Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation - Volume 6, issue 1

Authors: Wehman, Paul

Article Type: Other

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-1996-6101

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 6, no. 1, pp. 1-2, 1996

Authors: Brooke, Valerie | Barcus, Michael

Article Type: Other

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-1996-6102

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 6, no. 1, pp. 3-5, 1996

Authors: Everson, Jane M.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Person-centered approaches, such as personal futures planning, are currently being proposed as alternatives to traditional systems-centered approaches for school-to-adult life transition services. Because of the time and other resource commitments required, many service providers and families do not readily embrace these approaches. As a result, many individuals with disabilities who could benefit from more person-centered planning approaches continue to receive traditional, systems-centered services. The purpose of this article is to discuss the application of selected person-centered planning concepts not as an alternative to traditional planning approaches, but as a mechanism for enhancing traditional IEP and transition planning approaches.

Keywords: Person-centred planning, School-to-adult life, Transition planning

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-1996-6103

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 6, no. 1, pp. 7-13, 1996

Authors: Moon, M. Sherril

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: People with disabilities often have more free time than their peers who do not experience a disability. This paper introduces people with disabilities, service providers, advocates and families to the basics of inclusive recreational programs. Characteristics of quality recreational programs include choice, age appropriateness, family involvement, leisure education, partial participation, and social rights.

Keywords: Disability, Community recreation activities, Family involvement, Social rights

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-1996-6104

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 6, no. 1, pp. 15-21, 1996

Authors: Parent, Wendy

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Supported employment has proven to be a successful service option in terms of outcomes and participant satisfaction. Most studies to date have focused upon the attitudes of employers, rehabilitation counselors, parents, and advocates with little information available as to the opinions of the consumers who are the primary customers. This article summarizes the views of 110 consumers of supported employment who share information about their experiences and their feelings about their jobs and the services they receive. Practical strategies and a Consumer Satisfaction Survey tool are presented to assist practitioners, consumers, and advocates with enhancing consumer choice and satisfaction in …supported employment. Show more

Keywords: Consumer choice, Supported employment, Satisfaction survey

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-1996-6105

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 6, no. 1, pp. 23-30, 1996

Authors: Sasnett, Genni | Wesley, Cheryl

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: In the session entitled Stress and burnout — you've got to be kidding!!!! (How to manage your time and avoid stress as an employment specialist), the presenters shared the results of a study of employment specialists. The study examined how these individuals in the metropolitan Washington, DC area are coping with the pressures of their exciting but ever-demanding jobs. Information was provided to educate employment specialists on how to recognize stress and identify factors which may contribute to it. Suggestions for proactive strategies to reduce the occurrence of stress were offered, along with recommendations on how to effectively manage time …and cope with stress when it inevitably occurs. Managers of supported employment programs were also offered ideas about providing quality supports to one of their best customers, the employment specialist. Show more

Keywords: Stress management, Time management, Supported employment, Employment specialists

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-1996-6106

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 6, no. 1, pp. 31-40, 1996

Authors: Killam, Susan G. | Petranek, Ilene | Harding, Gregory

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: For many years individuals with the most severe disabilities have been denied the opportunity to participate in community integrated competitive employment. Parents and advocates have begun to get frustrated with the limited service that are available in local communities. Yet, efforts by parents to expand services have been stymied due to a lack of knowledge of supported employment, funding, policy and staffing issues. The purpose of this article is to describe the establishment of one supported employment program founded and directed by parents in Jefferson Parish, Louisiana.

Keywords: Severe disabilities, Competitive employment, Parents, Supported employment program

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-1996-6107

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 6, no. 1, pp. 41-45, 1996

Authors: Comegys, Addie | Ainsworth, Roberta

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: With a combined parental effort of 49 years, the authors have unequivocally realized that they have gone in circles with efforts to put in place an appropriate community life style for their children. This article briefly traces each author's individual experiences to date which have led them to ask: ‘When will parents’ perspectives and knowledge be relevant to the delivery of services or supports?' Several consumer/family driven initiatives; A Home of Your Own; Inclusion; Families Organizing for Change; and the possibility of a class action law suit as a tool for change, are discussed.

Keywords: Parents' perspectives, Community services and support, Individual experiences

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-1996-6108

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 6, no. 1, pp. 47-51, 1996

Authors: Turner, Ed | Perry-Varner, Elizabeth

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Over the last several years organizations and agencies, across the country, have begun developing and delivering excellent self-advocacy training programs. Classroom training programs, by themselves are not proving effective as a strategy to assist persons with disabilities to obtain suitable careers. Unemployment among persons with disabilities continues to remain at a high level. An effective self-advocacy mentor program can assist the customer in navigating the vocational delivery system in route to a career. With vocational rehabilitation programs coming under attack for being too expensive and ineffective, it is time to use creative and innovative approaches. Experienced self-advocates. serving as mentors, …and working in partnership with vocational counselors is an approach worthy of consideration. This article will describe the development of the Rehabilitation Research and Training Center's self advocacy mentoring program. Show more

Keywords: Self advocacy, Training programs, Development, Mentoring program

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-1996-6109

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 6, no. 1, pp. 53-61, 1996

Authors: Bodgan, Andrea

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Current legislation makes specific, many provisions such as affirmative action, research, promotion of new services, demonstration of innovative approaches, service to remote areas, new technologies to level the playing field and the systematic dissemination of this information. The present difficulty is in actualizing the theory and making good on the promise. This paper will review some of the important changes that have occurred over the last several years in the field of rehabilitation and share current trends. In addition, the purpose, goals and approach for a customer driven approach to organizational change will be provided. Key concepts related to this …new approach to organizational change will be highlighted. Show more

Keywords: Organizational change, New approach, Rehabilitation

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-1996-6110

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 6, no. 1, pp. 63-68, 1996