Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation - Volume 47, issue 2

Authors: Johnson, Eboneé T. | Kaya, Cahit | Chan, Fong | Dutta, Alo | Yaghmaian, Rana | Kundu, Madan | Devebakan, Nevzat

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Previous research identifies employment as a social determinant of health for persons with HIV/AIDS, specifically African American women. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was twofold: (1) to examine the eligibility/acceptance and competitive employment rates of African American women diagnosed with HIV/AIDS in comparison to the general population of persons with disabilities in the state-federal vocational rehabilitation (VR) system and (2) to determine the relationship between (a) demographic variables (i.e., age, education level at the time of application for VR services, and receipt of cash benefit) and VR services received (e.g., job placement) and (b) employment outcomes …for this population. METHODS: Chi square analysis was used to determine if there was a significant difference in acceptance/eligibility rate between the target population of African American women with HIV/AIDS and the general disability population. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to determine the relationship between demographic variables and vocational rehabilitation services received on employment outcomes for the target population. RESULTS: Results indicate that the African American women with HIV/AIDS were found ineligible for services at a lower rate, 14%, than the general population of persons with disabilities served, 17%. However, even though they are more likely to be accepted for services, the competitive employment outcomes are lower than the general population of persons with disabilities. Results also indicate that the hypothesized demographic and VR service-related predictor variables were significantly related to competitive employment outcomes. Specifically, receipt of cash benefits and diagnostic /treatment VR services had a negative impact on employment outcomes. Factors positively associated with employment outcomes included receipt of job placement and maintenance services. CONCLUSIONS: Vocational rehabilitation counselors, researchers and other key stakeholders must identify the most effective strategies to assist African American women with HIV/AIDS in navigating the VR process from application to closure as competitively employed. Show more

Keywords: African American, women, HIV/AIDS, employment, vocational rehabilitation, rehabilitation counseling

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-170898

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 47, no. 2, pp. 235-245, 2017

Authors: Davenport, Jennifer | Koch, Lynn C. | Rumrill Jr., Phillip D.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: This article examines the American chronic pain epidemic and its implications for vocational rehabilitation (VR) research and practice. OBJECTIVE: The incidence and prevalence of health conditions that result in or are characterized by chronic pain are presented, followed by a description of how mindfulness approaches in counseling can be used to help VR consumers with chronic pain cope with the effects of their conditions. CONCLUSION: Emphasis is placed on mindfulness strategies that can be applied in VR practice settings to help workers with chronic pain achieve job satisfaction, job satisfactoriness, job retention, and high levels …of quality of life. Show more

Keywords: Chronic pain, mindfulness, mindfulness-based approaches, vocational rehabilitation, employment, reasonable accommodations

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-170899

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 47, no. 2, pp. 247-258, 2017

Article Type: Retraction

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-170911

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 47, no. 2, pp. 259-259, 2017