Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation - Volume 52, issue 3

Authors: McDonnall, Michele C. | Cmar, Jennifer L. | McKnight, Zhen Sui

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Visual impairment following traumatic brain injury (TBI) is common, but little research has been conducted regarding employment outcomes for individuals with combined TBI and visual impairment. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to determine whether service-related factors, including vocational rehabilitation (VR) agency service strategies, and consumer personal characteristics are associated with competitive employment and job quality for this population. METHOD: Rehabilitation Services Administration Case Service Report data from fiscal years 2013–2015 was combined with VR agency interview data about strategies utilized for providing services to these consumers. Multilevel modeling was used to determine the …predictive ability of nine state/agency-level and 27 individual-level variables. RESULTS: Two service strategies were significantly associated with competitive employment: “staff with dual expertise” and “staff training on TBI.” Service strategies were not associated with job quality. Ten individual-level factors were significantly associated with competitive employment and eight were significantly associated with job quality. CONCLUSIONS: Having staff with dual expertise in TBI and visual impairment was a strong predictor of competitive employment; educating staff about TBI was also important. VR agencies are encouraged to educate their staff who work with consumers with visual impairment about TBI, including developing expertise in one or more staff members. Show more

Keywords: Traumatic brain injury, visual impairment, employment, job quality, vocational rehabilitation

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-201073

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 52, no. 3, pp. 223-238, 2020

Authors: Burgin, Ximena D. | Van Laarhoven, Toni | Pinter, Erika | DeSpain, Stephanie

Article Type: Review Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Although students with disabilities are entitled to receive appropriate public education, a concern arises regarding the loss of learning during the summer and other breaks during the regular school year. This issue is intensified for children with disabilities due to the increased time needed to master a skill. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of the study was to perform a comparative cost analysis between video-based instruction and an extended school year to maintain the vocational skills of students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). METHODS: Utilizing the ingredient method to determine the cost of an education activity, the …researchers determined the costs of video-based instruction and extended the school year to maintain vocational skills and infer the benefits of using video-based instruction for the school and for the participant with ASD. RESULTS: The results of the analysis indicated that the cost for the extended school year was $3,729.87 and the cost for the video-based instruction was $1,529.29, providing significant savings. CONCLUSION: Although video-based instruction cannot replace the value and importance of actual paid work experiences for employees with ASD, it can be used as an adjunct to in vivo instruction to speed skill acquisition, increase independence of the employee while on the job, and hopefully result in a reduction of or need for hired supportive personnel. Show more

Keywords: Autism Spectrum Disorder, cost analysis, video-based instruction, extended school year

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-201074

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 52, no. 3, pp. 239-249, 2020

Authors: Carlson, Sarah R. | Morningstar, Mary E. | Munandar, Vidya

Article Type: Review Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Competitive integrated employment often remains out of reach for people with intellectual disability. Consistently poor outcomes have resulted in research and policies promoting employment through the provision of workplace supports. Researchers have established a substantial body of intervention research addressing pre-employment supports. However, minimal intervention research exists addressing the provision of supports subsequent to job placement. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to systematically examine the body of intervention research associated with workplace supports used to address career maintenance and career advancement for employees with intellectual disability. METHODS: A systematic literature review was conducted, …examining intervention research published between 1984 and 2018. Fourteen studies met inclusion criteria. These studies included 85 employees with intellectual disability and 57 support providers (e.g., employment specialists, job coaches, co-workers). RESULTS: Results revealed evidence of interventions addressing career maintenance through the provision of training to both support providers and employees with intellectual disability. Training addressed workplace performance and social integration. No interventions were identified promoting career advancement. CONCLUSION: This paper offers an overview of the current intervention research base addressing workplace supports for employees with intellectual disability and makes recommendations for research, policy, and practice. Show more

Keywords: Literature review, intellectual disability, employment, workplace supports

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-201075

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 52, no. 3, pp. 251-265, 2020

Authors: Smith, Tammy Jorgensen | Dillahunt-Aspillaga, Christina | Chou, Chih-Chin | Ching, Deveney | Weston, Amanda

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The capacity for individuals with disabilities to work has been proven through multiple initiatives and demonstration projects; however, personnel shortages within the vocational rehabilitation (VR) system impact service delivery to consumers. Long-Term Training Programs (LTTP) in rehabilitation counseling address the priority of increasing the number of highly qualified rehabilitation professionals available to serve VR consumers. OBJECTIVE: This article describes a five-year LTTP in a Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling (RMHC) program at a large Southeastern University. The goal of this program is to increase the skills of rehabilitation counseling scholars so that, upon successful completion of the …program, they are prepared to effectively meet the VR needs of persons with disabilities. CONCLUSIONS: The RMHC scholar program is achieving the stated objective by offering didactic and practical training at the master’s level through its accredited program. New courses have been developed to increase scholars’ exposure to current trends and best practices in rehabilitation counseling such as customized employment strategies, case management and documentation, critical thinking and collaborative relationships. This article includes an overview of the scholarship program and lessons learned to assist other programs in replication. Implications for the field are also included. Show more

Keywords: Vocational rehabilitation, RSA scholarships, customized employment, disability, rehabilitation education

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-201076

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 52, no. 3, pp. 267-277, 2020

Authors: Ethridge, Glacia | Dowden, Angel Riddick | Brooks, Michael | Kwan, Ngai | Harley, Debra

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Ex-offenders with disabilities encounter barriers with obtaining employment upon post-release. Offender status may affect not only opportunities for employment, but earnings as well for ex-offenders with disabilities. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study is to discuss barriers to employment for ex-offenders with disabilities and to identify how racial/ethnically marginalized ex-offenders are disproportionately unemployed and earn less than their White counterparts. METHODS: Descriptive and multivariate statistical analyses utilizing archival Rehabilitation Services Administration Case Service Report (RSA-911) data from fiscal years 2004– 2013 was employed. RESULTS: Findings indicated that African American ex-offenders with disabilities are …employed at higher rates than both Hispanic and White ex-offenders but earn less than both of these groups. CONCLUSIONS: Implications for VR service providers, training and policy reform are discussed. Show more

Keywords: African American, Hispanic/Latino, disability, rehabilitation, employment, offender

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-201077

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 52, no. 3, pp. 279-289, 2020

Authors: Harris, Suzi | Farnworth, Louise | Mynard, Lorrae

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Disclosing a severe mental illness (SMI) and serious criminal offence is often challenging for forensic mental health (FMH) consumers when applying for vocational occupations. OBJECTIVE: This qualitative research aimed to explore the experiences of FMH consumers disclosing sensitive information, to better understand the facilitators and barriers that occur. METHODS: Nine FMH consumers were purposively selected, the main criteria for inclusion being previous experience of disclosure related to work or study. Two focus groups and a one-to-one interview were recorded, and data were transcribed verbatim and analysed using descriptive thematic coding. RESULTS: Two overall …themes emerged: 1) ‘Experiences of disclosure’ and 2) ‘Participants’ suggestions for change’. Sub-themes for experiences included risks, levels and strategies for disclosure, challenges and frustrations, positive experiences and inadvertent disclosure. Participants suggested individualised disclosure support, simple and practical tools to explain disclosure in different scenarios, skills for managing rejection, discharged forensic consumers acting as mentors and an increased understanding of disclosure issues by clinical staff. CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this research provide important insights for health professionals into the lived experience of FMH consumers when disclosing for vocational occupations and highlight the need for more in-depth training of FMH staff to better support consumers in navigating disclosure. Show more

Keywords: Forensic mental health, disclosure experiences, vocational occupations, stigma

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-201078

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 52, no. 3, pp. 291-301, 2020

Authors: Whittenburg, Holly N. | Cimera, Robert E. | Willis, Cassandra | Taylor, Joshua P. | Thoma, Colleen A.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Youth with specific learning disabilities (SLD) benefit from postsecondary educational experiences (PSE) and vocational rehabilitation (VR) services. However, it is unknown how obtaining PSE may affect employment outcomes for youth with SLD who receive VR services. It is also unclear if VR services provided to these youth are cost-effective and cost-efficient. OBJECTIVE: To compare differences in employment outcomes, cost-effectiveness, and cost-efficiency of VR services for youth with SLD and different education levels. METHODS: Descriptive statistical analyses compared employment outcomes of youth with SLD who receive VR services and have different education levels. Service cost-effectiveness and …cost-efficiency from the taxpayers’ perspective were also analyzed. RESULTS: Employment outcomes improved as education level increased. VR services for youth with SLD with PSE were most cost-effective when cost-per-dollar earned was calculated, but least cost-effective in terms of cost-per-hour worked. While VR services for youth with SLD and PSE were ultimately cost-efficient, it took 125 months to achieve. CONCLUSIONS: Youth with SLD receiving VR services who have PSE experienced the best employment outcomes. Future research is needed to investigate how employment changes over time affect public investments, how specific VR services impact cost-effectiveness, and how the intersection of race/ethnicity and disability may influence PSE participation. Show more

Keywords: Learning disabilities, postsecondary education, vocational rehabilitation, transition

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-201079

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 52, no. 3, pp. 303-315, 2020

Authors: Landmark, Leena Jo | Ju, Song | Greene, Gary | Lai, Mark H.C.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Family involvement during the transition process is crucial. However, culturally and linguistically diverse (CLD) families report barriers to effective transition planning related to cultural misunderstandings with educators. Professionals need to be culturally competent when interacting with CLD families and youth. OBJECTIVE: The objective was to revise a CLD Transition Knowledge and Skills (CLDTKS) Evaluation Instrument and have special educators use the instrument to evaluate the levels of CLD transition knowledge and skills of their colleagues. METHODS: The CLDTKS Evaluation Instrument was revised following expert review. Participants included 206 special educators. Exploratory factor analysis was used …to explore the factor structure of the instrument. Structural equation modeling was used to test construct validity, and confirmatory factor analyses were performed. Means were computed for all factors. RESULTS: The CLDTKS Evaluation Instrument consisted of four scales: Cultural Characteristics Related to Active Family Involvement , Family Norms and Communication Styles , Individualized Education Program (IEP) Meetings and Transition Policies , and Family Legal Status and Associated Prejudice . For all factors, there was a lower mean on skills than on knowledge. CONCLUSIONS: The CLDTKS Evaluation Instrument is a valid and reliable measure for evaluating transition knowledge and skills related to working with CLD youth and families, and it can be used for research and professional development needs. Show more

Keywords: Transition, cultural and linguistic diversity, family involvement, assessment instrument

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-201080

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 52, no. 3, pp. 317-331, 2020