Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation - Volume 35, issue 1

Authors: Fraser, Robert | Ajzen, Icek | Johnson, Kurt | Hebert, James | Chan, Fong

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: The present study focused on the intentions of employers to reach out toward qualified workers with disabilities as part of their hiring pool recruitment activity. An employer survey was developed in accord with the theory of planned behavior (Ajzen, 2005). According to the tenets of the model, it was hypothesized that through multiple regression, it would be demonstrated that employer attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived control variables predict the intention to engage in hiring behavior toward qualified workers with disabilities in the next six months. Overall, the model accounted for 67% of the variance in the survey of Northwest employers …(n = 92) in relation to hiring intentions with normative influences (CEOs, CFOs, etc.) accounting for the greater proportion of the variance, beta coefficient 0.48, p < 0.01. Attitudes toward the hiring behavior and perceived control had lesser beta weights, 0.24 and 0.22, p < 0.05. Implications of these findings and those from the focus groups used to develop the survey are reviewed in detail relative to more effective vocational rehabilitation marketing efforts. Show more

Keywords: Employers, hiring intention, disability attitudes

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-2011-0548

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 35, no. 1, pp. 1-11, 2011

Authors: Smith, Tammy Jorgensen | Clark, Brenda | DiLeo, Dale

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: This article describes a four-year initiative designed to lay the groundwork for building a sustainable training and technical assistance system in supported employment for community rehabilitation providers, individuals with disabilities, and other stakeholders in Florida. The Supported, Competitive, Integrated Employment Training Teams (SCIETT) project has demonstrated the development of Community Action Teams, a major component of the Employment First Movement, and brings lessons learned to assist other states and communities in replicating the process.

Keywords: Disability, integrated employment, community action teams, employment first movement

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-2011-0549

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 35, no. 1, pp. 13-19, 2011

Authors: Cimera, Robert Evert

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: This study examined the vocational outcomes of two cohorts of supported employees – 4,904 supported employees who participated in sheltered workshops and 4,904 supported employees that didn't participate in sheltered workshops. Individuals in these groups were matched based up their diagnosis, the presence of secondary conditions, and their gender. It was found that supported employees from the non-sheltered workshop group were just as likely to be employed as supported employees from sheltered workshops (60.4% versus 59.6%). Further, non-sheltered workshop supported employees earned significantly more ($137.20 versus $118.55 per week), worked more hours (24.78 versus 22.44), and cost less to serve …($4,542.65 versus $7,894.63). Show more

Keywords: Sheltered workshops, supported employment, value added

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-2011-0550

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 35, no. 1, pp. 21-27, 2011

Authors: Barnard-Brak, Lucy | Bagby, Janet Hall | Jones, Natalie | Sulak, Tracey

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: With the recent authorization of the GI bill and the continued military presence in Iraq and Afghanistan, institutions of higher education in the United States are expected to experience an influx of returning student-veterans, many who may have symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The purpose of the current study was to examine faculty perceptions of returning student-veterans who may have symptoms of PTSD. We surveyed 596 faculty members as to their views of serving in the military, the United States' involvement in the Iraq/Afghanistan wars and perceptions of their ability or self-efficacy to address the special needs of combat …veterans in the classroom. Results indicate that faculty perceptions about current military conflicts and the military itself may be associated with their self-efficacy to teach and work with returning student-veterans in the classroom. Show more

Keywords: Post-traumatic stress disorder, PTSD and college, faculty perceptions of student-veterans

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-2011-0551

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 35, no. 1, pp. 29-36, 2011

Authors: Hendricks, Dawn

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Autism now affects a significant number of students in schools. The purpose of this study was to survey special education teachers who serve students with autism to 1) determine teacher, environmental, and student related characteristics; 2) identify the self-reported knowledge of effective teaching practices; and 3) identify the self-reported implementation of effective teaching practices. The study was conducted with special education teachers employed in Virginia using a web-based survey titled the Needs Assessment of Special Educators who Serve Students with Autism. Respondents included 498 special education teachers with a wide array of qualifications and experience including licensure status, years of …teaching and area of endorsement. Results provide a description of teacher characteristics that directly impact instructional delivery as well as information regarding self-rated knowledge and implementation of efficacious strategies. Information from this study can be used to improve service delivery to students with autism by informing policy and directing and enhancing teacher professional development initiatives at the preservice and inservice levels. Show more

Keywords: ASD, special education teachers, students with autism

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-2011-0552

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 35, no. 1, pp. 37-50, 2011

Authors: Bellotti, Christine | Laffaye, Charlene | Weingardt, Kenneth R. | Fischer, Mark | Schumacher, Tom

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Objective: This pilot project examined the mental health and quality of life outcomes achieved by 17 OIF/OEF (Operation Iraqi Freedom/Operation Enduring Freedom) veterans who participated in the first cohort of the Veterans Conservation Corps (VCC) green jobs training program at Green River Community College in Auburn, Washington. Methods: The VCC is an innovative, 10-month educational program which provides academic and vocational training to OIF/OEF veterans who are interested in pursuing environmental careers or green jobs. All subjects successfully completed a 10-month full-time training program that required adherence to a rigorous schedule of classroom academics and outdoor field work. An assessment …battery measuring depression, anxiety, PTSD, physical health, and perceived quality of life was administered at baseline, mid-point, and at the end of the training program. Results: Improvements were found in two of the measures (improvement in social functioning and ability to perform daily tasks) which is noteworthy with such a small sample size (n = l7). Conclusions: These preliminary findings suggest that participation in the VCC may help to improve the social and physical functioning of OIF/OEF veterans. Addressing readjustment issues for all returning veterans through vocational training in the emerging field of green jobs is discussed and considered. Show more

Keywords: Veteran readjustment, vocational-rehabilitation, green jobs training

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-2011-0553

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 35, no. 1, pp. 51-57, 2011

Authors: Bejerholm, Ulrika | Larsson, Lars | Hofgren, Caisa

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Individual Placement and Support (IPS) results in more people with severe mental illness obtaining employment in comparison to traditional vocational rehabilitation approaches. The implementation challenges of IPS vary across countries and contexts. However, the implications for IPS delivery and thus the IPS principles have not been studied in Sweden, which this embedded case study aims to investigate. The study was bounded by a single case, which was equivalent to the implementation of IPS in a Swedish city over 18 months. Data was collected from multiple units of information and consisted of interviews, documents and audio materials. A content analysis was …used. The results showed that the first four IPS principles were challenged by the welfare system. Work capacity, in terms of amount of working hours per week, was evaluated differently in IPS and in the welfare system's prevocational services. In addition, the type of welfare benefit was decisive for IPS delivery and could be withdrawn if the IPS participant did not enter the prevocational rehabilitation situated within the welfare service. The differences of vocational approaches as experienced by professionals led to frustration, but also positive statements regarding how to increase integration between the welfare services and IPS. The authors discuss the tangible result and suggestive recommendations are made. Show more

Keywords: Vocational rehabilitation, individual placement and support, return to work, mental illness

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-2011-0554

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 35, no. 1, pp. 59-72, 2011