authors: Andersson, Jennie | Luthra, Renee | Hurtig, Peter | Tideman, Magnus

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Individuals with disabilities are often far removed from the labour market and research shows that employers’ negative attitudes toward persons with disabilities create a barrier to attaining employment. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to investigate Swedish employers’ experiences and attitudes toward hiring persons with various disabilities. METHODS: A vignette method with accompanying questions was used. A total of 212 employers, who were actively seeking to hire, were recruited via an online employment site and participated in the study. RESULTS: The results indicated that there is some …interest for employers to hire persons with disabilities and that this depended on the type of disability a person has. Other results demonstrated that previous experience of employing persons with disabilities was linked to greater interest in hiring, that employers had greater interest to hire than they thought other employers had, and that openness about the disability was deemed as an important factor in the hiring process. CONCLUSION: The novelty of this study is its use of a vignette design to investigate employers’ attitudes in Sweden. Moreover, the results are much in line with international research. This contributes to knowledge and development of increasing employment for persons with disabilities. Show more

Keywords: Employer attitudes, employment, persons with disabilities, Sweden, vignette method

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-150753

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 43, no. 1, pp. 41-50, 2015

Authors: Kukla, Marina | Bonfils, Kelsey A. | Salyers, Michelle P.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Veterans with mental illness often have poor employment outcomes. OBJECTIVE: This mixed-methods study sought to understand and describe Veteran perspectives of factors that impact their work success. METHODS: A sample of 40 employed and unemployed Veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or other severe mental illness (SMI) completed a survey of factors that impact vocational functioning and provided narrative accounts of their most successful and challenging work experiences. RESULTS: Personal motivation, self-efficacy, work skills, interpersonal issues, health, and cognitive problems were rated as most impactful on work. There …were no significant differences on ratings of work factors based on employment status. Veterans with PTSD reported significantly more barriers to work success compared with Veterans with SMI, notably, cognitive problems, physical health, and psychological stress. Veterans with SMI were more likely to receive VA vocational services and rated this assistance as beneficial to work success. Narrative findings corroborated the survey results, and yielded additional factors, including economic factors, person/job fit, and Veteran-specific issues. CONCLUSIONS: Several factors substantially impact work success in Veterans with mental illness. Veterans with PTSD and SMI experience a distinct set of barriers and facilitators, suggesting the need for tailoring clinical and rehabilitative services. Show more

Keywords: Employment, Veterans, mental disorders, posttraumatic stress disorder

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-150754

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 43, no. 1, pp. 51-66, 2015

Authors: Chow, Clifton M. | Croft, Bevin | Cichocki, Benjamin

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Two decades since the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act in 1990, individuals with psychiatric disabilities continue to face barriers to employment that includes sensitivity to the benefit structure of the Supplemental Security Income (SSI). OBJECTIVE: This study examines cost-savings to the SSI program due to enhanced employment outcomes for persons with psychiatric disabilities associated with the receipt of job accommodations. METHODS: Data come from a federally funded, multi-site, implementation effectiveness study of supported employment models for 987 working age adults. Cost-savings were estimated using ordinary least squares regression to …examine averted SSI payment. RESULTS: Accommodations were associated with a marginal monthly SSI savings of $11.73, and these savings were 68 percent higher compared to the non-accommodations group. Being married, having independent housing, and recent employment history predicted savings increases. Physical and emotional problems affecting work, a schizophrenia diagnosis, and symptoms of social withdrawal and blunted affect predicted lower savings. CONCLUSIONS: This study adds to a small body of literature examining the impact of accommodations for persons with psychiatric disabilities. Future work in this area might examine savings to the Social Security Disability Insurance program and should include factors unavailable in this analysis. Show more

Keywords: Psychiatric disabilities, job accommodations, cost-saving, Supplemental Security Income

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-150755

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 43, no. 1, pp. 67-74, 2015

Authors: Watt, Bruce D. | Ford, Lucas A. | Doley, Rebekah M. | Ong, Sabrina | Fritzon, Katarina | Hicks, Richard E. | Cacciola, Tony

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Fear avoidance beliefs have been demonstrated significant predictors of disability and work status post occupational injury and appear particularly important in explaining the transition from acute to chronic disability. OBJECTIVE: This study examined the relationship between fear avoidance beliefs, health-related quality of life, and their influence on return to work (RTW) outcomes, including durable RTW, post-occupational injury. METHODS: A total of 1179 questionnaires were posted to clients previously receiving vocational rehabilitation services from the Return to Work Assist program in Queensland, Australia. Participants were asked to indicate their current RTW status …in addition to completing questionnaires measuring fear avoidance beliefs and physical and mental aspects of health related quality of life. RESULTS: The statistical analyses included 104 participants. ANOVA indicated the RTW group reported significantly better physical health than the no RTW (NRTW) group. No significant differences were observed between groups on mental health. ANOVA also indicated that participants with RTW outcomes reported significantly lower fear avoidance beliefs than the NRTW group. However, when controlling for physical health, no fear avoidance group differences were observed. Significant correlations were observed between fear avoidance beliefs and measures of physical and mental health. CONCLUSIONS: The findings are suggestive of a reciprocal relationship between fear avoidance beliefs, physical, and mental health in which fear avoidance beliefs hinder recovery from physical injury, contributing to deterioration in mental health. These findings also suggest that collaborative practice between medical practitioners, psychologists, and physiotherapists is likely to be required to improve RTW outcomes for this complex client group. Identifying and addressing fear avoidance beliefs early in the treatment process may decrease the likelihood of long-term disability and work absence. Show more

Keywords: Durable return to work, fear avoidance beliefs, health related quality of life

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-150756

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 43, no. 1, pp. 75-82, 2015

Authors: Agarwal, Neelam | Yasui, Naoko Yura | Kumar, Vinod

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Lupus (systemic lupus erythematosus; SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disorder, and is usually diagnosed initially in early to middle adulthood, which is the prime career-building phase of individual’s life. Persons with lupus report considerable financial burden not only because of healthcare costs but also because of compromised ability to engage in paid work due to illness as lupus can have a significantly negative impact on a person’s work participation, including loss of employment and reduced working hours. Rehabilitation counselors must be knowledgeable about the critical physical and psychosocial impacts of the illness and potential employment problems that …the illness may cause. With this knowledge base, rehabilitation counselors can better assist individuals with lupus with obtaining and maintaining employment, economic independence, and balancing their life demands with their changing health care needs. OBJECTIVE: This paper first provides an overview of lupus and functional limitations that it may impose, followed by relevant vocational rehabilitation interventions, including workplace accommodations and education. CONCLUSIONS: We emphasize consumer advocacy, anticipatory coping and illness management, accommodations on the job, and need of active involvement of employers in problem solving as key elements of successful vocational rehabilitation for people with lupus. Show more

Keywords: Lupus, employment, vocational rehabilitation, job retention intervention

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-150757

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 43, no. 1, pp. 83-90, 2015