Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation - Volume 46, issue 3

Authors: Freeze, Suzzanne | Hall, Allison Cohen | Collins, Stacy | Shumate, Duane | Thomas, Cindy | Brent, Barbara

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: In an ever-evolving landscape, states are working to achieve new levels of integrated employment outcomes. While states have been building supports for more than five decades to meet the needs of their constituents, a different playing field has emerged in recent years. This is a result of new regulations, requests from advocates and families, shifting expectations and fluctuating state budgets. OBJECTIVE: How are states managing the range of large and small changes needed to update the employment and employment-related service definitions that are offered? How can we ensure connection between employment and other full life outcomes? …And most importantly, how can stakeholders establish individual integrated employment as a priority goal? CONCLUSION: This article describes states’ efforts towards employment first goals and outlines more changes that need to be made. Show more

Keywords: IDD, SELN, ICI, State data, integrated employment, state systems, CMS HCBS’ settings rule, WIOA, state strategies, Olmstead, Missouri, Massachusetts, Ohio, systems change

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-170861

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 46, no. 3, pp. 265-271, 2017

Authors: Harris, Carolina | Switzer, Ellice | Gower, Wendy Strobel

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Fragmented employment service systems, a lack of information about disability across sectors, and a wide disconnect between the efforts to employ people with disabilities and the needs of the business community, have presented barriers to the adoption of best practices and effective implementation of new policies designed to improve the employment rate of people with disabilities. OBJECTIVE: The goal of the Diversity Partners Project is to develop, test, and launch an innovative learning intervention to improve the relationships between employment service professionals (including disability services, workforce development and staffing organizations) and employers seeking to hire individuals …with disabilities. This paper illustrates how a systematic approach to knowledge translation (KT) was used in an iterative intervention development process that engaged key stakeholders at every phase. CONCLUSION: In the disability arena, KT requires a willingness to challenge strongly held assumptions on the part of the project team, to move swiftly and repeatedly between inquiry and development, and to honestly engage with potential stakeholders who have a vested interest in the development efforts being undertaken. Show more

Keywords: Disability, employer partnerships, knowledge translation, qualitative inquiry, capacity building, workforce development

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-170862

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 46, no. 3, pp. 273-285, 2017

Authors: Green, Jessie C. | Cleary, Dennis S. | Cannella-Malone, Helen I.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Young adults with intellectual disabilities (ID) are among the poorest of any disability group (Newman et al., 2011). Service gaps and problems include (a) low expectations; (b) a lack of coordination between education, vocational rehabilitation services (VR), and developmental disabilities (DD) agencies; and (c) families and students expressed frustration with the lack of integrated work options available. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this paper is to describe the TOPS (T ransition O ptions for P ostsecondary S ettings) model, as well as provide resources that can be used to support the development and refinement of other postsecondary programs, …and, ultimately, improve employment outcomes for individuals with ID. METHODS: In this paper, we describe how the TOPS program addresses the four transition areas: academic access, career development, campus membership, and self-determination. CONCLUSIONS: Inclusive postsecondary programs have the potential to improve employment outcomes for people with ID, and using ideas presented in this paper can enhance postsecondary programing. Show more

Keywords: Postsecondary program, inclusion, employment, transition, intellectual disability

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-170863

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 46, no. 3, pp. 287-291, 2017

Authors: Novak, Jeanne

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Companies are increasingly moving toward the use of web-based hiring practices. Unfortunately, job applicants with disabilities may encounter barriers to accessing and submitting online job applications. Recent research reveals that nearly half of job seekers with disabilities who applied for a job online found the experience to be difficult or impossible. OBJECTIVE: This article provides job seekers with intellectual and developmental disabilities and those who support them with winning strategies for navigating the online application process. CONCLUSION: Strategies focus on getting your application through automated filters in applicant tracking systems, making a good first …impression, requesting assistance, leveraging your personal connections, and standing out from the crowd. Show more

Keywords: Accessibility, job applicants, disabilities, web-based application systems, e-selection, hiring practices

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-170864

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 46, no. 3, pp. 293-299, 2017

Authors: Katz, Tracy | Barol, Julia

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The term “it takes a village” has been used over the past couple of decades to encourage the use of social capital to raise children into successful adults. All too often we have not used the same tactics to support our youth with disabilities to reach the same levels of successful transition into adulthood. OBJECTIVE: We will explore what it means to access Social Capital and the importance of using these connections to break down barriers to employment, community and independent living. CONCLUSION: Person centered planning processes are critical for identifying and utilizing social …capital and for successful transition to employment. Show more

Keywords: Social capital, youth with disabilities, transition, person centered planning

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-170865

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 46, no. 3, pp. 301-303, 2017

Authors: Wilson, Philip G. | Killam, Susan G. | Stazio, Laura C. | Ellis, Rebecca B. | Kiernan, Nicole M. | Ukachu, Amarachi N.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The Paid Apprenticeship and college for Youth with disabilities (PAY Check) program is a partnership between the states’s University Center of Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDD), state Vocational Rehabilitation, Local Education Agencies (LEA), Delgado Community College (DCC) and University Medical Center-New Orleans (UMC-NO). PAY Check uses a “braided” funding approach and builds on foundations established by an earlier post-secondary education (PSE) for youth with intellectual disabilities grant from the U.S. Department of Education. PAY Check includes a high school diploma option, PSE, paid apprenticeship components, and incorporates self-determination training throughout. The program serves students ages 18–21 years …who receive special education services and are eligible for VR services. All components of PAY Check take place in integrated community settings (e.g., DCC campus, public transportation, paid apprenticeship sites) and provide opportunities for participants to acquire and practice pre-employment transition skills (Pre-ETS) as delineated in the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (PL 113-803, 2016). OBJECTIVE: This paper describes the unique transition program for youth with disabilities called PAY Check. CONCLUSION: This article offers rationales for including its key components, discusses the programs development, provides an overview of the program, and concludes with recommendations for next steps. Show more

Keywords: Apprenticeship, vocational rehabilitation, transition

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-170866

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 46, no. 3, pp. 305-312, 2017

Authors: Sulewski, Jennifer Sullivan | Timmons, Jaimie Ciulla | Lyons, Oliver | Lucas, Jonathan | Vogt, Tim | Bachmeyer, Katie

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: States have moved toward defunding sheltered workshops and supporting the transformation towards integrated competitive employment and inclusive day services. As a result, many local service providers have been challenged to consider how they will transform their services in order to provide fully inclusive work and community life engagement opportunities. OBJECTIVE: Findings from a Delphi panel of experts in the field of organizational transformation offer ten elements necessary for successful change away from segregated work options. Findings from expert interviews on community life engagement indicate four guideposts for the provision of high-quality non-work day supports. CONCLUSION: …Combining findings across these two projects, in addition to a reflection from a provider that has undergone transformation, this manuscript offers guidance for providers of day and employment services in their efforts to support competitive integrated employment and meaningful community life engagement for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Show more

Keywords: Integrated employment, community life engagement, transformation, IDD

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-170867

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 46, no. 3, pp. 313-320, 2017

Authors: Davis, Cassandra J. | Thibedeau Boyd, Jolene M.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: People with disabilities today have greater opportunities for inclusion and full community engagement than ever before. There is an increasing importance placed on supporting higher expectations: More people have jobs where they work alongside co-workers without a focus on disability. Innovative leaders recognize that all employees do better when they have support tailored to their unique skills and work styles. Yet many disability professionals continue to hold unconscious beliefs that influence their actions, well-intentioned as they may be, and ultimately create situations that are unnatural and bizarre—in a word, “weird”. OBJECTIVE: It is time for a …dialogue about how this has led to the perpetuation of unwanted “special treatment,” low expectations, and institutionalized segregation of people with disabilities. CONCLUSION: The authors outline ways people can “stop making it weird” and share the campaign of the same name. Show more

Keywords: Unconscious beliefs, low expectations, special treatment, inspiration porn, disability is not exceptional, inclusion, community engagement, #stopmakingitweird

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-170868

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 46, no. 3, pp. 321-325, 2017

Authors: Kelley, Kelly R. | Buchanan, Susan K.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: With recent legislative and funding support from the Higher Education Opportunity Act (2008) and Higher Education Reform and Opportunity Act (2015), many colleges and universities are expanding to serve a wider range of students, including individuals with intellectual disability (ID). OBJECTIVE: This practice brief shares how one fully inclusive postsecondary (PSE) program in the southeastern United States provides PSE and vocational training to successfully connect 80% of their program graduates to integrated employment outcomes after graduation with reported long-term success. CONCLUSION: Details are shared on how the PSE program established more than 40 internships …and collaborated with various employers, family members, natural supports, coworkers, and community members to achieve successful employment opportunities both during and after college experiences. Finally, specific innovative practices used in this PSE program related to a) career interests/assessments, b) person centered planning practices to determine support needs, c) advising and college course planning, d) setting up internships and paid work experiences, e) evaluation and observation of work performance, and f) connecting back to the community with video resumes are also shared. Show more

Keywords: Integrated employment, vocational training, postsecondary education, person centered planning, intellectual disability

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-170869

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 46, no. 3, pp. 327-332, 2017

Authors: Ouimette, Michelle | Rammler, Linda H.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Customized employment opportunities are successful ways to employ individuals with disabilities because there is a specific match between the needs of an employer and the strengths and preferences of an individual with a disability. OBJECTIVE: This article describes one non-profit’s success in meeting the goals of Employment First initiatives for individuals with significant disabilities through entrepreneurship as a means of customized employment. CONCLUSION: Successful opportunities and innovations include the “right kind” of social enterprise, entrepreneurship through self-employment and micro-enterprises, and other entrepreneurial models. Strategies for resolving the real and perceived conflicts between entrepreneurial and …non-profit business models, as well as lessons learned during our own transformation, are discussed for other organizations wishing to reorganize their missions and operations from traditional (pre)vocational providers to ones that truly support integrated, competitive employment for all. Show more

Keywords: Employment, customized employment, self-employment, entrepreneurship, Employment First, autism, behavioral, mental health, intellectual and developmental disabilities, social enterprise

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-170870

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 46, no. 3, pp. 333-339, 2017

Authors: Christensen, Julie J. | Richardson, Kaitlyn

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Over recent years, New York State has engaged in efforts to transform the sheltered workshop system. Through this effort, a variety of innovative models have been piloted to assess effectiveness in supporting sheltered workshop participants to train for and transition to competitive employment in the community. One particular pilot program adapted the Project SEARCH high school transition model for this purpose. OBJECTIVE: As part of a larger evaluation effort, this project aimed to document the individual growth of program participants, as well as their self-perceived readiness for employment. METHODS: Ten individuals participated in a …12-month program, where they participated in up to four internships. Participants were interviewed multiple times, beginning at the start of the program, and again at the end of each internship. Interviews were video recorded, transcribed, and analyzed to identify common themes. RESULTS: The career discovery process of exposure to community-based work opportunities, included as part of the Project SEARCH program, led to to an increased ability to express vocational strengths and self-determined career goals. Participants articulated a readiness to enter the workforce and demonstrated a desire to take on more personal and financial responsibility. The program model was successful in transitioning 63% of participants into competitive employment. However, successful transition was not achieved by participants who had been in the workshop for more than 5 years prior to entering the program. CONCLUSION: Further research is needed to assess the appropriateness of the Project SEARCH model for those with the most significant disabilities who wish to transition from a workshop into competitive employment, particularly those individuals who have been in a workshop setting for an extended period of time. Show more

Keywords: Employment, sheltered workshop conversion, program evaluation, transition, developmental disabilities, intellectual disabilities, Project SEARCH

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-170871

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 46, no. 3, pp. 341-354, 2017

Authors: Grossi, Teresa | Thomas, Faith

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: This APSE workshop shared one state approach to interagency collaboration for transition-age youth. The purpose of the workshop was to determine value-added by working collaboratively and share preliminary results of a school-to-work project. OBJECTIVE: Using a collaborative of employment providers embedded in schools to improve agency connections prior to leaving school and work experiences that lead to employment outcomes. METHOD: The goal of the Collaborative was to provide employment opportunities for transition-age youth by embedding employment resources into the school to focus on agency connections, employment outcomes and reduce or eliminate duplication of services. …Specifically, a provider employment specialist or Career Coach is embedded in the school to serve as a single point of contact to represent a “coalition” of providers serving on the Collaborative. The Collaborative also included Vocational Rehabilitation, schools, families and other agencies. RESULTS: Schools with an embedded Career Coach had students connected to Vocational Rehabilitation Services and other community agencies than the comparison sites. Students had more opportunities for work experiences, internships and paid employment prior to leaving school with the employment providers continuing services after school. CONCLUSIONS: By working together, schools and employment providers offer each other value in serving students and enhancing agency connections and employment outcomes. Show more

Keywords: Interagency collaboration, collaborative, school-to-work, transition-to-work

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-170872

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 46, no. 3, pp. 355-359, 2017

Authors: Cullen, Jennifer M. | Alber-Morgan, Sheila R. | Simmons-Reed, Evette A. | Izzo, Margo V.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities struggle to find integrated employment because of their challenges with vocational task acquisition and completion. Video-based self-directed prompts have been utilized on iPads, smartphones, and personal digital assistants (PDA’s) to overcome this challenge in acquiring and completing vocational tasks in integrated community-based employment settings. OBJECTIVE: In this study, self-directed video prompting on iPads was used with three male participants with intellectual and developmental disabilities in integrated community-based employment settings. METHODS: A multiple probe across tasks design was used to determine the effects of the intervention on the acquisition …and accurate completion of vocational tasks in integrated employment settings. Prior to intervention with self-directed video prompting in the integrated employment setting, a multiple probe across participants design was used to determine the effects of a training package for teaching iPad usage consisting of modeling and least-to-most prompting on a training task. RESULTS: All three participants acquired device usage in two to five trials. The participants all acquired three vocational tasks in the course of the study and demonstrated generalization to new materials, settings, or people in two of their three tasks. CONCLUSION: Video-based self-directed prompts promote improved performance in integrated community-based employment settings. Show more

Keywords: Self-prompting, assistive technology, employment, video prompting, intellectual disabilities, autism, self-management

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-170873

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 46, no. 3, pp. 361-375, 2017

Authors: Dahl, Kathy | Larivière, Nadine | Corbière, Marc

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Recent studies have shown that work participation is the most impaired occupational domains of individuals with a borderline personality disorder (BPD). OBJECTIVE: This study identifies and describes barriers and facilitators to work participation of individuals with a BPD from both the individual’s and service provider’s perspectives. METHODS: We used a qualitative multiple case study design (Yin, 2009 ), with three contexts: 1) work (re) integration, 2) return to work (after a sick leave), and 3) job tenure. Within each context, we held individual interviews with three dyads, including an individual with BPD and their …service provider. RESULTS: Qualitative results (n  = 18) showed that individual factors (e.g., reaction to pressure and relationships at work, emotion regulation), and factors related to stakeholders and procedures from insurance, organizational and health systems (e.g., poor collaboration and communication between stakeholders, work accommodations and natural support in workplace) influenced work participation of individuals with BPD. CONCLUSIONS: This study highlights the specific challenges of work participation for individuals with BPD that involve several personal and environmental factors all stakeholders must consider. Current vocational rehabilitation programs must better address the work participation issues of individuals with BPD and ensure good coordination with current specialized psychotherapies. Show more

Keywords: Borderline personality disorder, work participation, work rehabilitation, case study

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-170874

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 46, no. 3, pp. 377-388, 2017

Authors: Lombardi, Allison | Izzo, Margo V. | Gelbar, Nicholas | Murray, Alexa | Buck, Andrew | Johnson, Victor | Hsiao, Jay | Wei, Yan | Kowitt, Jennifer

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: In the 21st century, information technology (IT) literacy is crucial for all students, and may better prepare students with disabilities for transition to postsecondary employment or education. OBJECTIVE: In this study, the potential of IT literacy embedded into an online transition curriculum is explored in the context of secondary special education. The curriculum aligns with Common Core State Standards in English Language Arts that are relevant to reading comprehension, writing, as well as searching for and analyzing sources of information online. METHODS: A quasi-experimental pretest-posttest design was utilized in six high schools. RESULTS: …Findings show that intervention group students improved in IT literacy; whereas, comparison group students did not make similar gains. CONCLUSION: Implications for embedding transition services into specific courses and curricula for secondary students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) are discussed. Show more

Keywords: Transition, employment, vocational education, career readiness, technology

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-170875

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 46, no. 3, pp. 389-397, 2017

Authors: Atal, Zara | Wang, Shu-wen | Biella-Battista, Roberto

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Contact has been shown to be one of the most effective methods to reduce mental illness stigma, but prior research on the contact hypothesis has been limited by reliance on retrospective data and forced, laboratory-based contact rather than in community settings. OBJECTIVE: The primary goal of this prospective study was to use a vocational rehabilitation center to test the effect of naturally occurring brief indirect contact with a mentally ill sample on mental illness stigma. We also examined correlational patterns among participants’ perceptions about treatments for mental illness with mental illness stigma. METHODS: Data …were collected at an Italian vocational rehabilitation center using a repeated measures design. A total of 19 participants completed baseline surveys. A subset of 10 participants who also completed post-contact surveys was used to test the contact hypothesis. RESULTS: Analyses showed that positive affect increased from pre-contact (M = 3.87, SD = 1.10) to post-contact (M = 4.53, SD = 0.89; t(9) = –2.74, p  = 0.023), and negative affect decreased from pre-contact (M = 2.83, SD = 0.74) to post-contact (M = 2.23, SD = 0.70; t(9) = 3.25, p  = 0.010). CONCLUSION: Results show preliminary evidence that vocational rehabilitation center-based contact increased positive affect, and decreased negative affect, towards individuals with mental illnesses in community members. Show more

Keywords: Mental illness stigma, vocational rehabilitation, affect, social distance

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-170876

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 46, no. 3, pp. 399-405, 2017

Authors: Oertle, Kathleen Marie | O’Leary, Stephanie

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: To address prevailing gaps in employment rates between working-age people with disabilities and those without, vocational rehabilitation professionals can use targeted career development initiatives for their consumers as they progress through school and into the professional world. With education at the core, vocational rehabilitation counselors are poised to collaborate with teachers, employers, and policymakers to promote work experience and self-advocacy among their transition-age consumers, which has been shown to increase employment rates. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this article is to present a synthesis focusing on the intersection of the career development and secondary transition literature to …provide guidance for the evaluation and development of policy, to contribute to a needed area of knowledge generation in vocational rehabilitation, and to underscore the application of research-based practices in transition services. METHODS: The literature search, identification, and synthesis were guided by the overarching question, how can rehabilitation professionals use what is known about career development to assist with secondary transition preparation and planning through the services and resources they provide? RESULTS: The search resulted in the identification of 20 articles specific to the intersection of career development, secondary transition preparation and planning, and improving postsecondary outcomes. CONCLUSION: Suggestions for practices and further research are presented in the context of U.S. national rehabilitation law, specifically the recent (2014) Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act. Show more

Keywords: Career development, rehabilitation, transition, employment, disability

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-170877

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 46, no. 3, pp. 407-423, 2017