Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation - Volume 37, issue 2

Authors: Gentry, Tony | Lau, Stephanie | Molinelli, Alissa | Fallen, Amy | Kriner, Richard

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Personal digital assistants (PDAs) offer task management and organizational features that may be utilized to help people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) function more successfully in the workplace. Additionally, onboard video cameras and add-on software applications provide rich opportunities for the implementation of personalized vocational supports for individual workers. This article reports on three cases of workers with ASD who have been trained to use Apple iPod Touch PDAs as vocational supports in the workplace, resulting in improved functional performance and reduced behavioral challenges.

Keywords: Autism, assistive technology, cognition, occupational therapy, personal digital assistant, vocational rehabilitation

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-2012-0601

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 37, no. 2, pp. 75-85, 2012

Authors: Horin, Elizabeth V. | Hernandez, Brigida | Donoso, Oscar A.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: This study surveyed 150 professionals on testing considerations made for clients' race/ethnicity and disability when (a) selecting tests, (b) administering tests, and (c) interpreting and writing results. Participants, who tested for the vocational rehabilitation system, completed a semi-structured survey online. Results indicated that they were more likely to consider clients' disability when selecting tests than race/ethnicity. During test administration, the majority reported not making adaptations or modifications (thus adhering to standardized instructions). However, participants were likely to factor clients' race/ethnicity and disability when interpreting results and writing reports. Content coding of open-ended responses revealed concerns when testing individuals who did …not speak English fluently. An important area of research considering demographic shifts occurring in the United States, findings suggest the need to develop evidence-based practices when assessing culturally diverse populations. Show more

Keywords: Psychological assessment, racial and ethnic minorities, disabilities

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-2012-0602

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 37, no. 2, pp. 87-97, 2012

Authors: de Urríes, F.B. Jordán | Verdugo, M.A. | Benito, M.C.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Background: The population of people with disabilities (PWD) in Spain, according to available data reveals high rates of unemployment (20.34%) and, more alarmingly, a low rate of paid work within this collective at 35.5%. One of the possible causes of this low level of work may be related to the receipt of allowances that would seem to have an inhibiting effect on employment. Specific aims: The aim of this project was to investigate the effects of receiving an allowance on work and employment in PWD. We also studied compatibility between non-contributory allowances and work. Method: This involved working with a …sample of 2,259 PWD nationwide, these mainly being men (57.61%). The methodology used was both quantitative and qualitative. Findings: The study results showed that people who receive an allowance, whether contributory or non-contributory, reveal unemployment rates higher than in the remainder of PWD. Similarly, recipients of allowances are mainly inactive while PWD not in receipt of an allowance are mainly active. Discussion: While the pension system is necessary, this must be very flexible in compatibility with the job and be accompanied by incentive measures for access. Show more

Keywords: Disability, employment, benefits, allowances [pensions], activity

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-2012-0603

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 37, no. 2, pp. 99-108, 2012

Authors: Cimera, Robert Evert

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: This paper reviews the literature on the economics of supported employment. By comparing results from research conducted prior to, and after, 2000, several important findings were identified. The first was that individuals with disabilities fare better financially from working in the community than in sheltered workshops, regardless of their disability. This is especially true given that the relative wages earned by supported employees have increased 31.2% since the 1980s while the wages earned by sheltered employees have decreased 40.6% during the same period. Further, supported employment appears to be more cost-effective than sheltered workshops over the entire “employment cycle'' and …returns a net benefit to taxpayers. Show more

Keywords: Supported employment, literature review, cost, benefits, cost-efficiency, cost-effectiveness

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-2012-0604

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 37, no. 2, pp. 109-117, 2012

Authors: Nazarov, Zafar E. | Golden, Thomas P. | Schrader, Sarah von

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Using an observational approach, we investigate the relationship between the receipt of prevocational services and subsequent hourly wages of consumers participating in supported employment programs. To evaluate the potential impact of these services on wages of consumers, we use six years (2005–2010) of data from of the New York Integrated Supported Employment Report (NYISER) data management system. Results indicate that receipt of prevocational services has a negative correlation with hourly wages of consumers. This finding suggests that prevocational services may have detrimental effects on providers' and consumers' expectations on consumers' work ability and productivity resulting in reduced hourly wages. Furthermore, …participation in prevocational services may serve as a signal to employers about consumer's productivity. Show more

Keywords: Prevocational services, supported employment, hourly wages, random effect model

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-2012-0605

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 37, no. 2, pp. 119-129, 2012

Authors: Sansone, Randy A. | Leung, Justin S. | Wiederman, Michael W.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Whereas past research has characterized the course of symptoms in borderline personality disorder, functionality with regard to employment is less well-known. In this study, we examined 324 internal medicine outpatients with regard to employment history and borderline personality disorder symptomatology, using two self-report measures. In comparison with participants who did not exceed the cut-off scores on either measure of borderline personality disorder, those who did had a greater number of jobs since age 18, were employed less overall since age 18, were more likely to be paid “under the table”, and were more likely to be fired from a job. …In the subsample with borderline personality disorder symptomatology, there were few employment differences between those with versus without past histories of psychiatric hospitalization. Findings suggest that individuals with borderline personality symptomatology do not fare as well with employment as their non-borderline peers. Show more

Keywords: Borderline personality, disability, employment, outcome, Self-Harm Inventory, work

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-2012-0606

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 37, no. 2, pp. 131-137, 2012