Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation - Volume 51, issue 2

Authors: Anderson, Catherine A. | Golden, Thomas P.

Article Type: Introduction

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-191030

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 51, no. 2, pp. 111-113, 2019

Authors: Golden, Thomas P. | Karpur, Arun | Podolec, Michelle

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Communities of practice continue to gain in popularity across industry sectors as a method for improving organizational performance and a multi-faceted typology has emerged over time. However, the extant literature has little to say regarding how multiple communities, constellations and networks of practice can form around a central problem in an attempt to address a broad systemic issue. OBJECTIVE: This article explores the contemporary challenges and limitations of the community of practice model and describes the approach one state took in employing a multi-faceted ‘Center of Practice’ to address the poor post-school outcomes of youth with disabilities …who receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI). CONCLUSION: The NYS PROMISE Center of Practice is described, as are perspectives on essential core elements, and propositions for consideration when implementing large systems level Centers of Practice to address challenges and limitations described in the literature with communities of practice. Lessons learned and implications for future research end this article. Show more

Keywords: Communities of practice, knowledge management, organizational learning, systems learning, situated learning, transition planning, youth with disabilities, Supplemental Security Income, PROMISE

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-191031

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 51, no. 2, pp. 115-125, 2019

Authors: Schlegelmilch, Amanda | Roskowski, Matthew | Anderson, Cayte | Hartman, Ellie | Decker-Maurer, Heidi

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Work incentive benefits counseling has been shown to be a promising practice in vocational rehabilitation and has had a demonstrated impact on positive employment outcomes for adults with disabilities (Wilhelm & McCormick 2013 ). OBJECTIVE: In this study, the Wisconsin Promoting the Readiness of Minors in Supplemental Security Income (PROMISE) demonstration project implemented a new model of work incentive benefits counseling targeting transition-age youth receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits including their families. METHODS: PROMISE youth and families received work incentive benefits counseling through a consultative approach and impact on employment outcomes were assessed. …RESULTS: Preliminary results indicate that youth who received work incentives benefits counseling (N  = 535) had significantly higher work activity and explored a greater number of job opportunities, than youth who did not receive benefits counseling (N  = 476). Additionally, 81% of PROMISE treatment youth with earnings above the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) level had met with a benefits specialist at least once. CONCLUSION: This study contributes to the growing evidence demonstrating that work incentives benefits counseling positively influences employment and earnings outcomes for low-income transition-age youth with disabilities. Youth and families preferred the consultation approach, providing information as needed and meeting families where they were at. Show more

Keywords: Work incentives benefits counseling, transition-aged youth, disability, SSI, employment

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-191032

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 51, no. 2, pp. 127-136, 2019

Authors: Crane, Kelli Thuli | Gold, Paul B. | Brodock, Andy | Fabian, Ellen S. | Morris, Taylor R.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Unbiased estimates of treatment effectiveness in longitudinal randomized clinical trials require meeting many design criteria, especially ensuring full exposure to intervention services. However, engaging participants into interventions, and retaining them at high rates, can be thwarted by everyday challenges faced by disadvantaged populations. We are unaware of studies evaluating effective strategies for engaging and retaining transition-age youth with disabilities in clinical trials of community-based transition programs. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this paper is to describe and qualitatively assess the effectiveness of strategies used by Maryland PROMISE staff for reengaging youth, who have disengaged from services, and are …at high risk of study dropout. METHODS: Data collected from the project’s management information system, and from interviews with staff assigned solely to reengaging participants, was analyzed to describe effective strategies for reengaging youth in program services. RESULTS: Staff successful at reengaging hard-to-serve youth into program services are persistent, flexible, and trustworthy. They increased the overall engagement rate from about 50 to 80 percent by study endpoint. CONCLUSION: An intensive and proactive focus on engagement improves retention rates of youth participating in field-based randomized controlled trials of intervention programs. We suggest investigators conducting similar trials for hard-to-serve populations develop plans and allocating resources for engaging youth in program services. Show more

Keywords: Randomized clinical trials, engagement, retention, Supplemental Security Income, youth, transition

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-191033

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 51, no. 2, pp. 137-144, 2019

Authors: Tucker, Mark S. | Guillermo, Mari S. | Corona, Vanessa C.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act prioritized provision of vocational rehabilitation (VR) services to young adults with disabilities, reinforcing the importance of assisting young persons with disabilities to prepare for and engage in employment. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this investigation was to examine patterns of provision of career and work-based learning interventions to young SSI recipients. METHODS: This investigation was accomplished through analysis of case service data of 1,646 individuals who participated in a multiyear program designed to improve educational and employment outcomes. Discrepancies in career and work-based learning interventions were examined based upon age, …gender, disability type, parent employment status, parent education level, and youth and parent expectations about work and education. RESULTS: No differences in interventions were observed by gender, age at enrollment, or type of disability. Affirmative expectations about going to work or attending college after completing high school were associated with higher mean intervention scores for some types of career and work-based learning interventions. CONCLUSIONS: Findings suggest that gender, age, and disability did not contribute to differences in provision of services to young SSI recipients. Additional findings underscore the importance of fostering youth and parent expectations about youth engaging in work after completing high school. Show more

Keywords: Interventions, SSI, youth, transition

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-191034

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 51, no. 2, pp. 145-157, 2019

Authors: Williams, Brent | Lo, Wen-Juo | Hill, Julie | Ezike, Nnamdi | Huddleston, Jerry

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: One of the goals of PROMISE is to improve employment outcomes resulting in life-span reductions in youth reliance on SSI. Initial and prior employment is associated with long-term career trajectories for youth with disabilities. More research is needed to develop evidence-based practices that improve early employment outcomes for youth with disabilities receiving SSI benefits. OBJECTIVE: We seek to provide information about the demographic and intervention factors associated with the successful completion of 200-hour, interest-based summer work experiences. METHODS: Outcome data for 126 youth who participated in interest-based summer work experiences were collected. Regression analyses were …conducted to explore associations between the number of hours worked and various discrete intervention variables. RESULTS: Interest-based job placement, case management, and job readiness training were significant predictors of success in the summer work experience. CONCLUSION: Particular aspects of service delivery, such as job readiness training, interest-based job placement, and personalized introductions to local workforce centers by case managers can significantly improve employment outcomes for youth with disabilities. State and federal agencies tasked with improving employment outcome for youth SSI recipients are provided substantiated justification to allocate resources that align with this evidence. Show more

Keywords: Youth with disabilities, transition from school to work, PROMISE, SSI, work experience

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-191035

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 51, no. 2, pp. 159-166, 2019

Authors: Hartman, Ellie | Schlegelmilch, Amanda | Roskowski, Matthew | Anderson, Catherine A. | Tansey, Timothy N.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Promoting the Readiness of Minors in Supplemental Security Income (PROMISE) is a U.S. Department of Education federal demonstration grant in collaboration with Health and Human Services, Labor, and the Social Security Administration. Wisconsin PROMISE is one of six model demonstration sites. OBJECTIVE: Through state inter-agency collaboration, the Wisconsin Division of Vocational Rehabilitation implemented Wisconsin PROMISE coordinated services and supports to youth with disabilities receiving supplemental security income (SSI) benefits and their families to improve education and career and financial self-sufficiency outcomes. METHODS: Wisconsin PROMISE enrolled 2,024 youth with disabilities receiving SSI benefits and their families …who were randomly assigned to usual services or PROMISE services. RESULTS: Early data indicates positive results regarding engagement, employment, and earnings outcomes. Wisconsin PROMISE youth employment rates went from 1% in 2013 to 67% in 2018, 10-percentage points higher than observed with the control group. CONCLUSION: An overview of early findings from the Wisconsin PROMISE project site related to VR engagement, employment, and earnings outcomes of youth and family participants provides lessons learned that can be applied to VR practice. Show more

Keywords: Employment, transition-aged youth, disability, SSI

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-191036

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 51, no. 2, pp. 167-181, 2019

Authors: Saleh, Matthew C. | Shaw, Leslie | Malzer, Valerie | Podolec, Michelle

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Interagency collaboration is one of the most highly recommended practices in transition to adulthood for youth with disabilities, but it is also one of the least empirically understood. Recent literature cites the need to clarify collaboration as a construct, and focus on collaborative practices and processes to supplement research on antecedents and outcomes. OBJECTIVES: This exploratory, mixed methods research looks to highlight collaborative practices and processes in NYS PROMISE, a statewide project aiming to improve outcomes for youth with disabilities who receive Supplemental Security Income. The project used interagency agreements to specify required service coordination processes, communications, …information sharing, professional development, and cross-training. METHODS: The mixed methods approach combines three studies. In Study 1, the Levels of Collaboration Survey (LCS, Frey et al., 2006 ) provided data on regional network changes over time. In Study 2, an organizational attitudes and experiences (OAE) survey measured satisfaction of partner communications. In Study 3, qualitative analysis of biannual on-site interviews helped contextualize the characteristics of partnerships that project staff found effective. RESULTS: In a descriptive sense, the LCS showed increases in regional cohesion, peaking in the project’s penultimate year. Changes were statistically significant in at least one region. OAE responses showed regional increases in satisfaction with partner communications. Qualitative analysis indicated that characteristics of partnerships described as effective included: (a) joint objectives and clearly defined roles; (b) extensive sharing of information and resources; and (c) frequent communication (formal and informal). Staff turnover, inadequate organizational capacity, and partners not executing key functions were described as barriers to productive collaboration. CONCLUSIONS: Feedback from project staff provides clarification of the experiences of agency staff coordinating services, and helps refine certain constructs and assumptions common in collaboration research about transition. The authors discuss implications for future research and the development of sustainable systems of interagency collaboration in the field of transition. Show more

Keywords: Transition to adulthood, interagency collaboration, service coordination, transition planning, youth with disabilities, Supplemental Security Income, PROMISE

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-191037

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 51, no. 2, pp. 183-198, 2019

Authors: Chambless, Catherine E. | McCormick, Sara | Ipsen, Catherine | Kurth, Noelle | Hall, Jean

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: As one of the PROMISE projects, ASPIRE sought to enhance education and career outcomes to reduce long-term reliance on SSI. Self-determination training was offered to transition-age youth with disabilities receiving SSI as an evidence-based intervention to improve employment and post-secondary outcomes. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the implementation of self-determination training for transition-age youth with disabilities, and provide lessons learned to inform future programs. METHODS: Researchers used grounded theory and qualitative methods to obtain data on challenges encountered and successful strategies for delivering self-determination training to youth with disabilities. Informants were case managers and trainers in a …six-state demonstration. RESULTS: Challenges encountered included low attendance and adapting training for groups with a range of disabilities. Successful strategies included scheduling other events in conjunction with the self-determination workshops and adapting the curriculum to be more interactive and relevant to the interests of teens. Youth outcomes were enhanced by increasing self-awareness and skills for disability disclosure. CONCLUSION: Considering the wide variety of training content and delivery formats, self-determination training can prepare youth with disabilities for post-secondary education and employment. Show more

Keywords: Transition, disability, employment, SSI, self-determination

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-191038

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 51, no. 2, pp. 199-210, 2019

Authors: Ipsen, Catherine | Kurth, Noelle | McCormick, Sara | Hall, Jean P. | Chambless, Catherine

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Youth with disabilities receiving SSI experience economic disparities across the lifespan. PROMISE demonstrations strived to overcome these disparities by offering an array of services to improve long-term economic outcomes. Unfortunately, people living at or near poverty often focus energies on meeting basic needs rather than engaging in future-oriented activities. OBJECTIVE: This paper explores engagement with PROMISE services at one demonstration site (called ASPIRE) as a predictor of intermediary employment outcomes. METHODS: Study 1 uses youth survey data at enrollment and 36-months to compare intermediary outcomes between ASPIRE control and intervention youth (n  = 1241). Study 2 …uses participation data from case management records to construct a logistic regression to explore predictors of employment for ASPIRE intervention youth. Study 3 uses case management records about training participation to explore impacts of various ASPIRE engagement strategies. RESULTS: Study 1. There were few differences between intervention and control group participants in terms of self-determination, expectations, employment, and education 36-months after enrollment. Study 2. Intervention youth receiving higher rates of face-to-face case-management services (OR = 1.181) and career exploration activities in year 2 (OR = 1.516) and year 1 (OR = 1.426) become employed at higher rates in year 3, relative to those receiving fewer services. Study 3. Engagement with ASPIRE services was low across the project. A large incentive in the final 7-months of the project resulted in an exponential increase in financial literacy training participation. CONCLUSIONS: Future demonstrations focused on SSI youth with disabilities should utilize incentives early in the project to promote engagement with case-management services and future-oriented training and activities. Show more

Keywords: Transition, disability, employment, SSI, engagement

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-191039

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 51, no. 2, pp. 211-224, 2019