Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation - Volume 55, issue 2

Authors: Rumrill, Phillip | Rumrill, Stuart | Sheppard-Jones, Kathy | Rumrill, Amy | Graham-Smith, Michelle | Curry, Bethaney | Wiley, Lakyn | Fisher, Eden | Kabeya, Arsene | Adams, Chithra | Espinosa-Bard, Christina | Jones, Jason

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic has wrought an unprecedented toll on vocational rehabilitation efforts to assist workers with disabilities in maintaining their careers. OBJECTIVE: To demonstrate the use of a psychometrically sound assessment instrument and resource-driven planning procedure to help workers with disabilities resume or retain their employment. METHODS: Four employed people with neurological disabilities who took part in a larger job retention project funded by the United States Department of Labor completed structured interviews to determine their needs for employment accommodations during COVID-19. A trained interviewer administered the Work Experience Survey (WES) in teleconsultation sessions with …each participant to identify: (a) barriers to worksite access, (b) difficulties performing essential job functions, (c) concerns regarding continued job mastery, and (d) extent of job satisfaction. RESULTS: Owing primarily to the sequelae of their disabling conditions and less so to social distancing requirements and telecommuting technology, participants reported a wide range of accessibility barriers and difficulties in performing essential functions of their jobs that they believed had the potential to significantly affect their ongoing productivity. Considering the stress and uncertainty that have accompanied the COVID-19 pandemic, it is surprising that the majority of participants reported high levels of job mastery and job satisfaction. CONCLUSION: The interviewer concluded the WES interview by recommending a job accommodation plan, which included suggestions from Job Accommodation Network (JAN) consultants. Show more

Keywords: Neurological disabilities, job retention, COVID-19

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-211151

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 55, no. 2, pp. 115-129, 2021

Authors: Schutz, Michele A. | Carter, Erik W. | Maves, Erin A. | Gajjar, Shimul A. | McMillan, Elise D.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Effective school partnerships are crucial for supporting transition-age youth with disabilities to transition to adulthood. Although the importance of strong school-community collaboration is widely advocated, many school districts still struggle to establish transition partnerships within and beyond the school. OBJECTIVE: This study examined the application of “community conversation” events as a pathway for convening local communities to reflect on and strengthen their existing transition partnerships. METHODS: Five school districts held events that engaged a total of 213 local citizens in constructive dialogue about enhancing school-employer-community partnerships. RESULTS: Collectively, the individuals involved in these …community conversations generated 55 distinct recommendations for developing or deepening transition partnerships, both within and beyond the walls of their local schools. When asked about the strength of current transition partnerships, however, the views of attendees were quite mixed. CONCLUSIONS: We offer recommendations for research, practice, and policy aimed at strengthening partnerships among schools, employers, agencies, families, and communities that improve the preparation and outcomes of youth with disabilities. Show more

Keywords: Transition, secondary school, employment, interagency collaboration

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-211152

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 55, no. 2, pp. 131-145, 2021

Authors: Stevenson, Brian J. | Thrower, Stephanie J. | Mueller, Lisa | Kelly, Megan M.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: No studies have examined vocational identity among individuals with co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders. OBJECTIVE: Influenced by Blustein’s relational theory of working (2011), this study examined the relationships between several social-environmental variables (external/relational conflicts, employment barriers, substance abuse stigma) and vocational identity. METHODS: Eighty-four veterans receiving treatment from the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) for co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders participated in this survey study. RESULTS: Education, employment, clinical, disability, and substance abuse factors were not associated with vocational identity, but external/relational conflicts, employment barriers, and substance abuse stigma were. …Multiple regression analysis found that these variables accounted for 34%of the variance in vocational identity and that external/relational conflicts was the only significant predictor. CONCLUSIONS: Findings suggest that more conflictual messages about work from external/relational sources is related to less clarity around one’s vocational interests, goals, and talents. Show more

Keywords: Veterans, disability, vocational identity, mental health, substance use

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-211153

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 55, no. 2, pp. 147-155, 2021

Authors: Bruno, Lauren P. | Scott, LaRon A. | Thoma, Colleen A.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Past research has suggested that secondary special educators enter the profession with limited knowledge and skills to provide effective evidence-based transition practices (EBTPs) to students with disabilities. Professional development (PD) is known to be one pathway to expand teachers’ knowledge and delivery of evidence-based transition practices, yet minimal research exists investigating what PD activities are most effective at increasing teachers’ use of EBTPs. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to determine how transition specific PD influenced secondary special educators’ knowledge and perceived self-efficacy regarding the use of EBTPs in their classrooms to support students with disabilities. …METHODS: A correlational research design was used to investigate teacher self-efficacy to deliver EBTPs when the amount, type, and location of PD are factors. Descriptive statistics, an analysis of variance (ANOVA), and a multiple linear regression analysis were performed. RESULTS: The amount of PD offered had a significant effect on teachers’ perceived efficacy compared to the location and type of professional development received. Further, the results of teachers’ perceived effectiveness, changes made as a result of PD, and other factors related to PD are reported. CONCLUSIONS: After receiving PD, teachers were more likely to make changes in their classroom that, in turn, affected their self-efficacy and effectiveness to deliver EBTPs to support students with disabilities. Implications for teacher professional development research, practice, and policy are also discussed. Show more

Keywords: Transition, evidence-based practices, professional development, survey

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-211154

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 55, no. 2, pp. 157-168, 2021

Authors: Mann, David R. | Wang, Mira

Article Type: Review Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Centers for Independent Living (CILs) can help out-of-school youth with disabilities. CIL services may be particularly important for minority youth with disabilities that face additional transition barriers. OBJECTIVE: This literature review documents existing practices that might aid CILs as they seek to help youth, including minority youth, with disabilities transition to adult life. METHODS: First, we conducted a literature search to identify practices that might help CILs assist youth with disabilities transition to independent living (IL) in early adult life. Then we examined various literature syntheses of postsecondary transition interventions with evidence of promise or …efficacy for any IL-related outcome—regardless of whether the intervention targeted youth with disabilities. RESULTS: We discovered a variety of practices CILs might learn from or consider adopting to help youth with disabilities transition to adult life. However, the practices rarely focused on minority youth and usually had limited or no evidence about whether they improved IL outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: The limitations of the evidence we found suggest the need to develop and test interventions that help transition age youth with disabilities—especially minority youth with disabilities—achieve their IL goals. Show more

Keywords: Independent living, Centers for Independent Living, youth, disability, minority, transition

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-211155

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 55, no. 2, pp. 169-184, 2021

Authors: Schwartzman, Benjamin C.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Individuals with developmental disabilities experience lower employment, higher underemployment, and higher job switching rates than the general population. OBJECTIVE: The current study investigated: (1) the vocational and support experiences of individuals with developmental disabilities, and (2) the differences in participant outcomes between an apprenticeship-model employment program and the comparison group. METHODS: Qualitative and quantitative methods were used to assess outcomes and experiences of participants in the apprenticeship model employment program (N  = 22) and a community-based “Job Club” (N  = 11). Thematic analysis was used to analyze interview transcripts. Independent samples T-tests and paired samples T-tests were …utilized to analyze within-group and between group differences. RESULTS: Parent interview data regarding past and current experiences of the participants in the apprenticeship model employment program suggest 6 major themes. Independent samples T-tests determined that the apprenticeship program participants were significantly less employed than the comparison group at pre-, then similarly employed as the comparison group at post-intervention. Within-group analyses determined that some aspects of participant confidence in their vocational skills and problem-solving skills significantly increased from pre- to post-intervention, according to parent report. CONCLUSIONS: The apprenticeship model of employment appears to be a promising model in need of further study with a larger sample size. Show more

Keywords: Developmental disabilities, employment, transition to adulthood, apprenticeships

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-211156

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 55, no. 2, pp. 185-205, 2021

Authors: Dong, Shengli | Eto, Olivia | Spitz, Caroline

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Employees with psychiatric disabilities experience a great amount of workplace challenges such as lacking workplace supports and job accommodations. There is a lack of research surrounding job accommodations for persons with psychiatric disabilities within the United States. Thus, research is warranted to understand how to meet the needs of this population via accommodations. OBJECTIVE: This study examined barriers and facilitators to requesting accommodations among employees with psychiatric disabilities through a qualitative approach. METHODS: This study recruited 120 participants from multiple agencies serving individuals with psychiatric disabilities in the United States. Themes regarding barriers and facilitators …were identified using the conventional content analysis approach. RESULTS: The most commonly identified themes were employees’ fear and anxiety negatively impacting accommodation seeking behaviors, employer discrimination and non-inclusive workplace culture, and employers lack knowledge of disabilities and ADA. Participants also identified positive experiences in requesting accommodations. CONCLUSION: Rehabilitation professionals and employers may utilize current findings, facilitate a positive and inclusive workplace environment and assist employees with disabilities to take full advantage of workplace resources and job accommodation to exert their potentials. Show more

Keywords: Psychiatric disabilities, accommodation, disclosure, challenges, workplace

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-211157

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 55, no. 2, pp. 207-218, 2021

Authors: Young Illies, Marcy | Valentini, Brian J. | Ingles, Kristina E. | Gilson, Carly B.

Article Type: Brief Report

Abstract: BACKGROUND: WIOA encourages providers such as Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) to seek higher wages and more than part-time hours for those with disabilities. Previous studies have evaluated the relationship between (VR) and job outcomes for individuals with intellectual disability (ID). OBJECTIVE: The present study evaluated the effect of VR services on wage and hours worked. METHOD: We obtained a national dataset from the Rehabilitation Services Administration to analyze individuals with ID on variables specially related to training and VR services. RESULTS: Results indicated more training resulted in more hours worked, while using more VR services …resulted in less hours worked and pay. Differences in hours worked and wage were found within training and VR services. CONCLUSION: Individuals with ID should consider utilizing job counseling with VR agencies and focus on occupational training, as these services may contribute to increased wages and hours worked. Show more

Keywords: Vocational rehabilitation, wage, hours worked, intellectual disability, competitive and integrated employment

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-211158

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 55, no. 2, pp. 219-225, 2021

Authors: Ahonle, Zaccheus J. | Kreider, Consuelo M. | Hale-Gallardo, Jennifer | Castaneda, Gail | Findley, Kimberly | Ottomanelli, Lisa | Romero, Sergio

Article Type: Brief Report

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Telerehabilitation is an effective health delivery method for patients with a variety of health conditions. There is insufficient knowledge about use of telerehabilitation to support patients with disabilities and chronic illness in obtaining or sustaining competitive employment. Employment rates of Veterans are lower than civilian rates, and the employment gap is higher for Veterans living in rural areas. OBJECTIVE: To investigate factors that enabled and constrained routine use of video tele-technologies in delivering individualized community-based vocational rehabilitation (referred to as Tele-VR) services and to identify impacts and promising practices in implementation. METHODS: Semi-structured interviews with …providers from two Veterans Health Administration Medical Sites that use telerehabilitation to supplement their existing face-to-face individualized community-based VR services. Interviews were analyzed using thematic analysis. RESULTS: Five themes in the implementation of Tele-VR were identified (1) Enhancing Workflow for Providers, (2) Improving Quality of Therapeutic Care, (3) Practicalities in Implementing Tele-VR, (4) Embedding Vocational Rehabilitation into Interdisciplinary Care as a Facilitator to Implementation, and (5) Impact of Tele-VR. CONCLUSIONS: The telerehabilitation delivery of employment service to Veterans with disabilities is a viable means for remotely providing or enhancing face-to-face individualized and community-based VR services that support Veterans’ competitive employment and job stability within their communities. Show more

Keywords: Telerehabilitation, return to work, rural population, veterans, employment, community integration

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-211159

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 55, no. 2, pp. 227-233, 2021