Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation - Volume 24, issue 2

Article Type: Other

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 24, no. 2, pp. 65-66, 2006

Authors: Inge, Katherine J.

Article Type: Other

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 24, no. 2, pp. 67-71, 2006

Authors: Gamble, Mandy J. | Dowler, Denetta L. | Orslene, Louis E.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Rehabilitation professionals are often required to make decisions about the benefits of using assistive technology in the workplace. Knowledge of current resources and a systematic process for identifying and selecting AT increase the likelihood of successful consumer outcomes. Increased access to assistive technology has opened employment opportunities for many individuals with disabilities, but barriers to successful accommodation include inappropriate selection of AT and discontinuance of the implemented technology. This article presents a …review of relevant literature on the use of workplace AT and describes a model for selecting appropriate assistive technology. Show more

Keywords: Assistive technology, workplace accommodation

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 24, no. 2, pp. 73-80, 2006

Authors: Wehmeyer, Michael L. | Palmer, Susan B. | Smith, Sean J. | Parent, Wendy | Davies, Daniel K. | Stock, Steven

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Objectives: Technology has the potential to improve employment and rehabilitation related outcomes for persons with disabilities. The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of technology use on employment-related outcomes for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Study design: A comprehensive search of the literature pertaining to technology use by people with intellectual disabilities was conducted, and a single-subject design meta analysis was conducted for a subset of those studies, which focused …on employment and rehabilitation related outcomes. Results: The use of technology to promote outcomes in this area was shown to be generally effective, in particular when universal design features were addressed. Conclusions: Technology has the potential to enable people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to achieve more positive employment and rehabilitation outcomes. It is important to focus on universal design features important to persons with cognitive disabilities, and there is a need for more research in this area. Show more

Keywords: Technology, mental retardation, intellectual disabilities, meta analysis, employment outcomes

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 24, no. 2, pp. 81-86, 2006

Authors: Strobel, Wendy | Fossa, Jennifer | Arthanat, Sajay | Brace, Jennifer

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: The unemployment rate of people with disabilities has long been out of proportion to the general community despite federal goals and mandates to ameliorate the problem. A consistent issue is the access and knowledge related to accommodations. The need for accommodations for specific disability groups will vary according to the functional limitations presented by the disability. For instance, the accommodation needs for an individual with a significant physical disability will be very different than what one …might need for a sensory disability such as hearing or vision loss. This paper will focus on the need for accommodation and emerging technologies in the employment of people with visual impairments. Show more

Keywords: Visual impairment, blindness, employment, assistive technology, optical character recognition, braille display, universal translator

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 24, no. 2, pp. 87-95, 2006

Authors: Arthanat, Sajay | Strobel, Wendy

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Technological advancements and research in wheeled mobility devices continue along many paths. For people with mobility impairments, use of wheelchairs is imperative to vocational functioning and wellbeing. At the same time, a high prevalence of secondary complications attributed to long-term wheelchair usage is clearly indicated in literature. This article reviews research in wheelchair seating, propulsion, and transportation as three domains of wheeled mobility that embody wheelchair ergonomics in work settings. In doing …so, some important biomechanical and ergonomic guidelines are drawn from research findings. The information is expected to provide useful directions to people using wheelchairs, co-workers, clinicians, and technology developers in addressing ergonomic issues with wheeled mobility. Show more

Keywords: Wheelchairs, wheeled mobility, ergonomics, biomechanics, vocation

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 24, no. 2, pp. 97-109, 2006

Authors: Stodden, Robert A. | Roberts, Kelly D. | Picklesimer, Tammie | Jackson, David | Chang, Chuan

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: The National Center for the Study of Postsecondary Education Supports (NCSPES) at the University of Hawai'i at Manoa-Center on Disability Studies (CDS) conducted a study that consisted of one survey distributed twice (the second distribution was two years after the first) to a national sample of approximately 1,600 Disability Support Coordinators working in postsecondary educational institutions. The survey focused on the types and frequency of educational supports, accommodations, and services offered to students with …disabilities attending two- and four-year postsecondary institutions. This article reports on the findings from two sections of the survey: one, that asked the respondents to address their institutions capacity to offer assistive technology (AT) supports, accommodations, and services as needed by students with disabilities; and another that addressed the availability of distance learning access opportunities. A comparison of findings, over the two-year period, is presented and includes a significant increase in all types of AT supports, accommodations, and services other than AT evaluations; and an increase in the provision of distance learning access opportunities. Show more

Keywords: Postsecondary education, educational support services, higher education, students with disabilities, assistive technology, AT, survey, accommodations, supports

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 24, no. 2, pp. 111-120, 2006

Authors: Brooke, Valerie | McDonough, Jennifer | Hardy, Sandy

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Assistive technology (AT) for some individuals with disabilities is not only exciting but has a direct and profound impact on their lives. Matching the appropriate AT device or service to the needs of individuals with disabilities can ensure that they are able to benefit from opportunities that are taken for granted by individuals who do not have disabilities to include such activities as living independently in the community, fully participating in school, and accessing the labor force. This article provides information on funding devices by using social security work incentives. A case study for an individual with a visual …impairment is offered to highlight how technology assisted one person in achieving her goals for employment Show more

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 24, no. 2, pp. 121-126, 2006