Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation - Volume 33, issue 3

Authors: Bobroff, Sheryl | Sax, Caren L.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: This paper examines the effectiveness of peer tutors teaching interview skills to transition-age youth with disabilities. Findings from studies show that students with disabilities do not receive adequate instruction in preparing for employment due to a variety of reasons. One strategy to improve employability skills is through the use of well-trained peer tutors to assist in teaching interviewing strategies. Providing training, structure, and support are important to designing a successful peer-tutoring program. Peer tutoring is beneficial to both tutors and tutees; it provides opportunities for self-advocacy and self-determination. The 6 students who participated in this 11-week study improved their interviewing …skills when compared to their baseline data. Students with histories of behavior problems engaged in positive social interactions. Initial results indicate that the use of peer tutoring is an effective approach for students with disabilities to improve their abilities to interview for employment. Show more

Keywords: Peer tutoring, transition-age youth, disabilities, vocational skills, self-determination

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-2010-0523

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 33, no. 3, pp. 143-157, 2010

Authors: Morgan, Joy E.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Objective: Vocational rehabilitation (VR) is an evidence based treatment modality. Participation in VR improves a range of outcomes for persons with mental illness. There is a need to improve client compliance in these programs, and specifically to measure psychosocial development, which is a primary goal of psychosocial rehabilitation. Design: This study used measures of stage of change, which predict client compliance with other forms of behavioral health treatment, and piloted a measure of psychosocial development for association with compliance in vocational rehabilitation. Clients’ goals and expectations in the program were also explored. Results: Several of the stage of change measures …were correlated with compliance in this program. The measure of psychosocial development used, the Connection-Disconnection Scale, was correlated with several of the stage of change measures. Clients’ goals in the program were explicitly psychosocial. Discussion: Findings regarding stage of change and compliance suggest that VR programs should consider incorporating the processes, goals and techniques associated with stage of change. In addition, the findings regarding psychosocial development suggest that encouraging mutual empathy and peer support may also help to improve compliance, as well as meet clientgoals. Show more

Keywords: Rehabilitation, vocational, patient compliance, mental disorders, motivation, addictions

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-2010-0524

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 33, no. 3, pp. 159-166, 2010

Authors: Niemeier, Janet P. | DeGrace, Shy M. | Farrar, Lindsay F. | Ketchum, Jessica S. | Berman, Alice J. | Young, Jason A.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Unemployment rates continue to hover at 39% for persons with brain injury because of persistent neurobehavioral deficits that limit their employability. This paper reports findings of a prospective, repeated measures design and controlled trial of a 20-session, manualized, employability-enhancing intervention for community-dwelling persons with acquired brain injury attending six work-centered clubhouses. A total of 71 clubhouse members were assigned, in order of their signing up to participate in the study, to either receive the 20 intervention sessions or to be in a waiting control group. Employment and productivity status were measured pre- and post-treatment. Analyses revealed modestly significant treatment effects …for employment status and productivity. The program also appears to have a positive effect on job stability. These results were moderated by whether the participant had disability income and their ratings, by clubhouse staff, of their employability. Persons who had disability income and had high employability ratings from staff were less likely to be employed following treatment. There was not a significant difference between treatment and control participants in work-related knowledge, employability ratings, or a measure of effort in the rest of the clubhouse program activities. Show more

Keywords: Brain injury, employability, intervention, rehabilitation

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-2010-0525

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 33, no. 3, pp. 167-179, 2010

Authors: Foley, K. | Pallas, D. | Forcehimes, A.A. | Houck, J.M. | Bogenschutz, M.P. | Keyser-Marcus, L. | Svikis, D.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Employment difficulties are common among American Indian individuals in substance abuse treatment. To address this problem, the Southwest Node of NIDA’s Clinical Trials Network conducted a single-site adaptation of its national Job Seekers Workshop study in an American Indian treatment program, Na’Nizhoozhi Center (NCI). 102 (80% men, 100% American Indian) participants who were in residential treatment and currently unemployed were randomized to (1) a three session, manualized program (Job seekers workshop: JSW) or (2) a 40-minute video on how to interview for a job (Job Interviewing Video: JIV). Outcomes were assessed at 3-month follow up: 1) number of days to …a new taxed job or enrollment in a job-training program, and 2) total hours working or enrolled in a job-training program. No significant differences were found between the two groups for time to a new taxed job or enrollment in a job-training program. There were no significant differences between groups in substance use frequency at 3-month follow-up. These results do not support the use of the costly and time-consuming JSW intervention in this population and setting. Despite of the lack of a demonstrable treatment effect, this study established the feasibility of including a rural American Indian site in a rigorous CTN trial through a community-based participatory research approach. Show more

Keywords: American Indian, substance use, job seekers workshop, employment, community based participatory research

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-2010-0526

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 33, no. 3, pp. 181-192, 2010

Authors: Fogg, Neeta P. | Harrington, Paul E. | McMahon, Brian T.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Recent data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics allows assessment of the impact of the Great Recession on working age persons with disabilities in America. Following an overview of the nature and scope of the Great Recession, the labor market experiences of persons with and without disability are compared for 16 of the 22 months of its duration. Differences which favor those without disabilities were detected in the labor market activity rate, the official unemployment rate, and in the desire for work among those who have quit the workforce. These differences persist among subgroups based upon age and educational …attainment. The level of educational attainment appears to not provide the same level of insulation from the consequences of labor market downturns for persons with disabilities as it does for persons without disabilities. Finally, the reasons for unemployment are quite different for persons with and without disabilities. Show more

Keywords: Recession, disability, unemployment

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-2010-0527

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 33, no. 3, pp. 193-202, 2010

Authors: Roberts, Melissa M. | Murphy, Ann | Dolce, Joni | Spagnolo, Amy | Gill, Kenneth | Lu, Weili | Librera, LueAnn

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: The current study examined the relationship between specific techniques for developing social support (i.e., Person Centered Planning) and job related outcomes among 110 individuals with psychiatric disabilities receiving Supported Employment (SE) services in a northeastern state. Seven SE programs participated. All individuals receiving SE services from any of the seven SE programs were eligible to enroll in the study. Participant data were collected on demographics, psychiatric history, work history, and social support over a period of two years. Data on the use of Person Center Planning practices were collected from SE staff every three months for the first 12 months …of the study. This information was recorded in the Quality Indicators Survey, an instrument developed for this study. A positive relationship was found between total days employed and the number of non-paid supporters an individual reported having; a negative relationship existed between total days employed and number of paid supporters; and there was a positive correlation between total days employed and Person Centered Planning techniques used at nine and 12 months. Show more

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-2010-0528

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 33, no. 3, pp. 203-207, 2010