Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation - Volume 6, issue 1

Authors: Griffin, Cary C.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Community-based rehabilitation organizations are undergoing profound change due to the influence of growing consumer self-advocacy, family need, resource redirection and policy change at local, state, and national levels. In changing to best support individuals with disabilities, community-based agencies are restructuring in substantive ways. This paper explores key elements that managers and leaders should consider when instituting change programs in their agencies. The recommendations contained herein are based upon anecdotal information collected while consulting with and providing training to community-based rehabilitation agencies nationwide.

Keywords: Community-Rehabilitation, Organizational change, Supported employment

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-1996-6111

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 6, no. 1, pp. 69-76, 1996

Authors: Tilson Jr., George

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: TransCen Inc. has provided consultation and technical assistance to over 700 companies nationwide since 1986. Through these business partnerships with companies both these large and small TransCen has played a significant role in the employment of 2500 people with disabilities. The purpose of this paper is to share some critical concepts that have been learned through these experiences that will aid supported employment programs to build strong relationships with employers while maintaining a strong customer service focus.

Keywords: Critical concepts, Business relationships, Supported employment programs

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-1996-6112

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 6, no. 1, pp. 77-82, 1996

Authors: Mank, David Michael

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: This paper is the result of a crackerbarrel discussion session held at the Virginia Commonwealth University Symposium on Supported Employment in April 1995. The focus of this discussion session was a review of the experiences of participants in working with the business community to expand the employment of people with severe disabilities. This included discussion of lessons learned as well as specific ideas for defining and expanding a new partnership with business that benefits people with severe disabilities, the business community and the workplace. Based on the discussion, nine specific ideas are presented that show promise in defining this new …partnership. Show more

Keywords: Employment, People with severe disabilities, Business community

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-1996-6113

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 6, no. 1, pp. 83-88, 1996

Authors: Lynch, Christy S. | Noonan Walsh, Patricia

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: In 1988, St. Michael's House Research in Dublin, Ireland undertook a 3-year innovative project, OPEN ROAD, in order to promote the social and vocational integration of adults with more severe levels of intellectual disability (mental retardation). Specifically, OPEN ROAD worked with persons who had never been employed and who had never taken part in any type of vocational training. This paper describes OPEN ROAD's (1) small-scale yet radical departure from traditional services; (2) systems conversion which underlay all phases of the operation; and (3) key outcomes for participants, their families, employers and members of staff. In addition, emergent issues which …continue to shape the growth of the Supported Employment movement in Europe will be presented. Show more

Keywords: OPEN ROAD, Intellectual disability, Social and vocational integration

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-1996-6114

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 6, no. 1, pp. 89-95, 1996

Authors: Korpel, Marcel H.T.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Successful implementation of supported employment in the Netherlands will only be obtained if this vocational integration strategy is tailored to the cultural context of the Dutch society. This paper will describe the implementation of supported employment in the Netherlands by identifying features of the labor market, as well as present some of the author's views on the cultural differences between the United States and the Netherlands. In addition, the Dutch mental health system and services for individuals with psychiatric disabilities will be discussed. Finally, efforts to include individuals with psychiatric disabilities in the Rotterdam labor market through supported employment will …be presented. Show more

Keywords: Supported employment, Netherlands, Psychiatric disabilities

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-1996-6115

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 6, no. 1, pp. 97-105, 1996

Authors: Miano, Margaret M. | Ball Nalven, Ellen | Hoff, David

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: The ‘Pachysandra Project’, sponsored jointly by Our House, Inc. and The Prudential Insurance Company of America, is a supported employment program which employs internal supports almost exclusively. Since its inception in 1992, eleven individuals, most with mental retardation, have been employed at The Prudential at three different locations. A project manager, who is a member of the staff of the Our House Employment Services, works on-site at the Newark, New Jersey headquarters of The Prudential. Co-workers of the supported employees are trained as mentors, and they, along with other departmental staff, provide the supports. The Pachysandra Project has demonstrated that …supported employees with developmental disabilities can perform well in a large corporate environment, providing valuable services to the company. Furthermore, it provides a model for replication in developing an internal support system in other corporations. Show more

Keywords: Pachysandra project, Supported employment, Developmental disabilities, Corporate environment

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-1996-6116

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 6, no. 1, pp. 107-118, 1996

Article Type: Other

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-1996-6117

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 6, no. 1, pp. 119-120, 1996