Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation - Volume 25, issue 1

Article Type: Other

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 25, no. 1, pp. 1-2, 2006

Authors: Meade, Michelle A. | Armstrong, Amy J. | Barrett, Kirsten | Ellenbogen, Phyllis S. | Jackson, M. Njeri

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Employment brings many benefits but is often unavailable, inaccessible to or underutilized by individuals with Spinal Cord Injury and other significant physical disabilities. Vocational Rehabilitation Services can provide assistance in obtaining employment, however the extent that these services are accessed, desired or valued by individuals with SCI is unknown. To begin to address this issue, a survey was distributed to individuals with SCI in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Respondents were asked to describe the types …of services that they had or were interested in receiving. Information is presented on individuals with SCI between the ages of 18 and 64 years old (n=445), about 46% of whom were working for pay at the time of survey completion. Approximately 32% of respondents reported receiving at least one job-related service, the most frequent of which was vocational counseling (19.8%). No gender differences were found between individuals who did and those who did not receive services. Racial differences were found, with non-Whites more likely to have received services. The services that individuals most frequently reported an interest in receiving included assistance with developing a new job skill (24.2%), assistance with finding a job (21.3%) and retirement planning (19.3%). Once again, no gender differences were found, though significant differences did exist related to both race and employment status. The implications of these findings are discussed and recommendations are made. Show more

Keywords: Vocational rehabilitation, spinal cord injury, employment

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 25, no. 1, pp. 3-11, 2006

Authors: Meade, Michelle A. | Barrett, Kirsten | Ellenbogen, Phyllis S. | Jackson, M. Njeri

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: The purpose of this study is to describe the relationship between work intensity, personal and injury-related factors and the resources typically associated with employment, including insurance, access to health care, and salary. Retrospective analysis is performed on cross-sectional data from 436 individuals between the ages of 18 and 64 years old that participated in the quantitative component of a larger project examining the needs of Virginians with SCI. No significant differences are found with regard to …gender or pre-injury employment status between individuals with SCI who are not working, those employed part time (<30 hours per week), and those employed full-time >30 hours per week). Significant differences are noted between groups with regard to race, marital status, total number of medical problems, receipt of vocational services, and severity of injury. In addition, individuals who are employed either part-time or full-time are more likely to have health insurance (p=0.034) than those not working for pay. Individuals working full-time are significantly more likely to have dental insurance (p<0.001), less likely to have been unable to get needed medical care (p=0.025), and less likely to have problems with either uncontrolled spasticity (p<0.001) or chronic pain (p<0.001) in the past 12 months as compared with the other two groups. Results support the value of employment in providing access to health care and a range of other benefits for persons with a SCI. Part-time employment provided significant advantages over unemployment status however individuals who spent at least 30 hours a week in paid employment had the highest levels of resources. Our findings also suggest, though, that secondary conditions may influence the level/intensity of employment for individuals with SCI and that working part-time still provides advantages over unemployment. Show more

Keywords: Work intensity, spinal cord injury, employment

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 25, no. 1, pp. 13-19, 2006

Authors: Jackson, M. Njeri | Meade, Michelle A. | Ellenbogen, Phyllis | Barrett, Kirsten

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Unemployment among African Americans with SCI poses a serious challenge to successful recovery and community reintegration. Recent research and public discourse about documented racial disparities in employment following injury is often laden with assumptions about the absence of "social capital," including networks of support, appropriate skills, work ethic or viable work history profile. Such assumptions inform social policy aimed at assisting the unemployed, including African Americans with SCI and are embedded in …explanations for reducing the role of government or the "state" in addressing poverty and related social issues, one consequence of which has been a reduction in programs and funding for persons with disabilities. Social capital theory has also been used to justify an increased reliance on non-governmental networks and institutions (particularly faith-based) to address concerns of individuals and families struggling with employment, health care or other issues traditionally addressed by the state. The emphasis on individual initiative and cultivation of networks of support assumes the absence of both among those who are unemployed. The purpose of this paper is to describe and discuss the attitudes of African American men with SCI toward work and their perceptions of obstacles and supports in their attempts to seek and secure employment in comparison and contrast to explanations presented in "social capital" theories. Using the qualitative component of a larger project, which used mixed method design, we identify and present the perspectives of African American men with SCI. The results of this study raise questions about assumptions and policies based in social capital theories and suggest a need to reconsider and reframe explanations for unemployment and those social reintegration strategies embodied in related policies. Show more

Keywords: Social capital, work, spinal cord injury, employment, health disparities, African Americans

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 25, no. 1, pp. 21-33, 2006

Authors: Ellenbogen, Phyllis S. | Meade, Michelle A. | Jackson, M. Njeri | Barrett, Kirsten

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: This paper describes and explores the impact of spinal cord injury (SCI) on the employment of family members, especially those who act as primary caregivers, of individuals with SCI. Using individual interviews and a focus group, nine caregivers were interviewed to gain a better understanding of the challenges these caregivers face, the needs and concerns they have, and what services and programs would enable them to continue to balance their many roles. Our participants included both …parents and spouses/partners of individuals with SCI, who varied significantly across age (teenager through adult) and level of injury. Four primary themes emerged from our study: (1) caregivers had to create flexibility in their employment situation in order to successfully maintain employment, especially immediately after the injury; (2) while many of our caregivers felt that they needed to work for financial reasons, there were times when the two responsibilities of work and caregiving conflicted; (3) responsibilities left little time for the caregivers to engage in leisure, maintain social connection, spend time with their spouse, or take time to care for their own personal needs: and (4) caregivers' employment was affected by the lack of available Certified Nursing Aides. This study points to the need for more community supports for this population of caregivers and the need for more research on employed caregivers of persons with SCI. Show more

Keywords: Spinal cord injury, family, caregiver, employment

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 25, no. 1, pp. 35-44, 2006

Authors: Hursh, Norman | Lui, John | Pransky, Glenn

Article Type: Research Article

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 25, no. 1, pp. 45-55, 2006

Authors: Ridley, Julie | Hunter, Susan

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Supported employment is consistently identified as an effective employment or practice model. Its economic, social and other benefits are well documented, although several studies show variable outcomes especially in terms of economic benefits. It has been claimed that supported employment is widely implemented, not only in the United States, but also in many European countries including the UK and Scotland. However, this paper uses findings from research commissioned in Scotland to investigate the range of employment …support available to people with learning disabilities and/or autistic spectrum disorder (ASD) and shows that for the majority, their aspirations for real paid jobs remain unfulfilled. Indeed, some of what currently passes for supported employment would not meet international conventions for defining supported employment. The findings are discussed in the context of a literature review of best practice. The research identified examples of good practice, which provide just cause for celebration and fertile ground for growth. Nonetheless, the inconsistencies found arguably demonstrate that implementation of the model is weak or variable at best, which undermines the potential benefits of supported employment. Better and consistent implementation and, consequently, better outcomes from supported employment requires greater emphasis to be placed on self-determination, person centred planning, a career based approach and quality job development, all ensuring that the person remains at the centre of the process. Establishing a UK definition of, and quality standards in, supported employment would be beneficial. Show more

Keywords: Supported employment, severe disabilities, implementation issues, best practice

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 25, no. 1, pp. 57-68, 2006