Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation - Volume 26, issue 1

Article Type: Other

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 26, no. 1, pp. 1-3, 2007

Authors: Migliore, Alberto | Mank, David | Grossi, Teresa | Rogan, Patricia

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Despite national and state policies promoting integrated employment, the majority of adults with intellectual or developmental disabilities (76%) are served in facility-based programs. This article focuses on whether or not this gap between policy and practice is in part due to the lack of interest of adults with intellectual disabilities and their families for employment outside facility-based programs. Results are based on the answers given by 210 adults with intellectual disabilities in 19 sheltered workshops, their …respective families or caregivers (N=185), and staff members in these workshops (N=224). Results show that the majority of respondents would either like employment outside sheltered workshops or at least consider it an option. Moreover, the majority of respondents believe that adults with intellectual disabilities can perform outside workshops, if support is made available if needed. It is noteworthy that the preference for employment outside of workshops is not associated with the severity of the disability. Based on these findings, this study supports the literature that advocates for system change policy promoting the employment of adults with intellectual disabilities in the general labor market. Show more

Keywords: Sheltered workshop, employment, intellectual, disabilities, developmental, families

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 26, no. 1, pp. 5-19, 2007

Authors: Habeck, Rochelle | Kregel, John | Head, Colleen | Yasuda, Satoko

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Public policies to stimulate demand side factors that affect the employment status of people with disabilities need to consider workplace efforts that support the continued employment of employees who develop work limitations from any cause (back door factors), as well as the hiring behaviors of employers (front door factors). Workplace participation rates are influenced by employment exits as well as placements. Little focus has been given to preventing separation from employment, despite evidence of the progression …to public disability benefits. Factors that place employees who develop impairments or work limitations at risk for early exit from employment are discussed. Preliminary findings from a qualitative study of successful firms are identified and illustrated with practice examples. Implications of these effective interventions are raised, including the provision of workplace based services, the need for accommodations over time, and the role of employer incentives for retention. Show more

Keywords: Demand side policy, employment retention, employer approaches, disability management, hiring, accommodation

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 26, no. 1, pp. 21-27, 2007

Authors: Burge, Philip | Ouellette-Kuntz, Hélène | Lysaght, Rosemary

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Understanding the views of the public is an important factor in building effective programs that promote integrated employment. This article presents the results of a study conducted by an alliance of researchers and community partners to elucidate public perceptions regarding work inclusion of people with an intellectual disability. The study consisted of a telephone poll conducted throughout a large region of the Province of Ontario, Canada. A majority of the 680 respondents believed that some form …of integrated work is best for most adults with an intellectual disability. About 87% of respondents believed that hiring people with intellectual disabilities would not negatively affect the image of workplaces. Respondents indicated that a lack of employment training programs for people with intellectual disabilities was a major obstacle to increased inclusion. Show more

Keywords: Employment, work, attitudes, intellectual disabilities, developmental disability, mental retardation, integration, inclusion

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 26, no. 1, pp. 29-37, 2007

Authors: Unger, Darlene

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: As social and economic forces impact business practices, the significance of delivering effective employer-driven, employment services (i.e., demand-side model) to facilitate employment and retention for individuals who have not traditionally benefited from labor force participation is of increased importance. The purpose of this paper is to provide descriptions of two public-private partnerships (Manpower, Incorporated and Community Rehabilitation Programs; Project Search), that currently operate a market-driven or demand-side model in an effort to …increase the labor force participation and job retention of persons with disabilities. Factors that increase employers' interest in collaborating with rehabilitation providers and critical components of effective partnerships are discussed. Show more

Keywords: Public-private partnerships, demand-side employment services, business rehabilitation partnerships, employment services

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 26, no. 1, pp. 39-48, 2007

Authors: Loprest, Pamela | Maag, Elaine

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: This study analyzes the impact of early onset of disability (at birth through young adulthood) on educational and employment outcomes and examines differences in employment outcomes for those with early onset compared to those with later onset of disability. The study uses data from the 1994 and 1995 National Health Interview Survey – Disability Supplement (NHIS-D). Findings show that early onset of disability is associated with significant reductions in the likelihood of completing high school and …in the likelihood of employment. Lower levels of education for those with early onset lead to further reductions in employment. In addition, those with early onset of disability have significantly higher employment rates than those with later onset of disability after controlling for disability benefit receipt. Show more

Keywords: Early onset disability, employment outcomes, employment of people with disabilities

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 26, no. 1, pp. 49-62, 2007

Authors: Inge, Katherine J.

Article Type: Other

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 26, no. 1, pp. 63-66, 2007