Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation - Volume 28, issue 1

Authors: Marini, Irmo | Lee, Gloria K. | Chan, Fong | Chapin, Martha H. | Romero, Maria G.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Objective: To examine the effect of demographic, work disincentives, and service variables on employment outcomes of persons with spinal cord injury in state vocational rehabilitation agencies. Design: An ex post facto design, using data mining as a statistical analysis strategy. Setting: State vocational rehabilitation agencies. Participants: 10,901 persons with spinal cord injury whose cases were closed either as employed (54%) or not employed (46%) by state vocational rehabilitation agencies in the fiscal …year 2001. Interventions: Vocational rehabilitation services. Main Outcome Measures: Measures of employment status, demographic characteristics, work disincentives, and provision of vocational rehabilitation services were extracted from the Rehabilitation Services Administration Case Service Report database. Results: The chi-squared automatic interaction detector (CHAID) data mining analysis revealed that job placement services, work disincentives, and case expenditures as the most important predictors of employment outcomes. In addition, physical restoration, substantial counseling, and assistive technology services all led to positive employment outcomes. Importantly, the CHAID analysis segmented the sample into 45 mutually exclusive homogeneous end groups, with a wide range of employment outcomes. The CHAID analysis indicated that demographic variables interacted with rehabilitation services to affect employment outcomes. Conclusions: The results confirmed substantial counseling, assistive technology, and job placement and support services are important to the return-to-work success of persons with SCI. Show more

Keywords: Spinal cord injuries, vocational rehabilitation, employment outcomes

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 28, no. 1, pp. 1-13, 2008

Authors: Cimera, Robert Evert

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: This study investigated the cost-trends of supported and sheltered employees with mental retardation as they completed one "employment cycle" (i.e., from the point they entered their programs to the point when they changed their jobs, left their program, or otherwise stopped receiving services). Data indicate that the cumulative costs generated by supported employees are much lower than the cumulative costs generated by sheltered employees ($6,618 versus $19,388). Further the cost-trend of supported …employees was downward while the cost-trend of sheltered employees was slightly upward, indicating that the costs of supported employment decline over time while those of sheltered workshops increase. Show more

Keywords: Supported employment, sheltered employment, cost-trends, cumulative costs

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 28, no. 1, pp. 15-20, 2008

Authors: Mitchell, Ted

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Identifying the functional capacities of the individual beset by a physical disability and the role physical limitations play in employment, are a primary concern of the rehabilitation counselor. Physicians and allied health professionals are qualified to identify current physical functional level and to clinically manage the injured worker. If a return of the individual to pre-injury employment is not possible, rehabilitation counselors provide vocational training to identify feasible occupational alternatives. Use of a …functional capacity evaluation can aid the rehabilitation counselor in determining the physical capabilities of his/her client, and help identify potential barriers in the workplace. Defining the functional capacity evaluation with an examination of its strengths and weaknesses will help determine its use in the field of vocational rehabilitation. The specialized training of rehabilitation counselors that enables them to translate medical information into vocational information makes them the ideal professionals to define the worker's functional ability. Show more

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 28, no. 1, pp. 21-28, 2008

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

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: The literature shows that many adults with disabilities and their families prefer integrated employment. Federal and state policies promote participation of individuals with disabilities in the general labor market, yet the majority of individuals with intellectual disabilities (ID) attend facility-based programs. The purpose of this paper is to determine what factors influence adults with intellectual disabilities and their families in choosing between sheltered workshops and integrated employment. To this end, adults with …ID (210), families (185), and staff members in sheltered workshops (224) were surveyed. Findings showed that, when deciding about day services, some adults with ID and their families had concerns about safety, transportation, long-term placement, work hours, disability benefits, social environment, and work skills issues. Long-term placement, safety, and social environment emerged as the most important concerns. Additionally, professionals in disability services appeared to play a relatively minimal role in encouraging adults with ID and their families to pursue integrated employment and in some cases, professionals have even encouraged adults with ID and their families to choose sheltered workshops. Recommendations are provided for advancing the transition of adults with ID from sheltered workshops to integrated employment. Show more

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

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 28, no. 1, pp. 29-40, 2008

Authors: Armstrong, Amy J. | Hawley, Carolyn E. | Lewis, Allen N. | Blankenship, Charlene | Pugsley, River A.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: The exploration of job satisfaction among rehabilitation counselors is not a new undertaking, but few studies have evaluated this construct across a full array of professional employment contexts. This investigation explores employment settings of rehabilitation counselors and their relationship to both job satisfaction and intentions to quit. The results revealed that employment setting does influence job satisfaction and retention for certified rehabilitation counselors. Overall, employees of the vocational rehabilitation system (the majority …within this setting consisted of State vocational rehabilitation personnel n=662, followed by Veteran's Administration, Community Rehabilitation Programs, One Stop Centers and Independent Living Centers, n=88) reported the lowest amount of job satisfaction and a substantial degree of intention to quit. Show more

Keywords: Job satisfaction, retention, rehabilitation counselors, vocational rehabilitation

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 28, no. 1, pp. 41-51, 2008

Authors: Wehman, Paul | Brooke, Valerie | Green, Howard | Hewett, Millie | Tipton, Maggie

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: While many people with disabilities and employment service organizations struggle to find jobs and develop strong relationships with businesses, supplemental staffing companies are becoming an important resource for linking qualified applicants with disabilities to competitive employment careers. Yet, there exists a huge disconnect between supplemental staffing companies recruiting qualified applicants to fill client-employer work orders, people with disabilities who are seeking employment, professionals with state rehabilitation agencies and community rehabilitation programs (CRP's) …who assist them with their job searches. This article reports on two public/private demonstration projects in Virginia, primarily serving individuals with developmental disabilities. One demonstration project was conducted in an urban setting working exclusively with MANPOWER with the second demonstration site occurring in a rural area with Kelly Services and MANPOWER. The two demonstrations give promise for a public/private collaboration that could increase the employment of people with disabilities. Show more

Keywords: Supported employment, customized employment, people with significant disabilities, developmental disabilities

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 28, no. 1, pp. 53-66, 2008

Authors: Inge, Katherine J.

Article Type: Other

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 28, no. 1, pp. 67-70, 2008