Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation - Volume 60, issue 1

Authors: Holland, Lisa | St. John, Kendel | Getzel, Elizabeth Evans

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA) requires transition plans for students with disabilities to be based on high-quality, age-appropriate transition assessments. However, educators struggle to garner reliable assessment results for students with significant disabilities, because so few assessments are designed or validated for students with these barriers. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this practice brief is to share details on the process, called Discovering ME, which provides an effective transition assessment and planning tool that is critical to increasing students’ employment outcomes, especially for those who face the most significant barriers to employment. METHODS: Sixty-one students …across rural, urban, and suburban school districts participated in Discovering ME. Data were collected across five years, including demographic information and examples of students’ top career cluster areas for future employment. In addition, a statewide survey was conducted with educators participating in Discovering ME on the effectiveness of this early career planning process. RESULTS: The Discovering ME process provides career-related opportunities for students with significant barriers in the home, school, and community in a variety of career clusters based on their expressed interests. Educators report that the focus of this process on students and their interests helped to create positive experiences for them by creating opportunities for success. CONCLUSION: The Discovering ME process provides students with disabilities with authentic, coordinated career awareness and development activities and the building of self-determination, work readiness, and community integration skills. Show more

Keywords: Transition, person-centered planning, work-based learning, employment preparation, career awareness, discovery

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-230051

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 60, no. 1, pp. 1-6, 2024

Authors: Fry, Hannah E. | Rumrill, Phillip D.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: People with advanced cancer constitute an emerging vocational rehabilitation (VR) consumer population. OBJECTIVE: Following an overview of the nature and needs of Americans who have advanced forms of cancer, the authors present strategies to meet the service and support needs of these individuals across the phases of the VR process. METHODS: The authors present the sequential stages of the VR process, including implications for working with advanced cancer survivors during each stage. RESULTS: The importance of individualized case planning, employer consultation, workplace accommodations, interface with medical and mental health professionals, and adherence to …self-care and symptom management regimens is emphasized throughout the article. CONCLUSION: Growing numbers of people worldwide are surviving advanced cancers for longer periods of time than ever before, which makes them an emerging disability population and rehabilitation clientele. Show more

Keywords: Advances caner, employment, COVID-19, vocational rehabilitation (VR), return-to-work (RTW)

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-230052

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 60, no. 1, pp. 7-17, 2024

Authors: Eberharter, Mona-Elisa | Stummer, Harald

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammation of the central nervous system that can result in cognitive and physical deficits. It can lead to early retirement in 50% of the cases in the first 15 years of the disease without governmental support and to date, there are only a few studies which focus on measures to support people with MS at the workplace. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to analyse the governmental support measures to maintain the working capacity of people with MS and to provide improvements and further approaches for their support. …METHODS: A two-stage study was conducted by means of qualitative interviews. The first study was conducted using the problem-centred form with 10 experts from the health and social care sector who work with people affected by MS. The second study was conducted using qualitative interviews in biographical form with 20 people suffering from MS. RESULTS: The study participants mentioned various suggestions for improving the existing governmental support measures, such as a central support office for illness-related questions, relaxing the strict requirements for support measures, giving the regulation of support measures to federal government, changing the pension system and providing financial support for individual therapies and outpatient therapies. Currently, MS patients lack knowledge about contact persons for MS-specific questions, as well as intensive cooperation between labour market service, health service providers and companies to help find a job. CONCLUSION: A combination of the governmental support measures available so far with the proposed optimisations or additions by MS patients and experts can lead to a significant reduction in disease-specific absences and limitations, which in turn results in the preservation of the ability to work. All suggestions from the interviews need to be explored further to investigate a possible implementation. Show more

Keywords: Multiple sclerosis, governmental support, working capacity, labour market service, rehabilitation

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-230053

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 60, no. 1, pp. 19-26, 2024

Authors: Houseworth, James | Feinstein, Celia | Pettingell, Sandra L. | Bershadsky, Julie | Tichá, Renáta | Lemanowicz, James | Zhang, Alicia

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Community-based employment is a key step for many adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), a group prone to high unemployment, poverty, and dependency. It is also important in order to avoid poverty and progress toward economically stable and independent lifestyles. Increases in community-based employment for individuals with IDD meet the expectations of the HCBS final rule as well as state-wide transition planning requirements and other compliance indicators. OBJECTIVE: The current study explores changes in employment over time before and after the final rule was issued and other initiatives (e.g., Employment First policy) were adopted. This method …provides an important way to detect if the effort is impacting service users with IDD as intended. By comparing three waves of data from the state of Pennsylvania (2013, 2016, and 2019), we can gain insight into changes in employment rates over time among HCBS service users with IDD in light of policy initiatives. METHODS: We used three waves of IM4Q data to compare the growth in employment among 9,486 individual service users with IDD in the state of Pennsylvania. Repeated measures regression using generalized estimating equations (GEEs) was used to examine employment in an integrated setting in the community over time after controlling for age, support needs, residence type, and community type. RESULTS: Controlling for the effects of demographic and environmental characteristics, there was a significant increase in community-based employment among IDD service users in Pennsylvania between 2013 and 2019. Other variables were also associated with employment. CONCLUSION: This study was the first to our knowledge to consider changes in community-based employment across three waves of data for individuals with IDD. The data wave collection periods in Pennsylvania coincided with significant policy changes relevant to service users with IDD. These changes in policy may be effective and warrant both continued exploration of its effects and ways to maximize policy to further integrate adults with IDD into the community. Show more

Keywords: Employment, employment first, intellectual and developmental disability, IDD, community inclusion, longitudinal

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-230054

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 60, no. 1, pp. 27-37, 2024

Authors: Honeycutt, Todd | Luhr, Marlena | Harrison, Emily | Sevak, Purvi

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: State vocational rehabilitation (VR) agencies offer pre-employment transition services (pre-ETS) and other VR services to high school students, but the literature has not documented differences in pre-ETS use by individual characteristics or across individual services. OBJECTIVE: We describe variation in how high school students used services from the Vermont VR agency and how a demonstration program emphasizing work-based learning experiences affected that use. METHOD: The study uses a descriptive approach to explore patterns in youth’s pre-ETS and VR services and outcomes two years after enrolling in a demonstration program. It compares youth with access to …demonstration services (the treatment group) to those using usual services (the control group). RESULTS: Among all control group youth, more than half only used pre-ETS during a 24-month period, while about one-quarter used VR services and the remainder used no services from the VR agency. In contrast, nearly all treatment group youth used some VR services, with a majority (59 percent) using both VR services and pre-ETS. Control group youth who used pre-ETS and VR services differed from those who did not use these services by gender, disability type, employment, and service receipt characteristics; treatment group youth had fewer such differences. Earnings outcomes did not vary in consistent or interpretable ways. CONCLUSION: The findings demonstrate how an intervention designed to promote work-based learning experiences increased pre-ETS and VR use and decreased subgroup differences in service utilization. VR administrators might consider collecting information on potentially eligible students to increase access to and use of services. Show more

Keywords: Vocational rehabilitation, pre-employment transition services, high school students, youth with disabilities, Linking Learning to Careers

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-230055

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 60, no. 1, pp. 39-52, 2024

Authors: McKelvey, Susan P. | Lambert, Aliza | Camden, Jaclyn | Getzel, Elizabeth Evans | Norris, Spenser

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Students with intellectual and developmental disabilities lag behind their peers without disabilities when it comes to participation in college and employment. In response to this, researchers at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) created an online, six-week course for staff who work with students with disabilities in inclusive postsecondary education (IPSE) programs. OBJECTIVE: To create a course and technical assistance (TA) based on implementing supported employment strategies through VCU’s ACE-IT in College model, using evidence-based employment practices. The course and TA were developed to increase the skills of IPSE program staff, as well as increase the number of paid …internship opportunities for the students in their programs. METHODS: VCU staff offered a six-week training program, followed by yearlong technical assistance to college and university staff who implement inclusive postsecondary education programs. The researchers conducted a case study of one program and followed them through the course and their TA activities. Data examined were: facilitated discussion board responses, needs assessment results, meeting notes and case study notes, as well as goals and strategies they developed. RESULTS: Results indicate a need for more staff and funding, as well as university buy-in. The fidelity of implementation allowed researchers to make slight adjustments for future TA participants. CONCLUSION: One participating program emerged as a case study site, and results indicate a need for more staff and funding. Detailed descriptions and technical assistant support strategies are provided, as well as implications for further research. Show more

Keywords: Inclusive postsecondary education, supported employment, intellectual and developmental disability, IDD

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-230056

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 60, no. 1, pp. 53-62, 2024

Authors: Donahue, Meghan Lee | Paquet, Victor | Casucci, Sabrina | Nikolaev, Alexander

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The U.S. Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) program helps people with disabilities gain or improve employment. However, previous research into program outcomes has primarily focused on subsets of participants with specific diagnoses instead of the full population. OBJECTIVE: We chronicled the population’s personal characteristics, services received, and program outcomes to inform hypotheses about relationships between personal characteristics, services, and program outcomes. METHODS: These characteristics were analyzed for all 572,490 adult cases that closed between 2017 and 2018. Descriptive statistical distributions compare the applicants with their two subgroups: participants and non-participants. RESULTS: Seven of the 20 …primary impairment categories encompassed 78%of applicants. Sixty-three percent of applicants completed an individualized plan for employment (IPE) and became participants. Eighty-five percent of participants and 43%of non-participants received VR services. Half of VR participants exited unemployed and 44%achieved competitive integrated employment (CIE). Two-thirds of non-participants exited before developing their IPE mostly because they either lost interest in VR or VR lost the ability to talk to them. CONCLUSION: The results describe variables that can potentially affect program enrollment and program outcomes. Future work assessing VR should consider these variables when evaluating services that are most impactful to exiting employment. Show more

Keywords: Rehabilitation, vocational, treatment outcome, employment, rehabilitation research

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-230057

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 60, no. 1, pp. 63-85, 2024

Authors: Mahoehney, Danielle | Lee, Seunghee | Bershadsky, Julie | Butterworth, John

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic forced an immediate change to the delivery of employment supports and services for jobseekers and workers with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) across the United States. OBJECTIVE: This study examines how employment consultants and employment program managers adjusted the delivery of their supports to continue to provide services to jobseekers and employees with IDD during the pandemic. METHOD: A total of 11 employment consultants and employment program managers from 10 states participated in semi-structured interviews about the effects of the pandemic on their provision of employment services and on …the people they support. The data were analyzed thematically. RESULTS: Four overarching themes regarding changes in support delivery were identified: 1) Immediate needs at pandemic onset; 2) Preparing for jobs; 3) Finding jobs; and 4) Keeping jobs. CONCLUSION: The adaptations and innovations made to employment services during the pandemic, especially regarding remote services, offer new and innovative approaches to helping people with IDD find and keep employment beyond the pandemic. Show more

Keywords: COVID-19 pandemic, employment consultants, employment support and services, intellectual and developmental disabilities

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-230058

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 60, no. 1, pp. 87-97, 2024

Authors: Weathers, Robert | Kelly, Paul | Hemmeter, Jeffrey

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The Stephen Beck Jr. Achieving a Better Life Experience Act of 2014 (ABLE Act) authorized state-administered tax-preferred savings programs for individuals with a disability called ABLE accounts. OBJECTIVE: Examine ABLE account participation rates and amounts held by Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients who are eligible for ABLE accounts and use the findings to identify methods to improve ABLE account participation. METHODS: Descriptive analysis using Social Security program data on the population of SSI recipients eligible for ABLE accounts to quantify: the prevalence of ABLE account use; participation rates among those eligible for ABLE accounts by …demographic and socio-economic characteristics, state of residence, and state-level tax incentives; and amounts accumulated in ABLE accounts. RESULTS: As of December 2021, 36,610 SSI recipients owned ABLE accounts with a median value of $3,222, and the participation rate is 1.1 percent among SSI recipients whose disability occurred before age 26. We document substantial differences in participation rates by demographic and socioeconomic characteristics, across states, and by the availability of state-level tax incentives. CONCLUSION: ABLE account use among SSI recipients is relatively low. Differences in participation rates indicate that evidence-based methods to increase participation can improve savings and economic well-being. Show more

Keywords: Disability, public policy, social security, medicaid, asset building, health care, rehabilitation

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-230059

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 60, no. 1, pp. 99-119, 2024

Authors: Wen, Benjamin | van Rensburg, Henriette | O’Neill, Shirley | Attwood, Tony

Article Type: Review Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Autistic adults continue to experience high rates of unemployment and underemployment. OBJECTIVE: A scoping review was undertaken to: a) synthesise key findings in the literature regarding autism and employment from the employers’ perspective; b) examine trends in employer attitudes, theoretical frameworks and interventions; c) highlight gaps in the literature; and d) propose avenues for further research. METHODS: Literature published between January 1, 2009 and January 1, 2023 was examined using the following databases: CINAHL via Ebsco, Cochrane Library, EMBASE via Ovid SP, ERIC via Ebsco, Medline, PsycINFO via Ebsco, Scopus, Web of Science and ProQuest …for dissertations and theses. RESULTS: The search identified 55 studies that met inclusion criteria. Selected articles were organised into the following themes: theoretical frameworks from the employer perspective, autism employment supports from the employer perspective and employer-specific interventions. CONCLUSION: This scoping review suggests that minimal research has been conducted on employer interventions that specifically target work environmental factors. The promotion of diversity in the workplace is an encouraging trend but this has not necessarily included the promotion of neurodiversity. Future research should include interventions to improve current and prospective employer knowledge and attitudes in not just hiring but supporting autistic persons in the workplace. Show more

Keywords: Autism and employment, employer attitudes, employer role, neurodiversity in the workplace, supports for employers

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-230060

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 60, no. 1, pp. 121-140, 2024

Authors: Phillips, Brian N. | Granger, Teresa A. | Ochrach, Chase | Thomas, Kathryn A. | Reyes, Antonio | Kesselmayer, Rachel Friefeld | Anderson, Catherine A. | Chan, Fong | Strauser, David R. | Wehman, Paul | McDonough, Jennifer | Lee, Deborah | Lee, Beatrice | Mpofu, Ngonidzashe | Castillo, Stacie | Chen, Xiangli | Brinck, Emily A. | Baumunk, Megan J. | Kim, Jaeyoung | Friedman, Katherine B. | Tansey, Timothy N.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Employers are increasingly seeking a competitive advantage through targeted hiring of people with disabilities. We conducted several case studies to learn more about companies that led in creating their own disability diversity initiatives. OBJECTIVE: In this article, we share insights emerging from case studies conducted across seven companies. We illustrate the motives, processes, and outcomes of these initiatives. METHODS: This study is built on the previously published case studies conducted across seven companies. We applied elements of consensual qualitative research (CQR) for the data collection and analyses before performing an in-depth qualitative content analysis using …the data coded for each company, looking for commonalities and differences. RESULTS: Although practices differed, all companies experienced noted benefits. Committed leadership and complementary company values facilitated successful outcomes for initiatives. The strength or salience of disability-inclusive actions and practices appeared to moderate outcomes related to company performance, employee perceptions of the company, and cohesiveness. CONCLUSION: Company disability initiatives can yield positive impacts on company performance and culture. The practices we identified and their positive outcomes serve as beacons to other organizations that recognize disability as a valued part of company diversity. Show more

Keywords: Disability diversity, demand-side employment, labor market, inclusion

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-230061

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 60, no. 1, pp. 141-154, 2024