Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation - Volume 56, issue 2

Authors: Hill, Anna | Mann, David R. | Gellar, Jonathan

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) program provides support and services to people with disabilities who want to work. OBJECTIVE: Approximately one-third of eligible VR customers are employed when they exit the program. The remainder either exit without ever receiving services or without employment after receiving services. In this study, we explore how customer characteristics and VR services predict these outcomes. METHODS: We examined VR case level data from the RSA-911 files. Machine learning techniques allowed us to explore a large number of potential predictors of VR outcomes while requiring fewer assumptions than traditional regression methods. …RESULTS: Consistent with existing literature, customers who are employed at application are more likely to exit with employment, and those with mental health conditions or low socioeconomic status are less likely to exit with employment. Some customers with low or no earnings at application who are not identified in prior studies are more likely than others to have poor program outcomes, including those with developmental disability who are under 18, customers without developmental or learning disabilities, and customers who do not receive employment or restoration services. CONCLUSIONS: VR counselors and administrators should consider implementing early, targeted interventions for newly identified at-risk groups of VR customers. Show more

Keywords: Vocational rehabilitation, employment, disparities, machine learning.

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-221176

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 56, no. 2, pp. 107-121, 2022

Authors: Gatesy-Davis, Anwyn | Koroloff, Nancy | Marrone, Joseph | Davis, Maryann

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The ability of vocational rehabilitation, adult mental health and child mental health service systems to collaborate regarding the employment and career development goals of transition-age youth has not been explored nor has attention been paid to strategies that would increase this collaboration. OBJECTIVE: This qualitative study asks leaders from these three systems to describe collaborative activities that support better vocational services for transition-age youth with serious mental health conditions and discuss barriers and facilitators to collaboration. METHODS: Qualitative interviews were conducted with 39 formal and informal leaders in vocational rehabilitation (n  = 16), child mental health …(n  = 13), and adult mental health (n  = 10) systems as part of a larger study of interorganizational relationships. RESULTS: A primary barrier was lack of knowledge about the services and policies of each other’s systems. Another barrier was differences in philosophy about employment and the special needs of transition-age youth with mental health needs. CONCLUSIONS: In addition to specific activities that would encourage greater interaction across three systems, results underscore the need for the child mental health system and vocational rehabilitation system to increase their involvement with and knowledge about one another. This would include training child mental health providers about employment and career development services, vocational rehabilitation providers about the role of mental health in the youngest workers, and both being involved in transition-planning that directly addresses vocational goals and support needs. Show more

Keywords: Transition-age youth, mental health services, vocational rehabilitation services, collaboration

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-221177

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 56, no. 2, pp. 123-137, 2022

Authors: Wang, Yudan Chen | Ethridge, Glacia

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Despite the series of public policies being implemented to strengthen vocational rehabilitation (VR) services, individuals with disabilities remained at the substantial deficit in employment outcomes compared with individuals without disabilities. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to examine effects of vocational rehabilitation services on the employment outcomes for people with disabilities while accounting for individual characteristics and state economic conditions. Findings had implications for VR program improvement. METHOD: We used the RSA-911 data covering cases from 2015 to 2017, in addition to state unemployment rate and poverty rate in 2017 to address the research questions. A logistic regression …model was estimated with Generalized Estimating Equations to predict the probability of successful case closure by individual demographic characteristics, number of VR services received, and state economic conditions. RESULTS: State economic conditions were not associated with employment outcomes among VR participants. Being female, Black, having physical disabilities, and not having a job at application were disadvantageous in employment outcomes. The more varieties of vocational services that individuals received, the higher odds of successful case closure. CONCLUSIONS: VR services have significant beneficial impact on individual employment outcomes. The strongest beneficial impact may be achieved by providing a combination of different types of services that are designed to help individuals find or sustain employment. Show more

Keywords: Vocational rehabilitation, disabilities, employment, vocational services, economy

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-221178

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 56, no. 2, pp. 139-147, 2022

Authors: Hutchinson, Claire | Lay, Kiri | Alexander, June | Ratcliffe, Julie

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Microenterprise is emerging as an employment pathway for people with intellectual disabilities, but there is little published research in this area. OBJECTIVE: To identify the facilitators, barriers and outcomes from microenterprises owned by people with intellectual disabilities from several stakeholder perspectives. METHODS: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with seven business owners and 22 other stakeholders with data analysed using content analysis. RESULTS: A key facilitator for successful microenterprise was the availability of, and continued access to, three pillars of formal support (microenterprise consultant, personal assistant, and an enterprise management group). Key barriers identified were …funding limitations, role confusion between supports, and problems recruiting supports with business skills. Outcomes for business owners included personal/emotional growth, skills development, autonomy, having a meaningful role, and contributing to their communities. Other stakeholders experienced personal rewards and an increased expectation of the capacities of people with intellectual disabilities. Income generation and cessation of benefits was not the goal of the model or noted as a main consideration by stakeholders. CONCLUSIONS: Microenterprise can provide people with intellectual disabilities with an employment pathway highly tailored to their goals, capacities and interests. With consistent formal support, people with intellectual disabilities can run businesses over many years. Show more

Keywords: Microenterprise, people with intellectual disabilities, formal support, informal support, qualitative

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-221179

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 56, no. 2, pp. 149-163, 2022

Authors: Pickens, Julie L. | Dymond, Stacy K.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act was designed, in part, to ensure all students with disabilities have access to pre-employment transition services and are provided the opportunity to try competitive integrated employment. However, access to employment services continues to be limited for students with severe intellectual disability. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to examine the types of skills and experiences rehabilitation services providers believe impact the ability of students with severe intellectual disability to obtain employment services. METHODS: Qualitative semi-structured interviews were conducted with 16 rehabilitation service providers. Providers reflected on three students …with severe intellectual disability whom they previously denied employment services and the skills/experiences they felt these students needed to obtain employment services. RESULTS: Service providers’ perceptions of the employability of students with severe intellectual disability were influenced by the student’s ability to understand work, display work-related skills, and demonstrate work behaviors. Prior work experience was deemed essential to obtaining employment services. CONCLUSIONS: Recent legislative factors have led to an increased focus on ensuring greater access to needed work skills and experiences; however, there remains a need for all stakeholders to work together to ensure students with severe intellectual disability access these skills and experiences. Show more

Keywords: Transition to employment, rehabilitation service providers, severe disabilities, intellectual disability

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-221180

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 56, no. 2, pp. 165-175, 2022

Authors: Osmani, Kimberly J. | DeBacker, Teresa K. | Crowson, Howard M. | Williams-Diehm, Kendra L.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The Oklahoma Department of Rehabilitation Services provided eight years’ worth of de-identified data on transition-aged clients to be examined in this study. OBJECTIVE: This study presents information on the predictive impact of work experiences, age at time of application for vocational rehabilitation (VR) services, and priority group category of eligibility on successful VR case closure (i.e., achievement of competitive integrated employment). METHODS: Using logistic regression, the extant data were analyzed (consisting of 8,966 participants). RESULTS: Results indicated age, priority group category, gender and racial identification were each statistically significant predictors of achieving a …successful VR case closure. Work experience as a predictor was not found to predict outcomes. Among work experiences, Project SEARCH was the only work experience to significantly predict successful employment outcomes. Individuals achieving higher rates of competitive integrated employment tended to be in the less severe priority category of eligibility, older, and those who identified as male and who identified as White. CONCLUSIONS: Findings inform special education and VR in considering the possible factors behind the results, examining data further, and potentially changing existing programs, policies, and practices or creating new ones to increase the employment outcomes of transition age clients. Show more

Keywords: Post-school outcomes, work experiences, transition, disabilities, employment

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-221181

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 56, no. 2, pp. 177-191, 2022

Authors: Remund, Corban | Jones-Parkin, Tricia | Hase, Hillary | Riesen, Tim

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Despite legislation and policy designed to promote employment for people with disabilities, outcome data suggest that individuals with disabilities, especially those with the most significant disabilities, remain unemployed and underemployed. While several variables may contribute to these poor outcomes, the capacity of organizations and individuals who provide employment supports to employment seekers with disabilities may contribute to the perennially low employment outcomes. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study is to describe the training structure for employment specialists and job coaches who implement supported and customized employment. RESULTS: Utah has developed a tiered training approach model …to address the different levels of training needed to provide quality training to direct support professionals. The tiers of training included (a) workplace supports training, (b) employment specialist training, and (c) customized employment training. CONCLUSION: To improve quality employment outcomes for people with disabilities, community rehabilitation providers and funding agencies must have a thorough understanding of validated employment support strategies. The tiered training offered in Utah represents one state’s attempt to provide quality training and support to direct support staff. Several training-related recommendations for funding and capacity building have been identified because of training initiatives. Show more

Keywords: Employment specialist, training requirements, supported employment, customized employment

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-221182

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 56, no. 2, pp. 193-201, 2022

Authors: Greifenberg, Anja | Bauer, Jana F. | Chakraverty, Veronika | Niehaus, Mathilde

Article Type: Brief Report

Abstract: BACKGROUND: For employees with chronic health conditions the decision of whether or not to disclose their condition to colleagues or supervisors is both far reaching and hard to make. OBJECTIVE: Collaborating with a panel of experts on their own behalf, we developed a web-based self-test to provide easily accessible decision support for those who are not (yet) ready for personal counseling. METHODS: This report provides an overview of the web-based self-test supporting an informed disclosure decision in the workplace. RESULTS: The self-test consists of a series of questions about the user’s personal situation. In …order to reach a broad target-group it is applicable across health conditions and is made available online. CONCLUSION: Unlike other existing web-based offers the self-test is interactive, considers the personal situation of the user and provides individualized feedback that refers to additional resources (e.g., personal counselling). Show more

Keywords: Decision aid, invisible disabilities, e-health, workplace accommodations, stigma

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-221183

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 56, no. 2, pp. 203-207, 2022