Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation - Volume 40, issue 2

Authors: Whetzel, Melanie

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Social skills deficits are common to many individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) and can be cause for much anxiety. Because these deficits include interactions with strangers and people in authority, many individuals with ASD have difficulty successfully managing job interviews. When given very specific examples of how to better present themselves and interact with others in an interviewing situation, individuals with ASD become more competent in positively altering their social interactions in employment situations. The keys to improving skills for interviews include understanding disclosure under the Americans with Disabilities Act, being aware of specific accommodations that can be helpful …in the interviewing process, having a thorough self-knowledge, being as completely prepared as possible, and possessing verbal restraint. The increased confidence that comes from being prepared allows individuals to relax before and during the interview, transforming a nervous exchange of information into a confident and dynamic presentation of their qualifications. Show more

Keywords: Autism spectrum disorders (ASD), interview, employment, accommodations

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-140668

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 40, no. 2, pp. 155-159, 2014

Authors: Nord, Derek | Timmons, Joe | Carter, Erik | Gaventa, William

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: The percentage of people with disabilities who are employed continues to be critically low. The existing services and supports infrastructure faces many constraints, including its limited capacity to reach and serve all people needing assistance. There is a present day need to find new ways to support job seekers with disabilities. Putting Faith to Work has emerged as a promising approach to build the capacity of faith-based communities to serve people with disabilities to find and keep work. This paper describes the background of the Putting Faith to Work model, as well as an overview of key features.

Keywords: Disability, employment, faith-based community, capacity building, training, technical assistance

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-140669

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 40, no. 2, pp. 161-164, 2014

Authors: Groomes, Darlene A.G. | Clemons, Andrew | Hulme, Sandra | Kort, Kelly | Mesibov, Gary

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Human-animal interaction (HAI) studies are on the rise to test the hypothesis that assistive dogs provide positive support to persons with disabilities. We review findings from our pilot study, which approached significance in demonstrating HAI as a promising means of helping those with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) to acquire adaptive social behaviors. We discuss elements drawn from multiple disciplines to highlight the value that assistive dogs deliver when considering employment supports for individuals with ASD. These elements include the neurological functions that influence social behavior, HAI, and ASD, adaptations emerging from an HAI integrated employment setting, and considerations for designing, …implementing, and evaluating quality HAI supports. We contribute this information as points of consideration for individuals with autism as they pursue employment in integrated settings. We provide implications for rehabilitation practice and research. Show more

Keywords: Intellectual disabilities, human-animal interaction (HAI), autism spectrum disorders (ASD), assistive dogs, employment, quality of life (QoL)

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-140674

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 40, no. 2, pp. 165-173, 2014

Authors: Martin, Marilyn | CESP

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Déjà vu – It's like watching a movie I've seen a hundred times before and knowing what will happen next. It unfolds exactly as my mind remembers; only this time it is playing in fast forward. Sign Language Interpreting and Supported Employment were both born out of a need that was filled by volunteers who cared, only Sign Language preceded supported employment. Do parallels exist between these two professions, particularly pertaining to certifications impact upon a profession?

Keywords: Sign language profession, supported employment profession, certification impact

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-140676

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 40, no. 2, pp. 175-179, 2014