Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation - Volume 49, issue 3

Authors: Migliore, Alberto | Butterworth, John | Lyons, Oliver | Nye-Lengerman, Kelly | Foos, Paul

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: A key step for increasing the employment outcomes of job seekers with disabilities includes ensuring that employment consultants who assist them have the tools to succeed, including feedback about how they are performing. OBJECTIVE: Supporting employment consultants in their work with job seekers by providing feedback about the implementation of the support strategies recommended in the literature. METHODS: Sixty-one employment consultants completed a daily survey for one year, on their smartphones. RESULTS: Providing supports that lead to hire represented 30% of the employment consultants’ work time. When providing supports …that lead to hire, most of the primary interactions were with job seekers (69%), followed by business personnel (12%), and families or acquaintances (3%). Secondary interactions represented another 17% of time with business personnel and 8% with families or acquaintances. The largest share of supports leading to hire were provided in the offices of the employment consultants (41%). CONCLUSION: Employment consultants should be supported in investing a larger share of time in supports that lead to hire, increasing involvement of family members and business personnel, and providing supports in typical community settings rather than in their offices. Show more

Keywords: Employment, job seekers, intellectual disabilities, work, support professionals, knowledge translation

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-180973

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 49, no. 3, pp. 273-286, 2018

Authors: Scott, LaRon A. | Puglia, Lauren

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The practice of linking academics and transition goals, or Universal Design for Transition (UDT), has been proposed as a roadmap for teachers to plan instruction aimed at providing students with disabilities access to the general curriculum and transition services. METHODS/OBJECTIVES: In the current qualitative study, focus groups, observations, and interviews of 9 special education teachers were used to understand perceptions about linking academics and transition goals (i.e., UDT), including challenges with using UDT as an inclusive strategy to include students with disabilities in general classroom environments. RESULTS: A common data analysis process was used in …the current study to categorize and interpret the data for themes. Tiers 1 and 2 themes emerged that centered on: (a) the teachers’ perceptions of linking academic and transition goals, (b) the strategies to link academic and transition goals, (c) the factors influencing practice, and (d) the perception of obstacles to implementing the UDT framework. CONCLUSIONS: All of the teachers in the current study indicated that linking academic and transition goals was pivotal for including students with disabilities in the general curriculum environment. Implications for future research and directions for the field were highlighted for discussion in the current study. Show more

Keywords: Transition, universal design for transition (UDT), goals, special education

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-180974

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 49, no. 3, pp. 287-298, 2018

Authors: Phillips, Brian N. | Fleming, Allison R. | Hakun, Jonathan G. | Southwick, Joshua D.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: There is a continual need to decrease the employment gap between people with and without disabilities. Psychological Capital (PsyCap) and happiness have shown strong relationships with employment and offer a promising avenue to desirable vocational rehabilitation (VR) outcomes. OBJECTIVE: Data from 137 former VR clients who were employed at the time of the study were analyzed to explore the relationship of PsyCap and happiness to levels of job satisfaction. METHODS: A mediation analysis was used in order to assess the hypotheses that PsyCap would predict job satisfaction and that happiness would mediate this relationship. …RESULTS: PsyCap and happiness were found to uniquely and significantly contribute to job satisfaction, with happiness acting as a partial mediator between PsyCap and job satisfaction. These results highlight the potential utility of PsyCap and happiness in VR services. CONCLUSIONS: With the existence of both happiness and PsyCap interventions, we provide a brief summary of this research and implications for their use in VR research and practice. Additional exploration of these constructs is needed to test their potential for facilitating more stable employment outcomes for clients receiving VR services. Show more

Keywords: Vocational rehabilitation, job satisfaction, happiness, positive psychology

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-180975

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 49, no. 3, pp. 299-307, 2018

Authors: Roux, Anne M. | Anderson, Kristy A. | Rast, Jessica E. | Nord, Derek | Shattuck, Paul T.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Tremendous state-level variation exists in the Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) service experiences of transition-age youth with autism spectrum disorder (TAY-ASD). Individual-level factors alone have not adequately explained differences in VR service utilization and employment outcomes for these youth, and the socio-demographic and economic state-level factors examined to date are largely non-modifiable. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to identify and prioritize modifiable state-level policies and practices that may affect VR service utilization and outcomes of TAY-ASD. METHODS: We used a modified, two-round Delphi approach with 12 subject matter experts within this mixed methods study. RESULTS: Twenty-three …factors of VR service use and outcomes were rated in the top half of importance scores – most of which were also in the top half of modifiability scores. These factors were organized into five themes regarding capacity, efficient and effective VR processes, innovation, inter-agency efforts, and staff training and competency. All participants agreed that these themes captured the main types of factors that might be driving state-level variability in VR outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: This study identified key themes and modifiable factors for investigation within next-step research. Studying these themes and factors may enable researchers to learn from what is working in some states to enhance employment outcomes for TAY-ASD. Show more

Keywords: Vocational rehabilitation (VR), transition-age youth (TAY), autism spectrum disorder (ASD), state systems, transition

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-180976

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 49, no. 3, pp. 309-325, 2018

Authors: Gross, Judith M.S. | Norris, Tracey | Henley, Ryan | Kellner, Dempsy | Posey, Taylor

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: OBJECTIVE: In this article, co-authored by an internship supervisor, program instructor, and three former interns, we describe the evidence-based transition to employment program, Project SEARCH, and its implementation in Kansas. CONCLUSIONS: First, the instructor and an internship supervisor describe the program implemented in Lawrence, Kansas, which has two sites with very high successful competitive employment placement rates. Then three competitively employed former Lawrence, Kansas Project SEARCH interns describe (a) their internship experiences, (b) the workplace supports that worked for them, (c) what they learned about themselves, (d) their future employment goals, and (e) any advice that they have …for employers, teachers, parents/families, and other students/young adults with a disability seeking employment. Show more

Keywords: employment, transition, teachers, workplace supports

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-180977

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 49, no. 3, pp. 327-337, 2018

Authors: Müller, Eve | VanGilder, Rebecca | Kiasi, David

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Project SEARCH is a widely popular vocational training program serving young adults with intellectual disabilities, with more than 500 program sites in 45 states and nine countries. Project SEARCH incorporates many best practices for school-to-work programs, including responsiveness to employer needs, but very little research has been conducted on the impact of the Project SEARCH model. OBJECTIVE: This study evaluates employer satisfaction with Project SEARCH interns, hires at the host business site, and support received from Project SEARCH teams. METHODS: We surveyed 114 employers across four Project SEARCH sites. RESULTS: …Findings indicate that on average, employers were highly satisfied with both the quality of Project SEARCH interns and employees hired through Project SEARCH, as well as with the support received from Project SEARCH teams. Findings further indicate that employers appreciated receiving a wide range of accommodations and/or supports from Project SEARCH teams, and that in spite of initial employer concerns regarding the hiring of individuals with disabilities, Project SEARCH teams did a good job of addressing these concerns. CONCLUSIONS: The Project SEARCH model, which takes a “demand-side” approach, appears to result in high levels of employer satisfaction. Show more

Keywords: Employment, supported work, secondary transition, employees with disabilities, employer satisfaction, Project SEARCH model

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-180978

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 49, no. 3, pp. 339-350, 2018

Authors: Clark, Kelly A. | Konrad, Moira | Test, David W.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Employment has been associated with high quality of life and independence; however, employment outcomes for individuals with disabilities are much lower than their peers without disabilities. OBJECTIVE: This study investigated the effects of a treatment package, UPGRADE Your Performance , on the employment soft skills of secondary students with disabilities. The intervention taught students a strategy for self-evaluation, which included self-monitoring, goal setting, and self-graphing. METHOD: Using a multiple probe across students design, researchers investigated the effects of UPGRADE instruction on students’ soft skills while working on two different in school job sites. …RESULTS: Results indicated all students improved in both a self-selected soft skill area and their overall performance, and they generalized their skills to a second in-school job site. CONCLUSIONS: Findings indicated the potential for UPGRADE Your Performance as a method for teaching soft skills to students with disabilities. Show more

Keywords: Soft skills, employment, goal setting, self-monitoring

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-180979

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 49, no. 3, pp. 351-365, 2018

Authors: Teindl, Karisa | Thompson-Hodgetts, Sandra | Rashid, Marghalara | Nicholas, David B.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Adults with developmental disabilities are significantly un- and under-employed. Little is known about the relationship between visibility of a disability and employment. OBJECTIVE: To explore how visibility of a disability influences employment for adults with developmental disabilities. METHODS: In-depth interviews were done with caregivers, adults with developmental disabilities, and employment support professionals. Content related to visibility/invisibility of disability was thematically analyzed. RESULTS: Three main themes, with 10 sub-themes, emerged: (i) Dispelling Myths: Assumptions Related to Disability; (ii) Rock and a Hard Place: Disclosing ‘Invisible’ Disability; (iii) Finders-Keepers: Easier to find, but not keep, …a job with invisible disability. CONCLUSIONS: Assumptions about disability underpinned employment-related challenges experienced by adults with developmental disabilities. Our findings highlight the need for employment initiatives that go beyond skill-based training to target social barriers of employment, such as stigma and lack of disability knowledge. Show more

Keywords: Developmental disability, autism spectrum disorder, employment, disclosure, stigma, adult

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-180980

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 49, no. 3, pp. 367-377, 2018

Authors: McKeon, Ashlee | Terhorst, Lauren | Ding, Dan | Cooper, Rory | McCue, Michael

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) often results in chronic behavior challenges that negatively impacts daily functioning and independence. OBJECTIVE: To test the potential for naturalistic physiological monitoring to detect behavioral dysregulation in adults with chronic TBI. METHODS: Fourteen individuals with medically documented TBI currently receiving services at a comprehensive brain injury rehabilitation program completed a series of challenging problem-solving tasks while wearing physiological monitoring technology. The behavioral dysregulation rating scale was then used for measuring behavioral events and comparison with physiological data collected during task completion. RESULTS: The problem-solving tasks proved to be candidates …for eliciting behaviors of dysregulation. Clinically meaningful change was observed for both heart rate and heart rate between baseline and the task period. Although between-subject aggregates of physiology moved in expected directions, intra-individual change was highly varied— suggesting the importance of within-subject change when assessing the utility of physiology when attempting to detect behavioral change naturalistically. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides preliminary evidence for a TBI-specific ecological momentary assessment platform measuring behavior and provides preliminary support for the use of wearable physiological monitoring technology for detection of behavioral dysregulation events after TBI. Further examination of heart rate and heart rate variability as signals for behavior is encouraged. Show more

Keywords: Traumatic brain injury, behavioral dysregulation, self-regulation, ecological momentary assessment, naturalistic assessment, wearable technology, physiology

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-180981

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 49, no. 3, pp. 379-388, 2018

Authors: Mackay, Michael M. | Suedmeyer, Eric S. | Schiro-Geist, Chrisann | West, Steven L. | Strohmer, Douglas C.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Research shows counselors with a master’s degree in rehabilitation counseling (MRC) do not have different closure rates than counselors with other master’s (OM) degrees that are in rehabilitation-related disciplines. OBJECTIVE: To explore reasons for the lack of differences by comparing MRC and OM counselors on amount of pre-service training in job-related areas (Aim 1 ), perceptions of preparedness for work (Aim 2 ), time spent performing job-related activities (Aim 3 ), and through open-ended responses regarding education and work environment (Aim 4 ). METHODS: Counselors (53 MRC, 27 OM) completed an online survey assessing pre-service …training, perceptions of preparedness, and time spent preforming job-related activities. RESULTS: Aim 1 : MRC counselors reported more training in five areas (p -values < 0.001), but not in nine others. Aim 2 : MRC counselors felt more prepared for their jobs (p  = 0.001). Aim 3 : No differences were found regarding time spent performing job-related activities. Aim 4 : Responses suggested similar closure rates might stem from high administrative work strain, low client motivation, unavailability of jobs, impact of on-the-job experience, and closure quota demands. CONCLUSIONS: MRC-OM closure rate similarities are not due to inadequate MRC training, low feelings of preparedness for work, or MRC-OM differences in job-related activities; in fact, they may be due to factors unrelated to a counselor’s education. Show more

Keywords: Rehabilitation counseling, closure rate, counselor education, policy and training, vocational rehabilitation

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-180982

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 49, no. 3, pp. 389-400, 2018