Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation - Volume 8, issue 3

Authors: Wehman, P.

Article Type: Other

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-1997-8301

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 8, no. 3, pp. 207-209, 1997

Authors: Zivolich, Steve | Shueman, Sharon A. | Weiner, Jan S.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: This study presents an exploratory cost-benefit analysis of a supported employment program using natural support strategies to assist workers with severe disabilities in integrated employment settings. The study investigates both the costs and the financial outcomes of this program. Six continuous months of consumer participation at any time between July 1, 1991 and January 21, 1992 was the criterion for inclusion in the study. The analysis employs two cost-benefit models. The first – the primary analysis - assesses the benefits and costs of the program in isolation by assuming there were no opportunity costs associated with a consumer's non-participation in …an alternative program. The second model uses data from the first analysis and integrates the opportunity cost of sheltered workshop employment into the computations. The results suggest substantive benefits to participants, the taxpayer, and society for a natural support approach and superiority of this approach over the sheltered workshop model. Show more

Keywords: Cost benefit, Severe disability, Social security, Natural supports, Supported employment

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-1997-8302

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 8, no. 3, pp. 211-221, 1997

Authors: Merchant, Deborah J. | Gajar, Anna

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Increasing numbers of persons with learning disabilities are enrolling in post-secondary education. However, there is evidence to suggest that many of these students experience difficulty staying in and completing post-secondary programs. One important indicator of success in post-secondary education for students with learning disabilities is competence in self-advocacy. In order for students with learning disabilities to become more successful in post-secondary settings, they need to be taught a variety of academic and self-advocacy skills. It is suggested in the literature, however, that despite their importance, self-advocacy skills are not directly taught in high school or at the post-secondary level. The …purpose of this review is to conduct an in-depth analysis of the literature on programs for students with learning disabilities, who are transitioning from secondary to post-secondary education, which purport: to include a self-advocacy component. An evaluation of self-advocacy components is presented determining to what extent they include the skills associated with self-advocacy. These skills are: (1) understanding one's own disability (strengths and weaknesses); (2) knowledge of individual rights under the law; (3) accommodations needed; and (4) effective communication skills. Show more

Keywords: Post-secondary, Self-advocacy, Learning, Disabilities, Transition, Accomodation

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-1997-8303

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 8, no. 3, pp. 223-231, 1997

Authors: Rogers, E. Sally | MacDonald-Wilson, Kim | Danley, Karen | Martin, Rose | Anthony, William A.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Meeting the vocational needs of adults with mental illness is one of the most critical issues currently facing mental health planners and policy makers. An extensive technology has been developed for one such service: supported employment. This paper reports on a process analysis of an innovative 3-year research and demonstration project which was designed to evaluate a supported employment (SE) program designed specifically for persons with psychiatric disability. A process and method were implemented and an instrument developed to monitor the intervention. Twenty participants were enrolled in the study; enrollment was staggered and occurred over a period of 12 months. …Results revealed that SE staff had frequent, brief contact with participants in the program at varied times of day and via varied modes of contact. A large proportion of time was spent providing emotional support to help participants keep their jobs. Implications of this process analysis for program design are discussed. Show more

Keywords: Psychiatric disability, Supported employment, Process analysis, Vocational services

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-1997-8304

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 8, no. 3, pp. 233-242, 1997

Authors: McAfee, James K. | McNaughton, David

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Satisfaction with pay, promotions, co-workers, supervision and work conditions of 236 workers with disabilities was examined using the Job Descriptive Index. Workers with disabilities expressed strong dissatisfaction with pay and mild dissatisfaction with promotions. Workers also expressed mild satisfaction with work conditions and high satisfaction with supervision and co-workers. Personal characteristics and transitional experiences were examined as predictors of each area of job satisfaction through model comparison procedures. Analysis revealed that workers who had participated in transition programs that included the best practices of inclusive secondary education, extensive and early vocational education and continuing post-secondary education were more satisfied with …the social contexts of their employment (supervision and co-workers) and with the actual work performed. Best practices were not related to satisfaction with payor promotions. Show more

Keywords: Job satisfaction, Transition, Socialization, Inclusion, Outcomes

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-1997-8305

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 8, no. 3, pp. 243-251, 1997

Authors: Barnes, Karen L. | Bullock, Lyndal M. | Currin, Hope

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: The nature of educational programming has changed significantly for students with disabilities who plan to enter the workforce upon exiting high schooL As a result of the increased focus on the development of transition services, there is an emphasis on career development and job placement activities, Strategies for building collaborative relationships between local schools and vocational rehabilitation agencies are being explored to facilitate service delivery to eligible students, Professional development programs engaged in the preparation of secondary special educators are being reevaluated based on these changing needs in the schools, This article proposes that an interdisciplinary school-rehabilitation approach be considered …when preparing educators for professions in secondary special education, Interdisciplinary domains with related areas for the development of knowledge and skills are presented, along with an overview of models. Show more

Keywords: Collaboration, Interdisciplinary, Special education, Professional development, Vocational rehabilitation

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-1997-8306

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 8, no. 3, pp. 253-258, 1997

Authors: Peterson, Randolph L. | Roessler, Richard T.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: This article describes the development and components of a referral database management system (DBMS) developed by the Arkansas Transition Project. The system enables IEP team members to refer students with disabilities directly to adult agencies and to receive a monitoring report describing the agency response made to their referrals. Hence, the DBMS addresses the need to improve collaborative planning between the schools and adult community agencies, an essential element of successful transition for students with disabilities.

Keywords: Transition and students with disabilities, School to work, Adult agency referral, Adult agency utilization, Management information system

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-1997-8307

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 8, no. 3, pp. 259-267, 1997

Authors: Bollingmo, Gunvor

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: A survey of vocational rehabilitation professionals was conducted to make an overview and description of the employment services and quality of work for individuals with mental retardation compared with qualifications of the rehabilitation professionals. The intention was to make status prior to the reformation of the residential institutions and special services provided for the mentally retarded in Norway. Respondents included 74 sheltered workshop staff, 160-day activity center staff, 62 vocational special education teachers and 83 mentors in competetive work settings (N = 379). Results suggest that individuals with mental retardation have limited opportunities for inclusion and career in competetive work …and the vocational rehabilitation professionals do not have the qualifications nessessary to make a good job match and transition work. Results are discussed in terms of service delivery models, development of training programs for vocational rehabilitation professionals, career planning for the mentally retarded and implications for future research. Show more

Keywords: Employment services, Vocational outcomes, Mental retardation, Staff training, transition

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-1997-8308

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 8, no. 3, pp. 269-283, 1997

Authors: Marrone, Joe | Hoff, David | Helm, David T.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: The use of person-centered planning continues to flourish in the human service industry, with numerous authors providing models for implementation. This article steps back to review core values that form the basis for successful person-centered planning and moves ahead to address key system and skill problems and suggest solutions. The conclusion reached is that consistent attention must be devoted to these values throughout the process, that shifts in power relationships must occur, and that more emphasis needs to be paid to specific individual characteristics of the focus person.

Keywords: Planning, Person-centered, Consumer directed, Good practice

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-1997-8309

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 8, no. 3, pp. 285-297, 1997

Authors: Canals, Gloria | Domenech, Montse

Article Type: Short Communication

Keywords: Employment, Down syndrome, Work, Integration

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-1997-8310

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 8, no. 3, pp. 299-301, 1997