Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation - Volume 61, issue 2

Authors: Cmar, Jennifer L. | McDonnall, Michele C.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: A substantial gap in employment rates has been documented between people with and without visual impairments, but most employment-related research for people with visual impairments has focused on employment at one time point. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to examine longitudinal employment trajectories by visual impairment and investigate factors associated with trajectories for people with visual impairments. METHODS: The data source was the 2014 Panel of the Survey of Income and Program Participation. Participants were 816 adults with visual impairments and a matched comparison group of 816 adults without visual impairments. We used …group-based trajectory modeling to estimate employment trajectories, identify predictors of trajectory group membership, and explore the impact of health on employment trajectories. RESULTS: Visual impairment was associated with a lower probability of membership in the Rising, Declining, and High employment trajectory groups compared to the Low group. Predictors of trajectory group membership included disability benefit receipt, non-visual disabilities, gender, race, age, and education. Fair or poor health was associated with decreases in all four trajectories over time. CONCLUSION: Visual impairment is a risk factor for not working across multiple years. Disability benefit receipt was the strongest predictor of trajectory group membership for this population. Show more

Keywords: Visual impairment, vision disability, blind, low vision, employment, longitudinal studies, health

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-240031

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 61, no. 2, pp. 143-156, 2024

Authors: Mullin, Courtney | Gould, Robert | Harris, Sarah Parker | Jones, Robin

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Disability holds a unique position in employment, including corporate social responsibility (CSR) and diversity, equity and inclusion efforts. Furthermore, contextual shifts in employment, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, make it critical to explore how disability is considered within company strategies. OBJECTIVE: Authors reviewed 2020/2021 CSR reports to observe organizational disability inclusion practices and shifts in company approaches to workplace and community initiatives. This analysis helps illuminate what disability inclusion strategies businesses publicize and prioritize, contributing to the growing knowledge of disability inclusion. METHODS: Building from a previous analysis completed in 2018 (Gould et al., 2020 …), the current review involved content analysis of 129 CSR reports from companies recognized for their disability inclusion efforts. RESULTS: Results showed a substantial increase in organizations that participated in disability inclusion activities and illuminated potential contextual changes. Additional findings highlight primary disability inclusion strategies as well as emerging practices. CONCLUSION: Although there is an increasing interest in including disability within business efforts, there continues to be distinct challenges to advancing disability inclusion overall. By providing insights into disability inclusion approaches, the current study sets a foundation for future research to explore the efficacy and long-term impacts of inclusive practices to enhance disability employment outcomes. Show more

Keywords: Organizational culture, equal opportunity, corporate social responsibility, diversity, equity, and inclusion, disability inclusion

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-240032

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 61, no. 2, pp. 157-174, 2024

Authors: Walters, Charles B. | Plotner, Anthony J. | Crane, Kelli T.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Recent state funding opportunities have brought about a renewed interest in the value of collaboration with Centers for Independent Living (CILs) to support the positive postschool outcomes of youth with disabilities. While the potential of CILs in this domain of practice has been well described, their engagement in such collaborative efforts has been limited. OBJECTIVE: The current study was conducted to better understand the involvement of CILs in supporting transition-age youth with disabilities. METHODS: Through an analysis of publicly available CIL administrative data, the authors examined consumer demographics and service categories from 2015 to 2022. …RESULTS: Their findings indicated that, on the whole, CIL involvement with youth has remained limited and the disability demographics of consumers have changed little over time. Moreover, while there has been a steady increase in consumers receiving support in the category of “youth/transition services,” this upward trend has been slight. CONCLUSION: From these results, it can be argued that CIL support of transition-age youth is an issue that merits the ongoing attention of the field. In this article, these findings are discussed alongside implications for the field and future research. Show more

Keywords: Center for independent living, WIOA, transition, collaboration

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-240033

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 61, no. 2, pp. 175-184, 2024

Authors: Aldaghmi, Ohud Abdulrahman | El-Ashram, Reda Ebrahim Mohamed | Aldaghmi, AlAnoud Abdulrahman

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Despite legislation that promotes the transition of young people from school to work and the increasing knowledge of the factors that contribute to successful transitions, young people with disabilities face lower rates of participation in employment, education, and vocational training compared to their non-disabilities peers. OBJECTIVE: The paper aims to examine the perspective of special education teachers (SET) regarding the success factors of the transition to the labor market for persons with disabilities after graduating from secondary school in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. METHODS: To conduct the research, we used a questionnaire; participants were sampled intentionally, …and they were a representative sample at the level of Riyadh city (N  = 180) of secondary school SET in the 2022/2023 school year. RESULTS: Educators have identified several factors critical to success in the labor market transition which can be separated into three categories; 1) person-centered factors, 2) family-specific factors, and 3) community instruction-specific factors. There were no statistically significant differences between the responses of participating SET according to their demographic characteristics (gender, educational level, and years of teaching experience) and the factors for successful labor market transition for persons with disability questionnaire. The results were interpreted in light of the theoretical framework and previous studies, and many recommendations were made for those that employ persons with disabilities. CONCLUSION: The findings highlight some of the areas that are critical to the labor market transition: employment and vocational skills’ training in secondary school, and families and community members’ attitudes and high expectations for the future of persons with disabilities. Show more

Keywords: Transition to the labor market, successful employment, pathways into working, persons with disabilities

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-240028

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 61, no. 2, pp. 185-200, 2024

Authors: Poutanen, Joonas | Juvonen-Posti, Pirjo | Unkila, Kirsi

Article Type: Review Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: In Supported Employment (SE) and Individual Placement and Support (IPS) research, less attention has been paid to employers’ interests and the quality and opportunities of jobs or the work itself for sustainable working careers. OBJECTIVE: To explore what is known about sustainable employability in SE and IPS interventions in the context of the characteristics of work and perspectives of employers. METHODS: A systematic literature search was conducted in the Medline, Scopus, PsycINFO, CINAHL, and Social Science Premium Collection (ProQuest) databases. The scoping review process was carried out in accordance with the methodological guidelines. The analysis …included numerical summary, qualitative content, and thematic analysis processes. RESULTS: From the total of 2,729 articles, 20 studies were included. The majority of the jobs were entry-level, part-time and on fixed-term basis. There were only few descriptions of interaction at work. From the themes arising from the reviewed studies, “Productivity in the job performance”, “Making a job-person match” and “Workplaces strategies for integrating work, recovery and wellness” contained the most data. CONCLUSION: Research from the point of view of the employers and other workplace actors is scarce. More research is needed also about interactions at work and the meaningfulness of work for people with disabilities. Show more

Keywords: Supported employment, IPS, vocational rehabilitation, work, employer

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-240029

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 61, no. 2, pp. 201-218, 2024

Authors: Witte, Ingrid | Strandberg, Thomas | Gustafsson, Johanna

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: In Sweden, gender differences have been found in standard vocational rehabilitation as well as in evidenced-based methods such as Supported Employment (SE). However, these quantitative findings have not been followed up by qualitative research to clarify the issue. OBJECTIVE: To explore participants’ experiences of participating in an SE intervention and the influence of gender on their experiences. METHOD: Semistructured interviews with 10 women and 7 men participating in SE in Sweden were conducted. Qualitative content analysis followed by a gender analysis were performed using the material. RESULTS: The participating men and women had …different background characteristics. Overall, the participants shared the same experiences of SE. They valued a trustful relationship with the employment specialist and the diversified and individualized support from the employment specialist. Unlike the men, the women had experienced difficulties receiving SE from authorities, and when receiving SE, they expressed the value of a slow start, being challenged, and whole-life support. CONCLUSION: The findings might moderate the rapid job principle in SE and indicate the need to acknowledge that the path to employment might look different, depending on the participants’ gendered experiences and living conditions, for SE to be more successful for both men and women. Show more

Keywords: Vocational rehabilitation, persons with disabilities, professionals, equality

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-240030

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 61, no. 2, pp. 219-234, 2024

Authors: Jablonski, Erica S. | Phillips, Kimberly G. | Henly, Megan

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Employment barriers experienced by people with disabilities are well-documented by researchers. A closer look at the nature of these barriers at different stages of the job acquisition process may help to understand and address current challenges. OBJECTIVE: To understand how employment barriers differ for job seekers with and without disabilities; the impact of disability type; and are job acquisition barriers most salient, when looking for, applying to, or accepting a position. METHODS: 3,021 working-age adults (including 1,491 adults with disabilities) from a Qualtrics opt-in panel completed an online survey about employment status, job search barriers, …and demographic factors (including disability). Logistic regression predicted odds of experiencing a job search barrier based on disability and other sociodemographic factors. RESULTS: Most job seekers reported barriers to employment, with disability being the strongest predictor. While the types of barriers experienced at all stages of the job search were similar for people with and without disabilities, people with disabilities experienced barriers significantly more often. CONCLUSION: Employment barriers among people with and without disabilities are similar in nature but vary by degree. Improvements in transportation and better alignment between education, training, and the job market may benefit all job seekers. Show more

Keywords: Employment, people with disabilities, job application, sociodemographic factors

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-240034

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 61, no. 2, pp. 235-252, 2024

Authors: Pattanakuhar, Sintip | Kammuang-lue, Pratchayapon | Srisuppaphon, Donruedee | Chotiyarnwong, Chayaporn | Kovindha, Apichana | Schwegler, Urban

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Remunerative employment (RE) is one of the optimal rehabilitation goals for people with spinal cord injury (SCI). However, there has been no study systematically determine the RE status and its related factors in Thais with chronic SCI. OBJECTIVE: To cross-sectionally determine RE statuses and their influencing factors in Thais with chronic SCI. METHODS: Data from a Thai arm of the International Spinal Cord Injury Community Survey (InSCI) were analyzed. The prevalence of RE and related work status were described. RESULTS: Of 223 individuals with chronic SCI whose age was less than 60 years …included in this study, 79 (35%) were remunerative employed. Most of them (41, 54%) were self-employed. The most common reason for unemployment was related to health conditions or disabilities. Education year, attending vocational rehabilitation service, and admission≥2 times per year were independent influencing factors of RE with an odds ratio of 1.090, 2.534, and 0.418, respectively. CONCLUSION: Since education and vocational rehabilitation were the modifiable positive influencing factor of employment, educational and vocational rehabilitation programs should be formally established and universally applied together with medical rehabilitation to increase the prevalence of RE in people with SCI in Thailand. Show more

Keywords: Spinal cord injury, remunerative employment, return to work, labor market, InSCI

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-240035

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 61, no. 2, pp. 253-264, 2024

Authors: Saxena, Akanksha | Goyal, Manu | Samuel, Asir John

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: As the mainstay treatment for paraplegics is rehabilitation, patient satisfaction and experience are important predictors of the care being provided. To understand whether the current arrangements of rehabilitation services are sufficient to help an individual with paraplegia return to a productive life. Patient-centered interview guides to explore their rehabilitation experience are lacking, which calls for a generation of the same. OBJECTIVE: To generate and validate an interview guide (PVR-PIG), which aims at understanding and exploring the experience of physical and vocational rehabilitation for individuals with paraplegia. METHODS: After an extensive literature search, an initial 27-item …interview guide was formulated under three domains: general experience and expectations from rehabilitation care; physical rehabilitation experience, barriers, and facilitators; and vocational rehabilitation . Later, it was sent for content validation to a multidisciplinary expert panel with prior experience in spinal cord injury (SCI) management. RESULTS: After suggestions were received from nine experts with an average of 14 years of experience in dealing with SCI, a 15-item interview guide was finalized, with a scale-level and item-level content validity index of 0.897 and 0.78–1, respectively. CONCLUSION: The generated interview guide (PVR-PIG) aimed to explore physical and vocational rehabilitation experiences in paraplegics was found to be valid. Show more

Keywords: Experience, paraplegia, rehabilitation, spinal cord injury, qualitative

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-240036

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 61, no. 2, pp. 265-272, 2024

Authors: Davis, Maryann | Koroloff, Nancy | Foley, Susan M. | Marrone, Joe | Kwan, Ngai

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The postsecondary vocational outcomes of students with mental health disabilities (MHD) are poor and vocational rehabilitation factors contributing to better outcomes have not been identified. OBJECTIVE: Characterize demographic, service use and service outcome differences between youth with MHD and youth with other disabilities from state vocational rehabilitation agencies (SVRA) and identify factors predicting service use and service outcomes within youth with MHD. METHODS: Data were from 2015–2017 Rehabilitation Services Administration-911 case closure files. The sample consisted of 14–24-year-old SVRA applicants. Cross-disability characteristics, service use and outcomes were compared. Within youth with MHD, multivariate analyses examined …factors contributing to having an Individual Plan for Employment (IPE) and successful case closure (i.e., with employment). RESULTS: Youth with MHD were underrepresented, older at application and were less likely to have IPEs and successful closures than youth in other disability groups. Within youth with MHD, application age and SVRA characteristics were the strongest predictors of having an IPE. Education and employment status at application strongly predicted successful closure. CONCLUSION: Youth with MHD, as in previous cohorts, continue to have lower service use and successful SVRA outcomes. Efforts are needed to increase their connection to SVRAs at younger ages. Youth with MHD without employment at application may need additional supports to achieve successful closures. Addressing several SVRA performance characteristics may improve their service use and outcomes. Show more

Keywords: Transition-aged youth, young adults, mental health disorders, vocational rehabilitation, employment

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-240037

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 61, no. 2, pp. 273-287, 2024