Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation - Volume 1, issue 1
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Impact Factor 2023: 0.9
The
Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation will provide a forum for discussion and dissemination of information about the major areas that constitute vocational rehabilitation.
Periodically, there will be topics that are directed either to specific themes such as long-term care or different disability groups such as those with psychiatric impairment. Often a guest editor who is an expert in the given area will provide leadership on a specific topic issue. However, all articles received directly or submitted for a special issue are welcome for peer review. The emphasis will be on publishing rehabilitation articles that have immediate application for helping rehabilitation counselors, psychologists and other professionals in providing direct services to people with disabilities.
Original research articles, review articles, program descriptions, and case studies will be considered for publication. Ideas for special topical issues are welcomed as well.
Abstract: A national three-year longitudinal study of supported employment is reported. This study surveyed state agencies involved with vocational rehabilitation, mental retardation/developmental disabilities, and mental health as well as other pertinent state agencies to assess the extent and nature of supported employment services. The results of this survey indicate that over 32,000 individuals are currently served in supported employment. Overwhelmingly, these individuals are employed in service-sector positions where they work part- or full-time while earning an average hourly salary of $3.90. The results of this study are discussed in light of their implications for the continued development of supported employment services.
Abstract: Supported employment has focused on both individual outcomes and systems change since its beginnings in 1984. There have been significant increases in the number of people benefiting from and changes in the systems that fund and regulate day services across the country. States in all parts of the country have addressed policy and regulation change, developed incentive systems, and provided local training and technical assistance. This report represents an assessment of the technical-assistance needs of state-supported employment projects. Results indicate a clear focus on five areas of need: increasing employer participation, employment in the public sector, employment for people with…disabilities other than developmental, funding systems, and quality assurance. Results are discussed in terms of the future agenda of the national initiative for supported employment. The results are also discussed in light of the Title III state systems-change grants and the reauthorization of the Rehabilitation Act.
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Abstract: Two case examples are described involving long-term maintenance of supported work placements with persons who are moderately or severely disabled: (1) a successful supported employment program conducted by rural Employment Alternatives, Inc., and (2) a successful maintenance procedure conducted by the Ames Community School District. The first example documents that the program was successful via consumer outcomes and demonstrates the pragmatic problems associated with the lack of fading of job coaches. The second case shows how assessment data can be used to identify a potential maintenance problem (overreliance on a job coach) and how an individually designed maintenance plan can…be developed by changing the role of the job coach. The results of these examples are discussed relative to the need for systematic fading plans that are based on direct assessment of individual consumers.
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Abstract: Integration of workers with severe disabilities is an important outcome measure of supported employment. This article examines the specific characteristics that define vocational integration, including company indicators, work-area indicators, employee indicators, and benefit indicators. The Vocational Integration Index (VII) offers employment-service providers a tool for (1) analyzing a job site to determine the opportunities available for physical and social integration and (2) assessing the degree to which an employee with a disability takes advantage of the opportunities for integration. The content of the VII and the procedure for administering and scoring the instrument are described. A case study is presented…that illustrates the use of the VII and several intervention strategies that may be utilized to maximize integration for supported employment workers. Issues associated with interpreting integration outcomes and determining appropriate interventions are discussed.
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Abstract: The Client-job Compatibility Screening Instrument is a microcomputer-based assessment and job placement tool that determines the extent to which the demands and supports available in a specific employment setting match the strengths and abilities of a potential employee. The instrument is designed to improve the job retention of individuals with severe disabilities and to maximize the efficiency of supported employment job development and placement efforts. This article describes the philosophical assumptions underlying the creation of the instrument, summarizes the content of the consumer assessment and job analysis forms, outlines the structure and methodology of the compatibility match process, and reports…the results of a series of validation analyses conducted on a sample of 512 individuals with mental retardation. The potential utility of the instrument in local supported employment programs and cautions surrounding the potential misapplication of the instrument are discussed in detail.
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Abstract: The rapid expansion of supported employment has generated calls for adopting standards to ensure quality services. This article discusses state actions that might be taken to promote the quality of supported employment services. The difficulty that states have in investing and assuring high quality is also discussed. It is proposed that quality assurance systems for supported employment include such features as incentives for performance; data systems that are timely and result in feedback and assistance to providers; investment in local ownership; and a decrease in the amount of costly behaviors that are required to meet standards, but do not influence…quality improvements.
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Abstract: It is with extreme satisfaction that I begin this term as editor of the book review department. My primary aim is to present to the readers a range of books of relevance to their current work as rehabilitation professionals. Each review will be brief and concise and will contain information within common headings. My intent is to highlight the essential elements within each publication that warrant your consideration as you advance your professional development on behalf of individuals with disabilities. These reviews will not be a general summary of the content, but will explain the books' relevance to your work.