Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation - Volume 53, issue 1

Authors: McDonnall, Michele C. | Cmar, Jennifer L. | Tatch, Andrew J.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The passage of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act has placed renewed emphasis on employer engagement for vocational rehabilitation (VR) agencies, but many rehabilitation counselors are not comfortable with this activity. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a business development training created specifically for rehabilitation counselors for the blind. METHOD: We utilized a switching-replications design that included providing the 19-hour training to counselors within four VR agencies at two different time points, and we collected outcome data over an 18-month time span. Outcome measures were self-efficacy for business development, …adherence to the dual customer approach, business development knowledge, and self-perceived business development knowledge, skills, and comfort. RESULTS: Results indicated that the training was associated with an improvement in all outcomes, although its effectiveness for some outcomes differed by agency. The effectiveness of the training over time differed by agency. One agency, in particular, exhibited significant increases on all outcome measures that were retained over the course of the study. CONCLUSIONS: Agency context was relevant when implementing this training, and incorporating agency-wide changes to support counselors in conducting business development activities may be necessary for such a training to be effective over time. Show more

Keywords: Business development, employer engagement, vocational rehabilitation counselors, training effectiveness

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-201081

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 53, no. 1, pp. 1-16, 2020

Authors: Carlson, Sarah R. | Wilt, Courtney L.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: To support adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities to experience a better-quality life, national, state, and local governments offer a variety of long-term services and supports. However, the responsibility of qualifying for and accessing long-term services and supports often falls outside of these systems and on the adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. OBJECTIVE: Given the family’s role in securing long-term services and supports, this qualitative study investigated the perspectives of families of adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their experiences learning about and qualifying for Home and Community-Based Services Waivers, a common …funding source for long-term services and supports. METHODS: Relying upon qualitative methods associated with grounded theory, six mothers of adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities from three states were interviewed. RESULTS: Analysis of interview transcripts revealed five themes addressing: families’ reasons for seeking HCBS Waivers, families’ experiences learning about HCBS Waivers, frustrations encountered, families’ suggestions for change, and parents’ characteristics and roles. CONCLUSION: Interview results provided a nuanced understanding of participants’ perspectives and experiences, highlighting their active participation, emphasizing the challenges they have encountered, and uncovering their suggestions for change. Implications for research and practice are discussed. Show more

Keywords: Families, home and community-based services waivers, intellectual disability, qualitative research

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-201082

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 53, no. 1, pp. 17-28, 2020

Authors: Munandar, Vidya D. | Morningstar, Mary E. | Carlson, Sarah R.

Article Type: Review Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: People with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) have lower employment rates than their peers without disabilities or other disabilities. Clear evidence exists regarding video-based interventions (VBIs) for improving task performance and social communication skills for students with ASD. However, such interventions have rarely been applied in integrated employment settings. OBJECTIVE: This systematic literature review aims to examine the utilization and efficacy of video-based interventions in improving the skills required to secure and maintain a job for youth and adults with ASD. METHODS: A systematic literature review was conducted on peer-reviewed articles on VBIs and ASD from …electronic databases (n.d. –2019), an ancestral search of retrieved studies, and a hand search of retrieved journals. RESULTS: Effective approaches were identified from among 19 studies that met the inclusion criteria. Sixteen of the studies focused on teaching job performance skills associated with specific job duties. Only three studies targeted the utility of VBIs to improve job search skills. CONCLUSION: The results indicated that VBIs produce positive results in improving job performance skills. These positive results suggest promising future studies using VBIs to help equip people with ASD with the skills necessary to find and obtain employment. Show more

Keywords: Autism, video-based interventions, job, employment

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-201083

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 53, no. 1, pp. 29-41, 2020

Authors: Mamboleo, George | Dong, Shengli | Anderson, Sean | Molder, Adrionia

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Despite positive impacts of accommodations on college success, students with disabilities continue to experience challenges in requesting and utilizing accommodations. OBJECTIVE: This study examined challenges and facilitators of requesting and implementing accommodations among students with disabilities. METHODS: Two hundred eighty-nine students were recruited from six public universities at a Mid-Atlantic U.S. state. Challenging and facilitative themes were identified using a conventional content analysis. RESULTS: Facilitators for accommodation request include instructor caring and initiatives, and support of Disability Support Services (DSS). Facilitators for implementing accommodations entail instructor understanding and helpfulness, disability services resources, and …student initiatives. Challenges for disability disclosure and accommodation request comprise maintaining uniformity to avoid classmate/instructor stigma, judgment, and unfair advantages; personal insecurity and anxiety; instructor/classmate lack of understanding about invisible disabilities; and students’ lack of knowledge of available accommodations. Challenges for implementing accommodations include instructor lack of understanding and judgment of student; improper facilitation of accommodation by instructor; and DSS counselor did not advocate for students. CONCLUSION: Students with disabilities still experience a great number of challenges to request and utilize accommodations despite the supports from transitional staff/faculty and students’ own initiatives. Helping strategies involving various stakeholders should be applied to assist students with disabilities. Show more

Keywords: Students with disabilities, disclosure, execution of accommodations, facilitators, challenges

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-201084

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 53, no. 1, pp. 43-54, 2020

Authors: Mann, David R. | Hock, Heinrich

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: State vocational rehabilitation (VR) agencies that lack the resources to serve all eligible applicants are required to place applicants with less significant disabilities on waitlists for services. This system for prioritizing applicants is called order of selection (OOS). OOS status changes might motivate VR counselors and applicants to adjust their behavior in important ways. OBJECTIVE: Examine how early milestones in the VR process—including eligibility determinations, determinations of disability significance, and signings of Individualized Plans for Employment (IPEs)—vary around an OOS status change. METHODS: We used case-level data from the 2006–2014 RSA-911 files to investigate a …2008 OOS status change at Florida’s general VR agency. RESULTS: Our results are consistent with systematic changes in how VR counselors make eligibility and disability-significance determinations, although we cannot rule out unmeasured changes over time in the types of people who apply for VR services. We also found that the likelihood of receiving an IPE before an OOS status change varies with key characteristics. CONCLUSIONS: If leaders want to adjust how counselors prioritize IPE completions as an OOS status change approaches, these leaders might consider changing the performance incentives facing their counselors. Show more

Keywords: Vocational rehabilitation, program eligibility, individualized plan for employment, disability Insurance, supplemental security income

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-201085

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 53, no. 1, pp. 55-65, 2020

Authors: Krause, James S. | Iwanaga, Kanako | Reed, Karla S. | Chan, Fong

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Factors beyond employment rate are important to consider when examining employment outcomes after spinal cord injury (SCI). OBJECTIVE: Identify and confirm the factor structure of the newly developed Job Considerations Scale for people with SCI. METHODS: Preliminary focus groups resulted in ten questions rating the importance of specific considerations people have when deciding whether to seek or maintain employment after SCI. The ten items were administered in a self-report study of 2251 adults with SCI. RESULTS: Health insurance/other fringe benefits were rated very or extremely important, followed by enjoyment from working, feeling …better about self, and compensation. Two factors were identified using principal axis factoring with an oblique rotation. Intangible Considerations was comprised of six items, such as feeling better about self and enjoyment from working. Tangible Considerations included three items: compensation, health insurance/other fringe benefits, and advancement opportunities. Confirmatory factor analysis indicated excellent fit (Comparative-Fit Index = 0.964; Root Mean Square Error of Approximation = 0.079). CONCLUSIONS: The Job Considerations Scale is an easy to administer, brief, and reliable scale that may be used as an alternative to more detailed and time-consuming measures. Future research needs to establish its validity and utility with other diagnoses. Show more

Keywords: Spinal cord injuries, job satisfaction, work adjustment

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-201086

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 53, no. 1, pp. 67-75, 2020

Authors: Glade, Rachel | Koch, Lynn C. | Zaandam, Aten | Simon, Lauren S. | Manno, Christine M. | Rumril Jr., Phillip D. | Rosen, Christopher C.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: METHODS: Using grounded theory procedures, we interviewed 26 employed individuals with disabilities who were part of a larger investigation examining how employees with disabilities are treated in the workplace. In this article, we present findings in response to the question: “What can employers do to create more inclusive workplaces in which employees with disabilities are treated with dignity and respect?” RESULTS: Results revealed that it is not only employers who are responsible for creating inclusive workplaces; this responsibility must be shared by employees with disabilities and their co-workers, if an organizational culture of inclusion is to be developed …and maintained. Furthermore, the actions of each member of the organization have a reciprocal impact on the other members in terms of making changes to the organizational culture. CONCLUSION: The participants suggested an abundance of strategies to develop a culture that values workers with disabilities, readily provides them with needed job accommodations, and ensures they are treated with dignity and respect. Implications of these findings for business leaders, vocational rehabilitation (VR) professionals, and workers with disabilities are examined. Future research directions are also explored. Show more

Keywords: Vocational rehabilitation (VR), grounded theory, inclusive workplace

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-201087

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 53, no. 1, pp. 77-88, 2020

Authors: Ipsen, Catherine | Stern, Steven

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Most of the literature on evaluating vocational rehabilitation (VR) programs has taken application to the VR program as given despite the obvious selection issues associated with the decision to apply. OBJECTIVE: In this paper, we focus on the decision to apply for VR services and, in particular, on the effect of ruralness on that decision. METHODS: We use ordinary least squares with and without state-specific fixed effects along with maximum likelihood estimation (MLE) to estimate models of the application decision. RESULTS: We find that people with disabilities from rural counties are less likely …to apply for VR services than people with disabilities in more urban counties. We also find a wide distribution in state-specific fixed effect MLE estimates and show that only a small part of the variation across states is due to variation in Order-of-Selection rules. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that states should sponsor more research to better understand variation in VR application rates across states and across counties. We also suggest how such research could be used to raise low application rates. Show more

Keywords: Rural, vocational rehabilitation, maximum likelihood estimation (MLE)

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-201088

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 53, no. 1, pp. 89-104, 2020

Authors: Fry, Hannah E. | Norwood, Ali A. | Phillips, Brian N. | Fleming, Allison R. | Smith, Guy | Lozano III, Francisco

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: People with disabilities experience barriers to the labor market. Self-efficacy is frequently cited as a barrier to engaging in the workforce, and vocational self-efficacy influences participation in employment. Understanding factors that predict vocational self-efficacy will help promote the inclusion of people with disabilities in the workforce. OBJECTIVE: To examine factors that may predict the vocational self-efficacy of unemployed people with disabilities. METHODS: Adults with disabilities completed an online survey including demographic, disability, social, and strengths-based factors through a crowdsourcing data-collection tool. RESULTS: Results from a hierarchical regression analysis suggests that the ability to …connect with others, family support, adaptation to disability, and fatigue are significantly related to vocational self-efficacy when accounting for all other variables. No demographic variables significantly contributed to the prediction of vocational self-efficacy after accounting for other variables. The final model accounted for 43% of the total variance in vocational self-efficacy. CONCLUSIONS: Results provide new directions for addressing vocational self-efficacy. The most significant variables in the model represent modifiable factors to be directly or indirectly addressed through rehabilitation counseling. More research is needed to determine best practices for addressing these factors through the rehabilitation process and promote vocational self-efficacy and labor market participation of people with disabilities. Show more

Keywords: Job placement, vocational rehabilitation, rehabilitation counseling

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-201089

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 53, no. 1, pp. 105-117, 2020

Authors: Kellems, Ryan O. | Osborne, Kaitlyn | Rowe, Dawn | Gabrielsen, Terisa | Hansen, Blake | Sabey, Christian | Frazier, Brynn | Simons, Kalee | Jensen, Mikaela | Zaru, Mai | Clive, Maggie

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Social skills deficits may hinder learning, terminate relationships, and impede employment. Many individuals with autism and intellectual disability experience difficulties in social judgement, emotional regulation, and interpersonal relationships, all of which can lead to disruptive and aggressive behaviors. Explicit instruction, video modeling, and video feedback are research-based practices that have been used to teach conversation skills to individuals with developmental disabilities and social impairments. OBJECTIVE: This study examined the effects of explicit instruction combined with video modeling and video feedback in teaching conversation-initiation skills to six adults ages 18–20 with autism and intellectual disability in a post-high …school transition program. METHODS: A multiple baseline across dyads design was used, with number of correct initiation responses as the independent variable. The independent variable was an intervention package including explicit verbal instruction with interspersed video modeling clips, followed by video feedback. RESULTS: All six participants acquired the skills and were able to initiate a conversation; five of them maintained these skills over time, demonstrating them without the intervention. CONCLUSIONS: Data supported a evidence functional relation between the intervention package and the participants’ social initiation skills. Social validity responses indicated that participants enjoyed watching the videos of models and especially enjoyed watching the videos of themselves. Show more

Keywords: Social skills, adults, disabilities, autism, video modeling, video feedback, direct instruction

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-201090

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 53, no. 1, pp. 119-130, 2020

Authors: Bloom, Julia | Dorsett, Pat | McLennan, Vanette

Article Type: Review Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Emerging early intervention vocational rehabilitation (EIVR) services aim to improve employment outcomes after SCI. Beyond employment, EIVR services present an opportunity to support psychological resources, potentially promoting coping and adjustment. The construct of psychological empowerment represents several such resources, including hope, self-efficacy, and motivation. OBJECTIVE: To analyse the extant literature on employment after SCI published since 2006, to synthesise the support for and usefulness of the psychological constructs that underpin empowerment in the return to work process, particularly as they pertain to the early phases of rehabilitation. METHODS: A quantitative approach to systematic review, combined …with a narrative synthesis of the literature. RESULTS: Hope, self-efficacy, and motivation were found to be related to RTW after SCI. Research gaps were identified, particularly relating to studies with newly-injured participants. The findings were contextualised within an empowerment framework. CONCLUSIONS: An empowerment model of EIVR could serve to both promote employment outcomes and support psychological wellbeing during early recovery from SCI. Further research is needed to develop this model, establish its use in practice, and explore the benefits of EIVR for a person’s psychological wellbeing. Show more

Keywords: Spinal cord injury, hope, rehabilitation counselling, employment, motivation, self-efficacy, empowerment

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-201091

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 53, no. 1, pp. 131-144, 2020