Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation - Volume 44, issue 1

Authors: Lombardi, Allison | Murray, Christopher | Kowitt, Jennifer

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: College students with disabilities continue to experience difficulties adjusting to the academic and social demands of university life despite an increase in recognition by postsecondary institutions. OBJECTIVE: Social support for college students with disabilities is the focus of this study. METHODS: Relationship types – specifically parent, peer, and partner supports – were examined in order to clarify their impact on the academic success of college students with disabilities at a four-year university (n  = 200). RESULTS: An examination of main and moderating effects showed relationship types have differential effects on academic success outcomes, specifically …college grade point average and self-reported educational, practical, and social/emotional gains. For certain outcomes, parent, peer, and partner support buffered the negative effects of course efficacy and social support satisfaction. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that certain relationship types can make meaningful differences in positively affecting college experiences of student with disabilities, and illustrate the importance of considering relationship types and quality of social support in future research on social networks. Implications for disability services providers and secondary transition educators are discussed. Show more

Keywords: Social support, college students with disabilities, postsecondary education, relationship types

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-150776

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 44, no. 1, pp. 1-13, 2016

Authors: Meulenbroek, Peter | Bowers, Barbara | Turkstra, Lyn S.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Interpersonal skill deficits are the primary reason for workplace separation after traumatic brain injury (TBI). Communication is integral to interpersonal skills, but workplace communication demands are inadequately described in the rehabilitation literature. OBJECTIVE: This study describes inter-stakeholder examples of workplace communication behaviors for a level of employment to which people with TBI commonly attempt to return. METHODS: Setting: Mid-level workplaces. Design : Semi-structured interviews were audio recorded, transcribed verbatim, then analyzed using thematic content analysis. Findings were linked to common communication deficits in persons with TBI. Participants : A volunteer sample of twenty healthy …individuals employed in the mid-level workplaces, ten employees and ten supervisors. Main Outcome Measure(s) : Taxonomy of communication skill deficits common in persons with TBI and associated with mid-level workplaces. RESULTS: Interviews revealed seven communication-related skills associated with mid-level employment: 1) spoken language processing; 2) verbal memory; 3) reading and writing; 4) verbal reasoning; 5) expressive pragmatics; 6) multi-tasking; and 7) social cognition. CONCLUSION: Workers and supervisors from an assortment of mid-level jobs with differing job contents all identified similarly common and important cross-occupational communication-related skills. Findings provide a preliminary guide to assess and treat communication skills for patients who have work re-entry as a goal. Show more

Keywords: Traumatic brain injury, employment, vocational rehabilitation, social reintegration, communication disorders

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-150777

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 44, no. 1, pp. 15-31, 2016

Authors: Duvdevany, Ilana | Or-Chen, Keren | Fine, Maayan

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Employers play a critical role in addressing the high unemployment rate experienced by persons with disabilities. Barriers to successful work placement include myths regarding people with disabilities as workers, and ineffective rehabilitation placement methods and hiring procedures. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of the study was to examine the relationship between the regulation for adjusted minimum wage, in Israel, and the willingness of employers to hire persons with intellectual disability (ID), and the factors that contribute to the formation of positive attitudes toward persons with intellectual disability among employers. METHODS: Population: 79 employers in the industry, …commerce, and service fields. Of these, 39 had employees with intellectual disability and 40 did not. Measurements: Demographic data, The Attitudes Toward the Employability of Persons with Severe Disabilities scale, and Contact with Persons with Intellectual Disability scale. RESULTS: Employers who were familiar with the legislation perceived the person with ID as a capable worker. Previous contact was related to the willingness to hire a person with ID. Education and the size of the workplace had no influence on the attitudes of the employers. CONCLUSION: Legislation is only one step in promoting the hiring of persons with ID. Additional steps are recommended. Show more

Keywords: Persons with disability, employment, employers’ attitudes toward persons with disability, contact, legislation

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-150778

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 44, no. 1, pp. 33-41, 2016

Authors: Honeycutt, Todd C. | Wittenburg, David C.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The services and supports available to transition-age youth (ages 14 to 25 years old) with disabilities change substantially as youth move out of high school, but there is limited evidence on how this fragmentation influences various outcomes. OBJECTIVE: The goal is to provide quantitative evidence on the employment, education, and service receipt outcomes of transition-age youth (ages 14 to 25) who enrolled in the Social Security Administration’s Youth Transition Demonstration (YTD) and how a demonstration project affected those outcomes. METHODS: We use information from the YTD one-year follow-up survey to examine how a youth’s engagement …with the service system changes following high school, including the impact of YTD on participating in school, working, or receiving services. RESULTS: In all projects, youth engagement in activities and services was lower following high school, and the YTD interventions increased youth engagement, particularly among post-high school youth compared to youth in high school. CONCLUSION: The findings point to the challenges that youth with disabilities face after they leave high school and enter a fragmented service environment. The findings also illustrate the important role that interventions that target transition-age youth can play in helping youth become productively engaged, especially following high school. Show more

Keywords: Youth with disabilities, Youth Transition Demonstration, employment, vocational services

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-150779

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 44, no. 1, pp. 43-60, 2016

Authors: Netto, Julie Ann | Yeung, Polly | Cocks, Errol | McNamara, Beverley

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Employment often has a defining role that shapes a person’s identity. The aim of this study was to generate a rich description of the meaning of employment for people with mental illness and identify the facilitators and barriers they experience in gaining and sustaining employment. Low workforce participation rates exist for people with mental illness despite their ability to both benefit from, and contribute through, employment. OBJECTIVE: Individual in-depth interviews were used to gather information about participants’ lived experiences of mental illness, what employment meant to them, their vocational aspirations, and the facilitators and barriers encountered while …engaging in employment activities. METHODS: Focus groups (N  = 3) and individual in-depth interviews (N  = 9) were used to gather information about participants’ lived experiences of mental illness, what vocation meant to them, their vocational aspirations, and the facilitators and barriers encountered while engaging in or pursuing employment. An inclusive research approach was employed in conducting interpretive phenomenological analysis. RESULTS: Four themes and nine subthemes described the meaning of employment, aspirations, and personal choices. Personal barriers to vocation included loss of valued roles, challenges of the vocational environment, and restrictions in opportunities. Examples of facilitators of employment were mental health services providers, family, and friends. Participants pursued paid employment because they wanted outcomes that would lead to work satisfaction such as making money, having financial security, socialising, and having a sense of achievement. CONCLUSION: Engaging in meaningful vocation allowed people with mental illness to establish and re-establish their identities and valued life roles. Show more

Keywords: Mental illness, vocation, employment, interpretive phenomenological analysis

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-150780

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 44, no. 1, pp. 61-72, 2016

Authors: Brown, Lou | Kessler, Kim | Toson, Amy

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: As the number of individuals with significant disabilities transitioning into competitive, integrated employment increases, so must the knowledge, experience, and expectations of vocational rehabilitation personnel. Evolving responsibilities require that employment specialists acquire the information, skills, attitudes and values necessary to realize integrated outcomes. OBJECTIVE: This is a follow-up to Brown & Kessler’s 2014 JVR article on generating integrated worksites for individuals with significant disabilities. This article outlines an integrated work skill analysis strategy for individuals with significant disabilities. It is intended that the information presented here can be used to increase the number of individuals with significant …intellectual disabilities who function effectively in integrated employment. CONCLUSION: It is important that individuals with significant disabilities are given the opportunities to succeed in employment. Following strategies to ensure the particular work environment will be safe and appropriate for a particular worker is just one step towards the chance to thrive in the workplace. Show more

Keywords: Work skill analysis, significant intellectual disabilities, postschool employment, integrated worksites

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-150781

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 44, no. 1, pp. 73-83, 2016

Authors: Ipsen, Catherine | Goe, Rebecca

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) system spends approximately $365 million annually to serve consumers who disengage from services and drop out of the program. OBJECTIVE: Better understanding of the factors leading to premature exit might help VR better organize and deliver services to increase engagement. METHODS: VR consumers provided four waves of longitudinal data at six month intervals about their VR experiences and satisfaction. RESULTS: Almost half of the respondents felt that progression through VR services was too slow. Overall satisfaction with services was associated with the pace of service delivery, rates of contact …between the counselor and consumer, and satisfaction with the counselor. Of those exiting the VR program over the study horizon (n  = 162), 35% left because they met their goals, 34% because they were dissatisfied with services, and 30% for personal reasons. CONCLUSION: This study sets the stage for further evaluation and model testing of VR practices to reduce premature exit. Practice modifications might include changes to the rates, timing and structure of contacts between counselors and consumers. Even a nominal increase in consumer engagement and retention could have significant outcomes for the VR system and consumers. Show more

Keywords: Vocational Rehabilitation, premature exit, delivery pacing, working alliance

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-150782

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 44, no. 1, pp. 85-96, 2016

Authors: Kalsi, P. | Turkistani, W. | Sykes, C. | Lucas, A. | Zarnegar, R.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Chronic pain (CP) is detrimental to physical and psychological function frequently resulting in work-absence which in turn is associated with reduced wellbeing. Patients with negative cognitive representations of pain are less likely to engage in re-employment oriented activities. OBJECTIVE: To explore patients’ beliefs and attitudes towards return to work (RTW) and understand how these may impact on RTW readiness. METHODS: Patients attending a 3-week high intensity pain management rehabilitation programme (PMP) at the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital were recruited to participate in semi-structured focus group discussions. The sample consisted of 17 patients (M:F 8:9, age …range 18–65+ years). Data was digitally recorded and transcribed verbatim to permit a thematic analysis. RESULTS: Four superordinate themes emerged from the data: (1) living with CP, (2) the fine balance between CP and RTW, (3) work is a beautiful thing... when you have it and (4) the luck of the draw. The first two imparted patients’ coping strategies towards maintaining employment or RTW. The second two reflected participants’ cognitions on factors that facilitate or obstruct RTW. CONCLUSIONS: The need for vocational support in chronic pain rehabilitation programmes was identified. Several recommendations are presented for vocational rehabilitation intervention targets. Show more

Keywords: Chronic pain, return to work, vocational rehabilitation, psychological beliefs, qualitative research

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-150783

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 44, no. 1, pp. 97-107, 2016

Authors: Miller, Eva | Gonzalez, Rene | Kim, Jeong Han

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: There is insufficient research in the vocational rehabilitation literature that examines employment issues among older adults with diabetes. OBJECTIVE: The present study analyzed the Rehabilitation Services Administration case service report (RSA-911) for fiscal year 2009 to explore demographic characteristics, public supports, and vocational rehabilitation (VR) service variables impacting employment outcomes of persons age 55 and older who have diabetes as their primary cause of disability. The sample consisted of 1,489 people with diabetes who were closed either a) rehabilitated or b) not rehabilitated by state/federal vocational rehabilitation agencies. Exhaustive chi-squared automatic interaction detector (CHAID) analysis was used …to extract predictive information for employment outcomes of older individuals with diabetes. RESULTS: The CHAID analysis indicated that receiving rehabilitation technology services increased the probability of competitive employment for the target population. Public supports were significant factors in reducing the likelihood of successful employment among older individuals with diabetes. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest certain VR services and work disincentives interact to predict the likelihood of employment outcomes among the target population. Vocational counseling implications and suggested research directions are provided to improve employment services and increase employment rates among older adults with diabetes. Show more

Keywords: Older adults, diabetes, vocational rehabilitation, employment, CHAID analysis

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-150784

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 44, no. 1, pp. 109-121, 2016

Authors: Park, Eun-Young | Kim, Joungmin | Kim, Sam-Sup

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials assessing job-related social skills training (SST) for secondary students with disabilities was conducted in order to examine its effect size (ES). METHODS: Outcome measures from seven studies were analyzed according to subgroups, including type of disability, outcomes, settings, and instruction methods. RESULTS: Results revealed that the overall effect size (ES) was moderate (.56). However, each subgroup revealed different results. Regarding disability, the effect of SST was not significant for students with Down syndrome and learning disabilities. Other disabilities, such as autism spectrum disorders, emotional/behavioral disorders, and intellectual disabilities, showed …moderate effect sizes. Social skills outcomes produced the largest effect size. Regarding the setting, a school was a better place to meet students’ needs as compared to other facilities or work-sites for job-related SST. This was evidenced by direct instruction at schools showing the largest effect size among instructional methods. CONCLUSION: The current study provides valuable information regarding the present status and future direction of studies investigating job-related SST for secondary students with disabilities. Show more

Keywords: Social skills training, job, secondary students with disabilities, meta-analysis

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-150785

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 44, no. 1, pp. 123-133, 2016