Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation - Volume 27, issue 3

Authors: Flannery, K. Brigid | Slovic, Roz | Benz, Michael R. | Levine, Ellen

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Short-term training programs are viable employment training options for individuals with disabilities seeking family-wage jobs. The purpose of this article is to describe (a) a community college short-term training program that was adapted in partnership with vocational rehabilitation to meet the needs of vocational rehabilitation consumers attending these programs, and (b) the continuous improvement process, which includes a self-assessment tool and action planning that was used to adapt the program to address the needs of …vocational rehabilitation consumers. After identifying a set of features and indicators of successful short-term training programs, a self-assessment/continuous improvement process was implemented. This collaborative process provided a mechanism for the college programs and stakeholders to make necessary adjustments to support students also served by the vocational rehabilitation system. The self-assessment tool and action-planning process were demonstrated to be efficient, flexible across college and vocational rehabilitation regions, and important ingredients for assisting stakeholders from a variety of agencies to work together to improve outcomes for individuals with disabilities. Show more

Keywords: Employment, postsecondary training, workforce training, strategic planning

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 27, no. 3, pp. 141-151, 2007

Authors: Gooden-Ledbetter, Melva J. | Cole, Michele T. | Maher, Jill K. | Condeluci, Al

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Independent Living Programs continue to search for ways through which their services can have a more positive impact on people with disabilities and can provide increased satisfaction with their lives. This study, conducted at a nonprofit community rehabilitation organization in southwestern Pennsylvania, was designed to assess the extent to which two different teaching goals of one Independent Living Program, self-efficacy and interdependence, influenced life satisfaction for people with disabilities. The study found …that while both were significant variables, interdependence was a more significant predictor of life satisfaction. The recommendation for Independent Living Programs is that they focus on teaching interdependence as a life-style approach, in combination with teaching self-efficacy skills, to maximize the person's ability to achieve life satisfaction. Show more

Keywords: Interdependence, self-efficacy, life satisfaction, independent living programs, people with disabilities

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 27, no. 3, pp. 153-161, 2007

Authors: Tartaglia, Alexander | McMahon, Brian T. | West, Steven L. | Belongia, Lisa | Beach, Lorena Shier

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Using the Integrated Mission System of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the employment discrimination experience of Americans with disabilities within the Healthcare industry is explored. Specifically, the researchers examined discrimination allegations closed with and without merit associated with each of the nine Standard Identification Classification code healthcare service groups. Allegations made against skilled nursing, intermediate care, and personal care facilities, particularly those in the Southern region of the United States, were more …likely to close with merit than those made against both hospitals and home health providers. Race predicted closure status with persons of mixed ethnic heritage, Asian Americans, and Native Americans most likely to have merit closures. The authors offer strategies for addressing discriminatory practices while providing opportunities for accommodations in an industry stressed by high turnover rates. Show more

Keywords: Equal Opportunity Employment Commission, employment discrimination, workplace discrimination and healthcare

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 27, no. 3, pp. 163-169, 2007

Authors: Baker, Daniel J. | Blumberg, Richard | Lee, Heather | Stanton, Roger | Odell, Krystal

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Entrepreneurship is becoming increasingly important to community provider organizations who support persons with disabilities. Human service organizations typically have not needed to consider entrepreneurship, relying on stable and fairly static funding models. However, an entrepreneurial perspective can energize organizations and provide impetus for both growth and opportunity. Additionally, current trends in funding may force organizations to become entrepreneurial and consider repositioning themselves. This article will present recommendations for human service organizations wanting …to become more entrepreneurial and includes examples of practices from a number of current providers. Show more

Keywords: Community support, entrepreneurship, management

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 27, no. 3, pp. 171-176, 2007

Authors: Loveland, David | Driscoll, Hilary | Boyle, Michael

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Supported Employment (SE) has consistently shown to be more effective at helping individuals with a serious mental illness acquire a competitive job compared to other models of vocational rehabilitation. Nonetheless, approximately 50% of individuals who receive SE services fail to acquire even one competitive job and another 25% are unable to sustain a job. Barriers to work that limit the impact of SE are reviewed. Three levels of barriers are examined: (1) sociological barriers, (2) agency …and programmatic barriers, and (3) disease-based impairments. Numerous interventions have been developed that could enhance the impact of SE and help individuals overcome these three barriers to work. These interventions are reviewed and classified under the three levels of barriers. Recommendations to enhance SE are provided based on the literature review. Show more

Keywords: Supported employment, cognitive and psychosocial rehabilitation training

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 27, no. 3, pp. 177-189, 2007

Authors: Hernandez, Brigida | Cometa, Mary Joyce | Velcoff, Jessica | Rosen, Jay | Schober, Daniel | Luna, Rene David

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: This qualitative study explored the employment, vocational rehabilitation (VR), and Ticket to Work (TTW) experiences of people with disabilities. Twelve focus groups were conducted with 74 working-age adults from ethnically diverse backgrounds and with various disabilities. Major barriers to employment were negative employer attitudes toward hiring workers with disabilities, lack of or unreliable transportation to and from job sites, and insufficient levels of formal education to compete successfully within the labor market. …Regarding VR, participants expressed concerns with counselors, who they perceived as unresponsive and non-collaborative. Although there was general awareness of the TTW program, accurate knowledge and utilization of the program were quite limited. Of those reporting TTW awareness, over one-third feared that participating in the program would result in the loss of existing medical and cash benefits. Findings indicate that people with disabilities continue to experience significant barriers related to employment. As employment initiatives are developed and implemented, the voice of the disability community should be considered to help shape and improve these initiatives. Show more

Keywords: Employment, vocational rehabilitation, Ticket to Work program

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 27, no. 3, pp. 191-201, 2007