Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation - Volume 56, issue 3

Authors: Lambert, Aliza | Lau, Stephanie | Camden, Jaclyn

Article Type: Brief Report

Abstract: BACKGROUND: During the onset of COVID-19, universities across the country shifted to virtual modalities. For inclusive postsecondary education programs, this shift required developing new strategies to continue highly individualized supports for students with ID/DD. Navigating this shift demanded collaboration and communication between program staff and students. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this practice brief is to share strategies used in the 2020-2021 academic school year for VCU ACE-IT in College. In this practice brief, ACE-IT staff reflect on practices to support virtual work and school so other inclusive postsecondary education programs can replicate innovative supports. METHODS: To …prepare this practice brief, program staff reviewed program materials and identified programmatic changes that occurred during the 2020-2021 academic year. Program materials included student academic and career case notes, employment shift notes, staff meeting agendas, communications between staff and college instructors, and program training materials. RESULTS: Program staff implemented a variety of strategies to improve organization and communication between students, program staff, college faculty, and employers. Many of these systems have been retained since the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. CONCLUSION: Alternative formats for work and school continue to evolve. It is critical for inclusive postsecondary education programs to integrate virtual supports into their practices so students can prepare to enter the pandemic and post-pandemic workforce. Show more

Keywords: Inclusive postsecondary education, virtual employment, virtual education, pandemic

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-221184

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 56, no. 3, pp. 209-216, 2022

Authors: Buckley, Cecilia Pohs | Powers, Brady Foster

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: In response to a request for training by a state vocational rehabilitation unit on verbal de-escalation for staff, the authors searched the literature on de-escalation best practices specifically in the context of vocational rehabilitation. There was a paucity of literature on the topic. To meet the training request for the state vocational rehabilitation staff, the authors paired the psychometrically validated English Modified De-Escalating Aggressive Behaviour Scale (EMDABS) best practices with motivational interviewing (MI) techniques to support verbal de-escalation. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this article is to describe the best practices of the EMDABS and how …certain MI techniques and attitudes can support verbal de-escalation efforts by staff in the vocational rehabilitation process. METHODS: The authors searched literature on de-escalation best practices specifically in the context of vocational rehabilitation. RESULTS: The authors found the psychometrically validated EMDABS best practices paired with MI techniques are potential useful tools to support verbal de-escalation in the process of vocational rehabilitation. CONCLUSION: MI techniques and the EMDABS best practices are useful tools for vocational rehabilitation and employment services staff. Research is needed regarding the applicability of these techniques and practices across the full range of vocational rehabilitation clients. Show more

Keywords: Verbal de-escalation, motivational interviewing, vocational rehabilitation, trauma informed care

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-221185

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 56, no. 3, pp. 217-222, 2022

Authors: Buncher, Amanda | Daston, Maryellen

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: People with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) face chronically low rates of employment and high rates of poverty. These effects are amplified for women and ethnic minorities. Project SEARCH was developed to help address this disparity in employment. OBJECTIVE: This report looks at the demographic make-up of Project SEARCH participants and compares employment outcomes by gender, race and ethnicity, and disability type. METHODS: Authors examined data from 3,773 interns in the United States during the 2018-19 program year. Data were entered by representatives of 523 licensed program sites into the Project SEARCH database, which is …accessed via a secure online Member Portal. RESULTS: The demographic make-up of Project SEARCH interns was representative of the U.S. population, but with some overrepresentation of racial and ethnic minorities and underrepresentation of females, consistent with patterns of enrollment in special education. There were no large differences in employment outcomes of Project SEARCH graduates based on race, ethnicity, gender, or disability type. Some small differences were observed, and these will be explored further in future studies. CONCLUSIONS: Project SEARCH serves a diverse population effectively and equitably. However, there are some differences in outcomes that warrant further investigation. Show more

Keywords: Transition, supported employment, intellectual and developmental disability

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-221186

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 56, no. 3, pp. 223-229, 2022

Authors: Migliore, Alberto | Petrick, Michael | Dierks, Kevin | Finkle, Preston | Suyer, Alex

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Over the past decades, researchers have made tremendous progress in identifying standards of practice for supporting job seekers with disabilities achieve their career goals. However, little is known about the actual implementation of these standards, which may affect the quality of services, and thus put job seekers at a higher risk of not fully realizing their career goals. OBJECTIVE: To explore how electronic documentation software could be leveraged to monitor the implementation of national standards in employment supports for quality improvement. METHODS: A panel of three vendors of electronic documentation software shared their experiences at …the 2021 Association of People Supporting Employment First (APSE) conference. RESULTS: Most employment programs use their electronic documentation software primarily for billing and compliance reporting. Lack of standard metrics and guidelines are a challenge to leverage technology for quality improvement. CONCLUSIONS: There is a need for standard metrics and guidelines so employment programs can leverage technology for quality improvement of employment services and outcomes. Show more

Keywords: Job development, employment services, technology, evidence-based, intellectual disabilities

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-221187

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 56, no. 3, pp. 231-236, 2022

Authors: Bishop, Malachy | Lee, Deborah | Zhou, Kaiqi | Iwanaga, Kanako | Chan, Fong | Tansey, Timothy

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: This article summarizes the results of a needs assessment survey project presented at the 2021 National APSE Virtual Conference. This research was conducted by the Vocational Rehabilitation Technical Assistance Center for Quality Employment (VRTAC-QE), a Technical Assistance Center funded by the Rehabilitation Services Administration, U.S. Department of Education. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of the survey was to determine technical assistance and training needs of state VR counselors in four practice domains: (a) outreach services, (b) pre-employment transition services, (c) vocational rehabilitation services, and (d) employment services. METHODS: A national survey was conducted among 229 state vocational …rehabilitation agency (SVRA) professionals, including directors, staff, and VR counselors, and 92 professionals in community-based rehabilitation agencies (CBRA), allowing a comparison of the relative importance ratings of the two groups. RESULTS: The ratings of both SVRA and CBRA professionals were generally aligned, but with some significant differences, as discussed in more detail in Tansey et al. (in press) . CONCLUSIONS: The priorities identified through this survey will support the development and implementation of technical assistance activities that are responsive to the needs of SVRA professionals providing vocational rehabilitation to persons with disabilities and increasing the capacity of these agencies to promote quality employment outcomes. Show more

Keywords: Vocational rehabilitation, employment, technical assistance, needs assessment, outreach

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-221188

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 56, no. 3, pp. 237-242, 2022

Authors: Martin, Rachelle A. | Nunnerley, Joanne L. | Young, Timothy | Hall, Andrew | Snell, Deborah L. | Hackney, Jonathan J. | Bourke, John A. | Derrett, Sarah | Dunn, Jennifer A.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Early intervention vocational rehabilitation (EIVR) is used to optimize return to work (RTW) outcomes for people following spinal cord injury (SCI). However, theoretical clarity is required about how EIVR works, for whom and under what circumstances. OBJECTIVE: To develop a theoretical understanding of how people respond to EIVR following SCI and the contexts in which mechanisms of intervention effect are likely to be activated. METHODS: Realist research methods were used to analyze interviews with 30 participants who had received EIVR following SCI. RESULTS: We conceptualized the reporting of our analyses using a travel …metaphor, encapsulating the types and degree of wayfinding support participants required to think about, plan and action their vocational aspirations. Developing, maintaining and enacting hope, supporting self-identity and vocational identity, and focusing on environmental context adaptations required to enact vocational aspirations, appear to be critical mechanisms of intervention effect within EIVR. CONCLUSIONS: Various contexts and mechanisms of EIVR contribute to successful negotiation, achievement and sustainability of RTW outcomes for people following SCI. These theoretical understandings can refine EIVR service provision within SCI rehabilitation and inform how EIVR can improve RTW outcomes for people with acquired neurological conditions in other rehabilitation contexts. Show more

Keywords: Keywords: Spinal cord injury, early vocational rehabilitation, return to work, community participation, rehabilitation research

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-221189

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 56, no. 3, pp. 243-254, 2022

Authors: Müller, Eve | Evans, Danielle Pouliot | Offutt, Kelly | Kern, Ann

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Critical information for supporting students with developmental disabilities is often lost in the process of transitioning from school to work and other domains of post-school life. OBJECTIVE: This study examines the impact of This is Me (TiME), an electronic secondary transition tool, on novel adults’ abilities to learn about students’ supports/interests. TiME stories are customized tools, created in collaboration with students using their personal iDevices, that allow students to teach new adults in their lives about themselves by sharing picture and video clip examples of support strategies necessary for communication, executive function, and other vital information. …METHODS: Participants were transition-aged students with communication disorders and developmental disabilities (e.g., autism and/or intellectual disabilities) each paired with a novel adult. We used a randomized control design to compare novel adults’ knowledge of students before and after viewing students’ TiME stories. RESULTS: Following sharing of students’ TiME stories, new adults were able to describe significantly more about students’ strategies and other personal information than following unaided conversations. CONCLUSION: TiME stories offer a promising tool for supporting transition-aged students to teach new employers, employment service providers, and other adult service staff about their strengths and needs at work and in other post-school contexts. Show more

Keywords: Secondary transition, digital transition portfolio, iPhone, self-advocacy, communication disorder, autism spectrum disorder, intellectual disability

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-221190

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 56, no. 3, pp. 255-269, 2022

Authors: Wharakura, Mary-Kaye | Lockett, Helen | Carswell, Peter | Henderson, Geraldine | Kongs-Taylor, Heather | Gasparini, Jessica

Article Type: Review Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: People with mental health and addiction issues have significantly lower levels of labor force participation than the general population. How organizations collaborate, particularly employment and health services, influence this disparity. Whilst collaboration has been examined, investigation of the role of collaboration context is limited. OBJECTIVE: To identify what affects collaboration to support people with mental health and addiction issues into employment. METHODS: A review and synthesis of the collaborative healthcare literature identified important a priori factors at macro, meso, and micro levels. A targeted scoping review of vocational rehabilitation literature identified the collaboration factors …most relevant to supporting people with mental health and addiction issues into employment. RESULTS: Twenty articles met the inclusion criteria for the scoping review. Whilst some factors affecting collaboration aligned across these different contexts, there were notable differences. The vocational rehabilitation literature emphasized roles and responsibilities, contracting, training and technical assistance, sharing information, relationship continuity and practitioner value alignment. There was less emphasis in the vocational rehabilitation literature on practitioners’ beliefs about collaboration, how agencies work together around the person, and on infrastructure support. CONCLUSIONS: Collaboration in the context of supporting people with mental health and addiction issues into employment needs planning and support. Whilst many factors known to enable collaboration remain important, the collaboration context matters. Show more

Keywords: Mental health, addiction, employment, collaboration factors, review, vocational rehabilitation

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-221191

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 56, no. 3, pp. 271-287, 2022

Authors: Østerud, Kaja Larsen

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: How to disclose an impairment during the hiring process is an important question for disabled people, yet the associated employer perspective remains overlooked in the literature. OBJECTIVE: The article investigates whether, when and how employers prefer jobseekers to disclose their impairment during the recruitment process. Stigma and impression management is used as a theoretical lens to interpret employer responses. METHODS: The article uses interview data from 38 Norwegian employers paired with behavioral data from a recruitment situation. Prior to the interviews, the employers were subjected to a field experiment wherein pairs of fictitious applications were …submitted for real job listings. In these, one of the applicants disclosed either a mobility impairment or a mental health condition. RESULTS: The findings show that disability disclosure is a balancing act between appearing candid and demonstrating competence and that employers favor identity management strategies that present disability in a positive and unobtrusive manner and downplay the impairment. The employers favored disclosure but expected wheelchair users to disclose their impairment earlier than people with mental health conditions. Furthermore, employers with a relational view on disability were found to be more open to hiring disabled people. CONCLUSIONS: The article illustrates how disclosure expectations can represent a significant disability penalty, thus hampering employment advancement for disabled people. Show more

Keywords: Disability, disclosure, recruitment, stigma, identity management

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-221192

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 56, no. 3, pp. 289-302, 2022

Authors: Paul, Claire Donehower | Thomas, Erin Vinoski | Marelle, Chelsea | Hussain, Sharish Z. | Doulin, Allison M. | Jimenez, Eliseo

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The benefits of successful integrated employment for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) are immense. However, barriers contributing to high rates of unemployment among people with IDD, such as lack of appropriate training for employers and inadequate supports, are still widespread. Ensuring access to technology in the workplace is one method to support employees with IDD and mitigate those barriers. Furthermore, assistive technology may provide a simple and cost-effective intervention in the vocational setting. OBJECTIVE: In this study, we conducted a series of focus groups with adults with IDD and their family members to explore the …use of technology by individuals with IDD in vocational contexts. METHODS: We used a qualitative descriptive approach to frame the study design. Data were analyzed using a multi-cycle thematic coding process. RESULTS: Four major themes emerged from the analysis: participants ’ wireless/wearable technology use , benefits and facilitators of technology use at work , barriers and challenges to technology use at work , and expectations for and outcomes associated with technology supports in the workplace . CONCLUSIONS: Findings have the potential to impact employer education and training on benefits of appropriate technology use for individuals with IDD at work, onboarding and training of individuals with IDD when using technology at work, and funding responsibility for technology in the workplace. Show more

Keywords: Intellectual disabilities, developmental disabilities, vocational, wireless technology

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-221193

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 56, no. 3, pp. 303-312, 2022