Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation - Volume 41, issue 3

Authors: Siperstein, Gary N. | Heyman, Miriam | Stokes, Jeffrey E.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The federal government has invested billions of dollars to promote employment for adults with intellectual disabilities. Despite this investment, the employment rate within this population has remained stable during the recent decades. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study is to identify characteristics of adults with intellectual disabilities who are employed, and to understand the paths towards employment for these individuals. METHODS: Respondents included a nationally representative sample of 1,055 parents/guardians of adult children (21 years of age or older) with an intellectual disability surveyed by Gallup. These parents/guardians were selected from approximately 341,000 households screened by Gallup. This methodology …allowed for the inclusion of a sample of adults with ID who had never been in the labor force or even sought employment. RESULTS: Several characteristics are associated with greater likelihood of employment, including younger age, early work experience, higher levels of adaptive behavior, and absence of emotional and behavioral problems. These characteristics are especially predictive of employment in a competitive setting, and relatively less predictive of sheltered employment. There is very little movement between the two types of employment settings: very few people currently in competitive employment ever worked in a sheltered setting. CONCLUSIONS: The results from this study have clear implications for policies and programs. Young adults with intellectual disabilities need early opportunities to work in community settings. These community-based experiences must provide them with the opportunity to develop necessary adaptive, behavioral, and emotional skills. Finally, policy makers must recognize that sheltered employment is not a stepping-stone to employment in a competitive setting. Show more

Keywords: Employment, intellectual disabilities, unemployment, labor force, sheltered employment, competitive employment

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-140711

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 41, no. 3, pp. 165-178, 2014

Authors: Hall, Allison Cohen | Winsor, Jean | Butterworth, John

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: A growing emphasis on government accountability has increased interest in the collection and use of employment outcomes data. At the national level, data on employment for individuals with disabilities are available through multiple data collection systems. However, many disability data systems are fragmented and only loosely coordinated across agencies. OBJECTIVE: Research on states that support a high percentage of individuals in integrated employment suggests that a clear and visible data collection system that provides individual outcome data is critical (Hall, Butterworth, Winsor, Gilmore, & Metzel, 2007). This article offers a qualitative, in-depth look at how employment data is collected …and used within four state intellectual/developmental disability agency systems. METHODS: Case study research focused on the development and use of data systems related to integrated employment and their relationship to agency priorities, decision-making, and policy development. RESULTS: Data systems reflected both new and ongoing priorities of state systems. States used their data and data systems to shape relationships with service providers; the frequency and consistency of data collection helped to cement relationships and underscore the importance of data. Research showed the importance of data both at the state and local levels. CONCLUSIONS: Findings suggest that the data collection process, as well as the data it produces, is critical in informing and promoting conversation about employment. Show more

Keywords: Data collection system, intellectual/developmental disability, integrated employment

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-140712

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 41, no. 3, pp. 179-191, 2014

Authors: Rudstam, Hannah | Golden, Thomas P. | Gower, Wendy Strobel | Switzer, Ellice | Bruyere, Susanne | Van Looy, Sara

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: New rules for Rehabilitation Act Section 503 have recently taken effect which could potentially have a significant impact on the employment of people with disabilities. Because the Section 503 new rules cover employers who are federal contractors, the supports and resources around the new rules are mainly directed toward this audience. Yet, these new rules could also have significant impacts on employment service providers (ESPs) who work with individuals with disabilities, offering new opportunities for them to build partnerships, expand services, and create talent pipelines. With the new rules recently taking effect, ESPs have a short window of time …to be ready; businesses and employers are now actively seeking to connect with ESP agencies. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this article is to enable ESPs to prepare for the implementation of the new Section 503 rules by considering how they partner with employers, work with service recipients or, in some cases, function as employers themselves. METHODS: First, we provide a brief overview, focusing on what gave rise to the new rules and how they could impact the work of ESPs. Second, we take a deeper look at some questions and challenges ESPs could have around the new Section 503 rules. Third, we focus on specific ways ESPs can prepare for the new rules and include a checklist for assessing the readiness of ESP organizations or practitioners. Finally, we describe resources for ESPs around implementation of the new Section 503 rules. CONCLUSION: ESPs play a key role in the implementation, effectiveness and outcome of the new regulations. In preparing to play this role, ESPs need to consider their values, messaging, work with service recipients, and outreach to employers. Some ESPs who are covered under the new rules need to assess their own employment practices for compliance. Show more

Keywords: Disability, employment, Rehabilitation Act, Section 503, new rules, federal contract, affirmative action, disability discrimination, diversity, integrated employment, sheltered workshop

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-140713

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 41, no. 3, pp. 193-208, 2014

Authors: Brucker, Debra L. | Houtenville, Andrew J.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Although Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits are an important source of support to many people with disabilities, modifications to programs are under consideration given current and projected governmental fiscal constraints. OBJECTIVE: To provide data about levels of safety net cross-participation among working age SSDI and SSI program participants and to estimate how changes to disability benefit levels might influence the economic security of beneficiaries. METHODS: Data from the 2012 Current Population Survey is used to describe income and resources, program participation, and the share of family income and supplemental poverty measure resources received …through public disability benefits. Hypothetical benefit reductions are estimated to assess economic impacts on the beneficiary population. RESULTS: Cross-participation is high among beneficiaries. Reductions in disability benefit income would have the largest impact on those beneficiaries who are participating in other safety net programs, but may also influence the movement of a portion of the remaining beneficiaries onto additional programs. CONCLUSION: Any modification of SSA disability programs will require careful consideration of how other public programs and services, including those provided within the field of vocational rehabilitation, can best support the economic security of persons with disabilities. Show more

Keywords: Disability, poverty, Social Security, benefits, reductions, economic security, beneficiaries

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-140714

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 41, no. 3, pp. 209-223, 2014

Authors: Larson, Jonathon Eugene | Sheehan, Lindsay | Ryan, Catherine | Lemp, Sarah | Drandorff, Lauren

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Although individual placement and support (IPS) is established as an evidence-based model of supported employment, opportunities for improvements abound. Front-line supported employment practitioners are uniquely positioned to provide feedback on implementation. OBJECTIVE: This study investigates IPS from a practitioner perspective to illuminate themes in practitioner endorsement, advantages, disadvantages, growth opportunities, ideal practitioner characteristics, sequence of services and methods for promoting self-determination. METHODS: Sixty-seven employment practitioners completed an open-ended survey about IPS implementation. Qualitative results were analyzed using Lofland and Lofland's (1984) systematic filing system and Berg's (2004) themes to combine similar items into categorical frameworks. RESULTS: Three conceptual frameworks …are described: Program, Practitioner Characteristics and Practitioner Essential Tasks. Despite general endorsement of IPS, many complexities are discussed. Practitioners emphasized the importance of interpersonal skills in establishing rapport, promoting hope and encouraging self-determination. Highly organized, persistent practitioners who balance client and business needs are seen as most effective. CONCLUSIONS: We offer these frameworks for utilization by IPS practitioners, researchers and stakeholders for the purposes of program development and organizational decision-making. Show more

Keywords: Supported employment, individual placement and support, psychiatric rehabilitation

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-140715

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 41, no. 3, pp. 225-235, 2014

Authors: Henry, Alexis D. | Petkauskos, Kathleen | Stanislawzyk, Jason | Vogt, Jay

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The employment rate among persons with disabilities is less than half the rate among persons without disabilities. Broad innovations are needed to reduce this disparity. OBJECTIVE: We examined employers' perspective related to: a) challenges they face when hiring people with disabilities, b) advantages (i.e. the business case) to employing people with disabilities, and c) their recommendations for innovations in both the public disability employment services systems and their own hiring practices to increase employment of people with disabilities. METHODS: We conducted four focus groups with a total of 74 participants. Participants were purposively sampled among Massachusetts private and public …sector employers. Qualitative methods were used to analyze the data. RESULTS: Employers identified stigma, uncertainties about applicant abilities, and the complexity of the public disability employment service system as hiring challenges, and increasing diversity, expanding talent and increasing brand loyalty as advantages to employing people with disabilities. Employers recommended establishing business-to-business networks and improving coordination across the disability employment service system to increase job opportunities for people with disabilities. CONCLUSIONS: Service system innovations and changes in employer hiring practices may increase employment among people with disabilities and have benefits to employers and companies, especially those looking to diversity their workforces. Show more

Keywords: People with disabilities, employers, employment services, vocational rehabilitation

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-140716

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 41, no. 3, pp. 237-248, 2014

Authors: Rodriguez, Vanesa | Cueto, Begoña

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Special work centers (SWCs) are the main active labor market targeting people with disabilities in Spain. Their objective is to promote the participation of workers with disabilities in the labor market. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this paper is to study the characteristics of workers with disabilities in special work centers in Spain. METHODS: Using the Working Lives Longitudinal Sample (MCVL), we can identify and analyze SWCs and labor relations in these centers from the specific SWC contracts. This is the only database that allows for this type of analysis. RESULTS: The analysis of different aspects of the professional careers …of employees at SWCs indicate that the employees enjoy greater stability regarding labor relations, a factor that could be interpreted as better employment conditions when compared to those who do not work at SWCs. However, SWCs appear to be a “refuge” for people with disabilities with low qualification. CONCLUSIONS: Workers with disabilities in SWC have a more stable career path with lower turnover than those working in ordinary firms; employees in these centers tend to have less favorable professional situations (lower wages and worse working conditions). Show more

Keywords: Disability, special work centers, labor market, employment

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-140717

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 41, no. 3, pp. 249-259, 2014

Article Type: Other

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 41, no. 3, pp. 261-262, 2014

Article Type: Other

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 41, no. 3, pp. 263-264, 2014