Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation - Volume 12, issue 1

Authors: Valerie Brooke,

Article Type: Research Article

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 12, no. 1, pp. 1-5, 1999

Authors: J. Elton Moore,

Article Type: Research Article

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 12, no. 1, pp. 7-8, 1999

Authors: Robert Hanye, | Adele Crudden,

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: National Industries for the Blind (NIB) and industries associated with it have increased the employment options available to persons who are blind through diversification of jobs beyond traditional production operations. Current employment opportunities include service occupations, placement in community or federal government sites through contract employment with NIB or an associated industry, and telecommuting positions through use of technology. NIB and the industries associated with it continue to expand employment opportunities in …response to consumer input, changes in the labor force, and the evolving business economy. Show more

Keywords: blind, low vision, employment, industry, N.I.B.

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 12, no. 1, pp. 9-18, 1999

Authors: Adele Crudden, | Robert Hanye,

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Employment differences among 413 persons who are congenitally or adventitiously blind and employees of National Industries for the Blind (NIB) associated industries were investigated through personal interviews. A one-way multiple analysis of variance (MANOVA) found no significant differences between NIB employees with congenital and adventitious vision loss across four dependent variables; alpha was .05. Persons who were congenitally blind worked a comparable number of hours (\bar{x}=37 ), earned just as much …money (\bar{x}=5.32 ), were as satisfied (\bar{x}=3.60 ), and retained their jobs as long (\bar{x}=11.44 ) as persons who were adventitiously blind. Although no significant differences on employment factors were determined, other differences may have been undetected. Additional research regarding how age at time of vision loss affects persons in other work settings, successful adjustment, rehabilitation, employment, and life success is recommended. Show more

Keywords: blind, congenital, adventitious, employment

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 12, no. 1, pp. 19-23, 1999

Authors: Phillip D. Rumrill, Jr.,

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: This article describes an experimental training program to increase knowledge, confidence, and participation in the Americans with Disabilities Act's Title I accommodation request process among employees who are blind or visually impaired (N=46 ). Participants in the experimental condition (n=23 ) completed a structured interview to identify their needs for reasonable accommodations, received detailed information about Title I provisions and about national accommodation resources, and completed an intensive social competence/self-advocacy …program to develop skills in requesting on-the-job accommodations from their employers. Compared to a matched and randomly assigned control group (n=23 ), experimental participants were significantly more knowledgeable, confident, and active in the accommodation request process at a 16-week follow-up. Implications for Vocational Rehabilitation policy and practice are also discussed. Show more

Keywords: blindness and job retention, reasonable accommodations, self-advocacy

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 12, no. 1, pp. 25-31, 1999

Authors: Robin Leonard, | Tana D'Allura, | Amy Horowitz,

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: This paper presents findings from a follow-up study of persons with a vision impairment who were referred to vocational placement services. Study objectives were to determine the employment status of respondents and identify the factors associated with employment and more positive employment characteristics. Data were collected from telephone interviews (N=167 ) and consumer case records. The sample consisted of all persons who were referred to Lighthouse Vocational Placement services during a …five year period. The results indicated that of respondents who were not involved in another ``primary activity'' (e.g., attending college), 54% employed. Predictors of employment included having been integrated into a regular school setting (as opposed to special schooling for persons who have a disability) for most of their schooling, reading primarily printed material, and receipt of technology training. Predictors of employment in higher level positions and perceived underemployment (match between abilities and job responsibilities) were also examined. Receiving technology training and receiving fewer hours of rehabilitation teaching emerged as significant predictors of employment in higher level positions. Underemployment was predicted by lack of encouragement received in looking for work. Findings from this study may be useful in identifying potential risk factors associated with poorer vocational outcomes among persons with vision impairments. Show more

Keywords: predictors of employment, vision impairment

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 12, no. 1, pp. 33-43, 1999

Authors: Marlene F. Strong, | Vida J. Maralani,

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: This paper describes the findings of a national study of farmworkers with disabilities. BPA conducted an in-person survey with a purposive sample of 201 adult farmworkers with disabilities and 66 disabled children in farmworker families in six states. Results show that adult and child farmworkers experienced a wide range of disabilities. Adults most commonly experienced back problems and other musculoskeletal problems. Children most commonly experienced developmental delays. However, both groups experienced a wide range of …physical, sensory and cognitive disabilities, including chronic health problems. The survey also asked about service recognition and use. While farmworkers recognized and utilized a wide range of farmworker-specific and mainstream services, they used very few disability-related services, such as vocational rehabilitation and special education. Understanding more about farmworkers' views of disability would help disability service agencies improve outreach to this population. Show more

Keywords: farmworkers, service utilization, vocational rehabilitation

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 12, no. 1, pp. 45-57, 1999

Authors: Ernest L. Pancsofar,

Article Type: Book Review

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 12, no. 1, pp. 59-63, 1999