Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation - Volume 37, issue 1

Authors: Dague, Bryan

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: This article examines selected aspects of one agency's conversion from a sheltered workshop facility to one providing community-based services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Established in 1967 by parents as an alternative to institutionalization, this agency had remained entrenched in the sheltered workshop model for 35 years. A qualitative case study research design including semi-structured interviews, participant observation, and archival review was used to explore the families' perspectives and how they navigated the conversion process. Participants included a subgroup with a long history of sheltered work and a subgroup with no history of sheltered work. Conflicting issues emerged …as families had different histories, culture, values, philosophies, and expectations of their children and their inclusion in community. While the initial transition was difficult, most families and participants were satisfied with the conversion process as long as they could maintain previous social networks and find acceptable employment in the community. Show more

Keywords: Sheltered workshop conversion, community employment, vocational rehabilitation

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-2012-0595

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 37, no. 1, pp. 1-11, 2012

Authors: Knaeps, Jeroen | DeSmet, Ann | Van Audenhove, Chantal

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Objective: Despite the wish of many people with SMI to work in a competitive job, employment rates are low. IPS is more effective than other vocational rehabilitation methods in achieving employment and its use should be extended to bridge the gap between user wish and reality. This study measures possibilities to implement IPS in Flanders, by investigating current use, barriers and facilitators across a wide range of services. Method: Semi-structured interviews with 17 vocational rehabilitation agencies were conducted, using the IPS Fidelity Scale and a list of open-ended questions on perceived barriers and opportunities. Results were analyzed via thematic analysis. …Results: Results show an overall lack of implementation of IPS in Flanders, especially on the four core elements for which most evidence exists. An external style of attributing barriers to environment factors or client characteristics is apparent which could lead to a sense of resignation among counselors. Conclusions: The use of the IPS fidelity scale and open-ended questions has provided concrete levers to prepare for implementation: a strong leadership in the agencies to encourage optimism towards regular employment for people with SMI; closer co-operations between employment agencies, care agencies and employers; and a more facilitating legislation concerning using IPS. Show more

Keywords: Individual placement and support, IPS fidelity scale, barriers, implementation

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-2012-0596

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 37, no. 1, pp. 13-23, 2012

Authors: Gold, Paul B. | Oire, Spalatin N. | Fabian, Ellen S. | Wewiorski, Nancy J.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Providing reasonable workplace accommodations for employees with disabilities has been associated with enhanced job tenure, performance, and satisfaction. However, employers have struggled to effectively meet employee accommodation requests, and few studies have specifically examined how employees and employers negotiate requests. In this exploratory focus group study, we asked three key stakeholder groups – employers, employees with disabilities, and vocational rehabilitation service providers – “What helps and hinders requesting, negotiating, implementing, and evaluating workplace accommodations for employees with disabilities?” From our grounded theory analysis, we found that, although employers' and employees' perceptions about negotiating accommodations converged in several ways (e.g., employees …presenting credible requests to employers to improve job performance), they differed sharply on their expectations of each other (e.g., costs of accommodations versus moral obligations to provide them). Such divergence requires that employers and employees with disabilities should become more aware of each other's perspectives, and more educated about how accommodation requests ought to be managed to improve job retention, reduce turnover costs, and decrease the likelihood of litigation. Based on findings of our small study, we offer a modest recommendation: educational interventions should be specifically tailored to each stakeholder group's roles according to major thematic areas of credibility, trust, and obligations. Show more

Keywords: Americans with Disabilities Act, workplace reasonable accommodations, negotiation of accommodations, employees with work disabilities, focus groups, grounded theory analysis

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-2012-0597

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 37, no. 1, pp. 25-37, 2012

Authors: Lanctôt, Nathalie | Corbière, Marc | Durand, Marie-José

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Psychiatric disabilities may impact employment outcomes, particularly job tenure. However, little is known about the role of quality of work life (QWL) on an individual's ability to maintain his/her employment, particularly in the context of social enterprises. This study examines the impact of QWL on maintaining employment for people with psychiatric disabilities working in social enterprises. A prospective study was undertaken with 67 persons with psychiatric disabilities working in social enterprises. Participants were asked to fill out a battery of questionnaires that assessed QWL, self-esteem as a worker, job satisfaction, severity of symptoms, and general quality of life. Directors of …human resources were contacted at six-month follow-up in order to obtain information regarding job tenure. Survival analysis was conducted using Kaplan-Meier curve and Cox regression to assess the risk of job termination and identify predictors. Eighty-nine percent (N = 60) of participants maintained their job during the follow-up period. Cox regression showed that individuals who have a higher QWL have a diminished risk of employment termination. This study demonstrated the important role that QWL may have on job tenure for people with psychiatric disabilities working in social enterprises. Interventions aimed at improving QWL should be offered to increase job tenure. Show more

Keywords: Quality of work life, job tenure, psychiatric disabilities, social enterprises

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-2012-0598

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 37, no. 1, pp. 39-48, 2012

Authors: Tregoweth, Jenni | Walton, Jo Ann | Reed, Kirk

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: There is scant reference to employment or community adjustment skills within the forensic psychiatry literature, and little evidence illustrating the experiences of people who are recipients of forensic psychiatric care. Situated within a New Zealand context, this article is drawn from a hermeneutic study that explored the return-to-work experiences of individuals following their discharge from long-term forensic hospitalisation. Their experiences are revealed within eleven essential themes. The study findings suggest that employment provides opportunities to build skills, stamina and collegial regard, thereby enhancing self-satisfaction and family esteem. Being bolstered by work accomplishments co-exists with on-the-job challenges largely concerned with stamina, …stigma, social isolation and disclosure. Implications for forensic and vocational rehabilitation include the need for practitioner/client collaboration in (a) developing disclosure contingency plans, (b) sourcing alternative social opportunities and (c) designing dynamic return-to-work plans centred on clinical and practical supports such as effective medication regimes and negotiating workplace accommodations. Show more

Keywords: Forensic psychiatry, vocational recovery, life experience, employment

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-2012-0599

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 37, no. 1, pp. 49-62, 2012

Authors: Van Hout, Marie Claire | Bingham, Tim

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Specialist vocational training for ex-drug users include employment skills training, supported placements and therapeutic work programmes. The research was peer led by Client Forum representatives of five ‘Special Community Employment’ schemes and aimed to explore participant experiences of Methadone Stabilization; ‘Special Community Employment’ schemes, and Vocational Outcomes. A Client Forum consultation (n = 11) and Client Forum representative focus groups (n = 2) were used to finalize interview questions. In depth interviews with a convenience sample of participants from ‘Special Community Employment’ schemes (n = 25) were conducted. Content and thematic analysis of narratives was undertaken with Client Forum (n …= 11) interpretative support. The findings are indicative of ‘Special Community Employment’ schemes offering methadone maintenance participants' the opportunity to commence recovery, engage in vocational training and reintegrate into the community. However, participation in these schemes appeared restrictive and operated primarily as therapeutic medium, with little individual vocational care planning, training or supported work placements. Many participants reported leaving these schemes unqualified, unemployed and experiencing little aftercare. The research underscores the need for extensive revision of ‘Special Community Employment’ schemes within an interagency approach, so as to provide specific therapeutic supports dependent on individual recovery stage, and client specific vocational training needs, certification, work placement and supportive aftercare. Show more

Keywords: Methadone maintenance, employment training, rehabilitation for addicts

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-2012-0600

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 37, no. 1, pp. 63-73, 2012