The impact of vocational services and employment on people with HIV/AIDS

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Conyers, Liza M.

Affiliations: Department of Counselor Education, Counseling Psychology, and Rehabilitation Services, Pennsylvania State University, 313 CEDAR Building, University Park, PA 16802, USA. Tel.: +1 814 863 6115; Fax: +1 814 803 7750; E-mail: [email protected]

Abstract: The perceptions of vocational services and the impact of employment among 25 individuals with HIV/AIDS diagnoses were explored through a qualitative study. Participants who ranged in age from 22 to 58, represented diverse ethnic backgrounds and were at various stages of the employment process. The key themes that emerged from the data fell into three main areas: (a) personal impact of vocational services, (b) programmatic qualities of vocational services, and (c) impact of employment. Factors that influenced each of these themes and the implications for rehabilitation counselors are discussed.

Journal: Work, vol. 23, no. 3, pp. 205-214, 2004