Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation - Volume 25, issue 3

Authors: Fraser, R. | Machamer, J. | Temkin, N. | Dikmen, S. | Doctor, J.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: In the traumatic brain injury (TBI) vocational literature there have been limited, but conflicting findings relative to job complexity and work reentry. This study follows 140 workers at the time of injury and examines return to work and maintenance within the context of job complexity at three to five years postinjury. Job complexity was examined as a function of US Department of Labor ratings of the Reasoning Development and Specific Vocational Preparation ratings required for each …job held and hours worked. Subgroup comparisons were made across three subgroups: 1) job-maintainers, 2) those unable to sustain work after returning, and 3) those who could never return to work. The subgroup that was chiefly able to maintain complex work, according to U.S. Department of Labor ratings, was more likely to be of female gender, had fewer alcohol problems, was less severely injured and showed significantly better neuropsychological functioning. Those unable to sustain work had between 1.7 and 2.6 chance of holding a job with less complexity and hours at time of termination. There were no differences between these first two groups on involvement in the broader US Department of Labor occupational classification categories. The final subgroup, that was never able to work, showed both more severe injury and more neuropsychological impairment. Show more

Keywords: Work return, job complexity, job stability

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 25, no. 3, pp. 141-148, 2006

Authors: Kendall, Elizabeth | Muenchberger, Heidi | Gee, Travis

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: This study is a quantitative synthesis of research relating to Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and employment outcomes. Using broad inclusion criteria, 26 studies were selected for review. The study comprised a combined sample of 3688 participants aged 16 years and above who had sustained a TBI as an adult. Aggregate results across selected studies indicated that individuals with TBI returned to competitive employment and other productive activities earlier with vocational intervention than without intervention. The current …synthesis also demonstrated that the use of a narrow definition of return-to-work (i.e., full-time competitive work only) produced more apparent unemployment than an inclusive definition (i.e., any competitive work or productive activity). Although this finding is not surprising, full-time employed persons seemed more likely to remain 'employed' over time compared to those who were in any type of employment or productive activity. These findings have important implications regarding the timeliness of vocational interventions and highlight the need for competitive employment (full-time) preparation to ensure optimal long-term outcomes following TBI. The definition of employment and the nature of pre-injury employment is crucial to any interpretation of return-to-work in TBI. The current study also highlights the importance of measuring employment outcomes using multiple points over time, rather than single data points or first return-to-work. Show more

Keywords: Traumatic brain injury, quantitative synthesis, vocational rehabilitation, return-to-work

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 25, no. 3, pp. 149-160, 2006

Authors: Michon, Harry W.C. | van Weeghel, Jaap | Kroon, Hans | Smit, Filip | Schene, Aart H.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: The aim of this study is to understand the central focuses of work assessment in psychiatric vocational rehabilitation (PVR). Employing the RAND/UCLA panel method and multiple linear regressions, we analyzed the insights of experienced professionals to identify which client characteristics are key to the successful completion of vocational rehabilitation programs, aimed at integration into competitive jobs. It was found that successful job finding was predicted most strongly by better functioning in terms of generic …work performance, followed by less severe psychiatric symptoms, better self-insight, a perceived need for change, and an ability to cope with work pressure. Basic social functioning, work history and acceptance of guidance were not identified as predictors. A next step would be empirical research in practice settings, systematically gauging the relative importance of the predictors identified here and elsewhere, as well as testing how useful it could be to base assessment in PVR on a crucial set of personal-level characteristics. Show more

Keywords: Vocational rehabilitation, predictors, job finding, outcomes

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 25, no. 3, pp. 161-171, 2006

Authors: Munir, Fehmidah | Pryce, Joanna | Haslam, Cheryl | Leka, Stavroula | Griffiths, Amanda

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: This study explored possible gender differences in the self-management of chronic illness as predictors for self-disclosure to line managers. A survey, sent to participants at a university, found 461 women and 273 men reporting a chronic illness. Findings suggest that women reported more symptoms of their illness and were more likely to perceive receiving emotional support from others as being important in managing their illness. In contrast, men were more likely to have higher sickness absence …and report their symptoms as being more frequent. Despite the difference in the experience of illness between the two genders, findings suggests that the importance of receiving emotional support from line managers is the strongest predictor for disclosure of illness for both genders. Show more

Keywords: Chronic illness, self-management, gender, disclosure, work, occupation

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 25, no. 3, pp. 173-180, 2006

Authors: McNaughton, David | Symons, Gregory | Light, Janice | Parsons, Arielle

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Seven self-employed individuals with cerebral palsy who used augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) participated in a focus group discussion conducted on the Internet. Six themes emerged from the discussion: (a) description of employment activities, (b) benefits of self-employment, (c) negative impacts of self-employment, (d) barriers to employment, (e) supports to self-employment, and (f) recommendations for improving self-employment outcomes for individuals with cerebral palsy who use AAC. For the individuals in this study, …self-employment provided financial benefits, meaningful work activities, and an opportunity to realize personal expectations for participation in society. Negative societal attitudes and limited educational experiences were identified as major barriers to employment, while personal characteristics such as a willingness to take on challenges and an interest in demonstrating personal competence were seen as important supports. Show more

Keywords: Severe disability, augmentative and alternative communication, employment, self-employment, assistive technology, cerebral palsy

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 25, no. 3, pp. 181-196, 2006

Authors: Kendall, Elizabeth | Buys, Nicholas | Charker, Jill | MacMillan, Sarah

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Over the last two decades self-employment has become an increasingly attractive option for many individuals, including people with disabilities. However, anecdotal evidence suggests that vocational rehabilitation service providers continue to hold negative views about self-employment as a service delivery option for their clients. Given the lack of Australian research in this area, this study examined attitudes of rehabilitation counselors towards self-employment. Data were collected from 143 rehabilitation counsellors across Australia using a …survey instrument developed by Ravesloot and Seekins. Results indicated that rehabilitation counselors generally held positive attitudes towards self-employment as a vocational outcome for their clients, providing it was financially viable and clients possessed requisite social skills. However, they also reported a lack of organisational support for self-employment as a placement option. The implications of these results for policy and practice are discussed, including the need for more government intervention in this area to encourage rehabilitation providers to offer self-employment to consumers. Show more

Keywords: Self-employment, vocational rehabilitation, rehabilitation counselor survey

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 25, no. 3, pp. 197-205, 2006