Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation - Volume 22, issue 1

Article Type: Miscellaneous

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 22, no. 1, pp. 1-2, 2005

Authors: Sharpe, Michael N. | Johnson, David R. | Izzo, Margo | Murray, Alexa

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: The objective of this study was to examine the range of instructional accommodations and assistive technologies used by postsecondary graduates with disabilities. Based on the rationale that such information can provide important information regarding "inputs" of a measured outcome, in this case, successful graduation from a postsecondary institution, the findings of this study will help us to better understand the nature of supports that may facilitate persistence among postsecondary students with disabilities. Using a …structured-interview approach, postsecondary graduates (N = 139) were asked to identify instructional accommodations and assistive technologies provided to them in secondary and postsecondary settings. Findings of this study show that generally, instructional accommodations and assistive technologies are provided at much higher rates at the postsecondary level. With regard to users of assistive technology, the majority of graduates indicated that they accessed and learned to use the technology by themselves or with the assistance of a family member. Study findings also suggest that graduates were generally satisfied with the types of instructional accommodations and assistive technology supports provided to them at the postsecondary level. Show more

Keywords: assistive technology, socioeconomic status, inputs, outcomes, postsecondary

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 22, no. 1, pp. 3-11, 2005

Authors: Tagayuna, Arlie | Stodden, Robert A. | Chang, Chuan | Zeleznik, Mari E. | Whelley, Teresa A.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: The nature and frequency of educational support provision in postsecondary education represents an area about which a critical need for information has emerged. In order to fulfill the need for research, the National Center for the Study of Post Secondary Educational Supports (NCSPES) at the University of Hawai'i at Manoa Center on Disability Studies (CDS) conducted a national survey that administered two surveys to a national sample of more than 1,500 disability support coordinators working in …postsecondary education institutions. The surveys focused on the status of educational support provision for students with disabilities in postsecondary education [21]. Their goal was to assess the types and frequency of educational supports, accommodations, and services offered to students with disabilities attending two-and four-year postsecondary education institutions. The first survey was administered in 1999 with a follow-up survey in 2001. This article compares the two surveys in order to assess the present status and measure the development of the various support services. The paper presents and compares significant changes in specific support services in postsecondary education. Show more

Keywords: postsecondary education, educational support services, higher education, students with disability, survey, supports, accommodations

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 22, no. 1, pp. 13-21, 2005

Authors: Christ, Thomas W. | Stodden, Robert

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Legislation [1,8] and a competitive labor market have resulted in a significant increase in the number of students with disabilities enrolled in postsecondary education [17]. Nevertheless, the provision of supports and accommodations is primarily limited by financial constraints. With financial supports in decline at postsecondary institutions, it is critical to determine the factors that contribute to services that are effective, appropriate, and proven to foster success. Unfortunately, few studies have done this. …Further, it is unknown if supports commonly utilized in postsecondary programs are effective. This study utilized exploratory factor analysis of repeatedly administered surveys (1999–2001) to determine: (a) if the survey items grouped into meaningful constructs that represent services provided to students with disabilities, (b) if the constructs exhibited a significant difference between two and four-year institutions, and (c) if the constructs changed over time. The analysis revealed that the 34 survey items grouped well into four constructs titled Strategies, Assistive Technology, Accommodations, and Vocation/Work Support. Some of the constructs exhibited significant differences between two-year and four-year institutions and over time. Further, this analysis indicates that constructs of appropriately grouped survey items are a more reliable and efficient measure of support services than individual item analysis commonly used in survey research. Show more

Keywords: postsecondary education, educational support services, higher education, students with disabilities, survey, supports, accommodations

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 22, no. 1, pp. 23-31, 2005

Authors: Gilmore, Dana Scott | Bose, Jennifer

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: The intent of this paper is the comparison of data from the state Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) system to data from studies within the general population of three measures related to participation in postsecondary education (PSED) of persons with disabilities. The three measures compared include the following: (1) the VR system's incidence of enrollment for people with disabilities and the incidence reported by other studies; (2) the rate of participation in postsecondary education for people with disabilities …versus the rate for the general population; and (3) the employment-related outcomes of people with disabilities compared to outcomes for the general population and across disability groups. Show more

Keywords: postsecondary education, disability, employment outcomes, vocational

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 22, no. 1, pp. 33-40, 2005

Authors: Dowrick, Peter W. | Anderson, John | Heyer, Katharina | Acosta, Joie

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: While postsecondary education participation statistics are available, there is little research that gives voice to the experiences and perceptions of individuals with disabilities. In this study, focus groups were conducted in 10 disparate states to explore student identified barriers to the access and utilization of educational supports and subsequent employment. Results indicated that students with disabilities still have difficulty obtaining basic accommodations and supports. Discriminatory attitudes and assumptions about their ability also …negatively impacted these individuals in postsecondary education and the workplace. Findings suggest that while progress has been made to increase their success, support services should be better coordinated. Programs to educate faculty, peers, and employers need to be implemented to decrease discriminatory attitudes and further increase these students' success in postsecondary education and subsequent employment. Show more

Keywords: disabilities, postsecondary education, support services, employment, transition

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 22, no. 1, pp. 41-47, 2005

Authors: Roberts, Kelly D. | Stodden, Robert A.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Research on the use of voice recognition software (VRS) as a compensatory strategy for written language difficulties, often experienced by postsecondary education students receiving services under the category of learning disabled, is minimal, with one study [13] reporting findings. Higgins and Raskind [13] found writing samples of their subjects, completed with VRS, had higher holistic scores than samples completed with assistance from a transcriber, and without assistance. The research presented in this …article builds on this finding through investigation of research questions that address ongoing use of VRS, influence of VRS on writing performance, and variables that influence both of these areas. Key findings include ongoing use of the software being dependent upon need and personal issues; written performance improvements contingent upon need; and key variables influencing ongoing use, including: time, ease of use/acquisition of skills, personal issues, use of Standard English, disability (area affected), and the use of other effective compensatory strategies. This article outlines characteristics of individuals who may benefit from using the software, implications for specific populations, and direction for future research. Show more

Keywords: assistive technology, voice recognition software, Dragon Naturally Speaking, learning disabled, speech recognition, written language

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 22, no. 1, pp. 49-64, 2005

Article Type: Miscellaneous

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 22, no. 1, pp. 65-66, 2005