Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation - Volume 29, issue 2

Article Type: Other

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 29, no. 2, pp. 51-51, 2008

Authors: Mank, David

Article Type: Research Article

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 29, no. 2, pp. 53-62, 2008

Authors: Moore, Ruby

Article Type: Research Article

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 29, no. 2, pp. 63-65, 2008

Authors: Rolfe, Linda

Article Type: Research Article

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 29, no. 2, pp. 67-67, 2008

Authors: Coulson, Cesilee

Article Type: Research Article

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 29, no. 2, pp. 69-70, 2008

Authors: West, Steven L.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Unemployment and underemployment are major issues for persons with substance abuse and addiction concerns. The failure to address these issues can have substantial negative effects on the ability of such individuals to attain and maintain sobriety. Preliminary research indicates that the provision of vocational rehabilitation (VR) services can aid substance abusers not only in attaining competitive employment, but also in maintaining a substance free lifestyle. Despite this fact, early indications suggest that few substance …abuse treatment facilities provide VR to clients. The present study assessed the use of VR services and the training and VR related credentials of clinical staff members in a nationally representative sample of 159 substance abuse treatment facilities. Results indicate that few of these substance abuse treatment facilities provide VR to their clients, have staff members equipped to provide such services, or actively refer clients to outside VR agencies. Given the extreme need for VR by persons with substance abuse concerns, these are issues that must be addressed by both substance abuse treatment and VR service providers. Show more

Keywords: Vocational rehabilitation, substance abuse, substance abuse treatment, employment

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 29, no. 2, pp. 71-75, 2008

Authors: Taylor-Ritzler, Tina | Balcazar, Fabricio | Dimpfl, Shawn | Suarez-Balcazar, Yolanda | Willis, Celestine | Schiff, Rachel

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: This article describes the cultural competence training approach used by the Center for Capacity Building on Minorities with Disabilities Research with agencies that serve people with disabilities from different cultural backgrounds. The outcomes of the training on participants' individual levels of cultural knowledge, physical environment, attitudes, values and communication styles are presented. Data on the agencies' ability to set, pursue and attain organizational goals related to cultural competence is also presented. A …total of 287 staff members representing 84 organizations completed individual-level assessment instruments. In addition, 43 organizations elected to receive follow-along support related to organizational cultural competence goals. Results indicated that participants experienced significant post-training improvements in cultural knowledge, physical environments, and values, attitudes and communication styles. In addition, after 6 months of follow-along support, participants were actively pursuing with progress or had achieved the majority of the cultural competence goals they set during training. The potential benefits and challenges of providing cultural competence training to staff that serve ethnic minority individuals with disabilities are discussed. Show more

Keywords: Ethnic minorities with disabilities, cultural competence, training, outcomes

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 29, no. 2, pp. 77-91, 2008

Authors: Muthumbi, Jane W.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: The Workforce Investment Act (WIA) encouraged the establishment of partnerships to address employment barriers facing individuals with disabilities and emphasized the coordination of services in order to improve the employment outcomes of these individuals. In response to WIA requirements, New York State established partnerships with local workforce investment boards, one-stop centers and their partners, school districts, employers, community and employment service providers to coordinate resources that would improve school-to-work transition and particularly …employment outcomes for students with disabilities. While increased awareness and utilization of workforce development and vocational rehabilitation systems were positive outcomes of these initiatives, systemic issues in these systems are likely to undermine long-term transition outcomes of youth. Show more

Keywords: School-to-work transition, youth with disabilities, partnership and employment

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 29, no. 2, pp. 93-103, 2008

Authors: Brucker, Debra L.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Using 2006 adult substance abuse treatment admissions data (N = 12,639) from the State of Maine Treatment Data System (TDS), this analysis examines whether issues of prescription drug abuse are more common among persons with disabilities than among other persons participating in substance abuse treatment. Results suggest that persons with mental illness who are participating in treatment are significantly more likely to be abusing prescription drugs and opiates. Persons with developmental disabilities …are significantly less likely to abuse prescription drugs and opiates than other persons in treatment. Persons with and without disabilities who had primary problems with alcohol, cocaine, and marijuana were found to be at significantly decreased risk of having a secondary problem of opiate abuse. Implications for vocational rehabilitation professionals are discussed. Show more

Keywords: Disability, prescription drug abuse, substance abuse treatment

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 29, no. 2, pp. 105-115, 2008

Authors: Shandra, Carrie L. | Hogan, Dennis P.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Previous research on the education-to-employment transition for students with disabilities has suggested that participation in school-to-work programs is positively associated with post-high school success. This article utilizes data from the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth 1997 (NLSY97) to extend these findings in several ways. First, we assess the efficacy of specific types of school-based and work-based initiatives, including job shadowing, mentoring, cooperative education, school-sponsored enterprise, technical preparation, internships, and career major. Next, …we extend the usual focus on the employment outcomes of work status and financial compensation to consider job-specific information on the receipt of fringe benefits. Overall, results from longitudinal multivariate analyses suggest that transition initiatives are effective in facilitating vocational success for this population; however, different aspects of school-to-work programs are beneficial for different aspects of employment. School-based programs are positively associated with stable employment and full-time work while work-based programs most consistently increase the likelihood that youth with disabilities will be employed in jobs that provide fringe benefits. Analyses also indicate that – once individuals with disabilities are stably employed – they can be employed in "good" jobs that provide employee benefits. Show more

Keywords: School to work, youth with disabilities, adolescence, transition to adulthood, program participation, employment

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 29, no. 2, pp. 117-130, 2008