Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation - Volume 50, issue 2

Authors: Brucker, Debra L. | Henly, Megan

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: In previous research across a variety of disciplines, job quality is a concept used to assess inequality in employment. Little attention has been paid to examining job quality for workers with disabilities. OBJECTIVE: This article seeks to expand upon existing measures of employment outcomes for people with disabilities by examining the likelihood of having a good quality job compared to workers with no disability. METHODS: Using the 2014–2016 Current Population Survey Annual Social and Economic Supplement (CPS-ASEC), we estimate the prevalence of good quality jobs for workers with and without disabilities, by full- or part-time …employment status. A job of good quality is defined as one that pays more than median wages and offers employer-sponsored health insurance and a retirement savings program. RESULTS: Using logistic regression to estimate the odds of having a good job, we find that disability is not predictive of having a good job after controlling for sociodemographic characteristics and health status. CONCLUSIONS: Job quality indicators are useful components in tracking employment participation for workers with disabilities. Alternate measures using subjective assessments of job quality should be explored. Show more

Keywords: Disability, employment outcomes, job inequality, job quality, quality of work life

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-180994

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 50, no. 2, pp. 121-130, 2019

Authors: Dorsett, Pat | McLennan, Vanette

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: An exploratory baseline study was conducted to ascertain the state of play in the field of spinal cord injury, vocational rehabilitation and employment in Queensland, Australia. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to establish the rate of return to work and better understanding of vocational expectations and the vocational rehabilitation culture in the Queensland Spinal Injuries Unit, prior to the introduction of an early vocational rehabilitation intervention for people with spinal cord injury. METHODS: A mixed methods approach was utilised, involving administration of either an online survey tool or paper questionnaire …to people who had sustained a spinal cord injury within the preceding three years. Statistical analysis of the quantitative data and thematic analysis of the qualitative free-text data was undertaken with the 34 eligible responses. RESULTS: The findings demonstrate a dramatic change in the rate of employment following spinal cord injury, and a lack of vocationally focused support whilst participants were undergoing in-patient rehabilitation. CONCLUSIONS: The study indicates a return to work rate of approximately 35%, and provides support for an individualised vocational rehabilitation intervention, fully integrated into the multidisciplinary spinal injuries unit rehabilitation program. Show more

Keywords: Spinal cord injury, vocational rehabilitation, employment, return to work, unemployment

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-180995

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 50, no. 2, pp. 131-139, 2019

Authors: Lindsay, Sally | Cagliostro, Elaine | Leck, Joanne | Shen, Winny | Stinson, Jennifer

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Enhancing the employment of people with disabilities can help support healthy and productive work. OBJECTIVE: Our objective was to understand employer accommodation practices with youth with disabilities (i.e., as they currently exist and what employers need help with) and how they create an inclusive environment. METHODS: A descriptive qualitative study was conducted involving in-depth interviews with a purposive sample of 18 employers who hire young people with disabilities. Thematic analysis explored issues related to disclosure, accommodations, and inclusion. RESULTS: Most employers encouraged youth with disabilities to disclose their condition …and emphasized the importance of building trust and rapport. Employers described how and when to provide accommodations, types of accommodations (i.e., formal, informal, physical, and social), and how they addressed unmet needs. Employers’ strategies for creating an inclusive workplace culture included: diversity training, addressing stigma and discrimination, open communication, mentoring and advocacy. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings highlight that most employers hiring youth with disabilities have strategies for encouraging them to disclose their condition and request accommodations, which can help to inform employers who do not hire people with disabilities or have effective strategies in place to support them. Show more

Keywords: Youth, employment, vocational rehabilitation, adolescent

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-180996

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 50, no. 2, pp. 141-156, 2019

Authors: Porter, Susann | Lexén, Annika | Bejerholm, Ulrika

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Individuals with mental health problems often need support from vocational rehabilitation professionals in their return-to-work (RTW) process. Research has shown that this support can be deficient, with vocational rehabilitation professionals lacking relevant knowledge and an underlying belief in the individual’s ability to resume a working life. More understanding is therefore needed of professionals’ mental health literacy and their perception of and influence on employer roles in the RTW process. OBJECTIVE: To explore the mental health literacy of Swedish vocational rehabilitation professionals and their perception of employers in the RTW process. METHOD: Qualitative grounded theory study …which included 22 interviews of vocational rehabilitation professionals working with individuals with mental health problems in their RTW process. RESULTS: Three categories emerged: holding a position of power in the RTW process, viewing and believing in individuals ’ work ability plays a central role, and recognizing the employer ’s role as a key factor for realizing employment. CONCLUSION: Increasing the mental health literacy of vocational rehabilitation professionals is crucial since they have a decisive role with both clients and employers in the RTW process. Show more

Keywords: Vocational rehabilitation, return-to-work, mental health problems, employment support

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-180997

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 50, no. 2, pp. 157-169, 2019

Authors: Papavassiliou-Alexiou, Ioanna | Fotiadou, Maria

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: This paper draws upon a broader empirical qualitative research about the educational and vocational (re-)integration of people with acquired physical disabilities in Greece. OBJECTIVE: Perceived motives and barriers, under the shadow of recession, coping mechanisms as well as the contribution of state, rehabilitation specialists and significant others on the return to the labor market of people with acquired physical disabilities in Greece of crisis are investigated. METHODS: The research was carried out using a focus group with 6 persons and focused semi-structured interviews with 20 persons, members of the Greek Association of Paraplegics and the …Greek Company of Multiple Sclerosis. RESULTS: According to the main findings work makes people with acquired physical disabilities (PwAPD) feel useful and creative contributing to their physical and psychological rehabilitation. Despite the significant barriers they encounter, additionally burdened by the recession, e.g. no job offer, limited accessibility, discrimination, educational deficiencies, PwAPD succeeded in developing strategies to overcome their vocational (re-)integration barriers mainly via education, resistance to discriminatory attitudes and the support of the significant others. CONCLUSION: Despite of the existing barriers, affected by the financial crisis, PwAPD, still fight for their re-inclusion to social life, being equipped with a positive attitude. Still, the Greek State along with rehabilitation and relevant services should become more active and flexible to effectively support and empower this right fight. Show more

Keywords: Disability, barriers, motives, educational/vocational (re-)integration, rehabilitation specialists

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-180998

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 50, no. 2, pp. 171-182, 2019

Authors: Dutta, Alo | Kundu, Madan | Chan, Fong | Iwanaga, Kanako | Bezyak, Jill | Cardoso, Elizabeth | Washington, Raven

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Education is one of the best pathways to middle class earnings. The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act requires state vocational rehabilitation agencies to reserve and expend at least 15% of its State allotment for pre-employment transition services to students with disabilities, including enrollment in comprehensive transition or postsecondary educational programs. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the social-cognitive career theory (SCCT) variables of academic barriers coping self-efficacy, academic milestone self-efficacy, and academic outcome expectancy as mediators for the relationship between deep learning and goal persistence in a sample of African American college students with disabilities. METHOD: Quantitative descriptive …research design using serial multiple mediation analysis (SMMA). RESULTS: SMMA results indicated that deep learning was significantly linked to goal persistence (total effect). Also, he direct effect between deep learning and goal persistence was still significant after controlling for the effects of the mediators, indicating deep learning is a strong predictor of goal persistence, and SCCT variables only partially mediated the relationship between deep learning and goal persistence. The mediation effects were estimates of the indirect effects for deep learning on goal persistence through (a) academic barriers coping self-efficacy, (b) academic milestone self-efficacy, (c) academic outcome expectancy, and (d) academic barriers coping self-efficacy, academic milestone self-efficacy and academic outcome expectancy. CONCLUSION: Findings of this study indicated that higher levels of deep learning had the benefit of helping African American college students with disabilities develop academic barriers coping self-efficacy, academic milestone self-efficacy and academic outcome expectancy, leading to goal persistence. Show more

Keywords: Deep learning, postsecondary education, minority students, social-cognitive career theory, serial multiple mediation

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-180999

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 50, no. 2, pp. 183-192, 2019

Authors: Mizock, Lauren | Aitken, David | LaMar, Kat

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: While considerable research has been conducted on employment of people with serious mental illness (SMI), there is a dearth of research in this area focused on the work experiences of women with SMI. OBJECTIVE: This article fills a gap in the research by presenting the results from a study exploring the work experiences of women with SMI. METHODS: Grounded theory methodology was used to analyze the qualitative data. Several qualitative validity strategies were employed to enhance data quality. RESULTS: Six themes relating to work emerged from analysis of the qualitative data: (1) work …drain ; (2) symptom visibility ; (3) work disclosure ; (4) inconsistent work ; (5) nontraditional work ; and (6) work assets . CONCLUSIONS: Vocational rehabilitation practitioners can tailor rehabilitation plans to support the unique needs of women with SMI and leverage their strengths to help them gain greater satisfaction and meaning from work. Show more

Keywords: Women, serious mental illness, SMI, work, employment

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-181000

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 50, no. 2, pp. 193-205, 2019

Authors: Zhang, Dalun | Roberts, Eric | Landmark, Leena | Ju, Song

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to examine the long-term advocacy involvement and adult outcomes of the Texas Statewide Youth Leadership Forum (TXYLF) participants. METHODS: The relationships between advocacy involvement and adult outcomes of former TXYLF participants at one to six years after participation were examined. RESULTS: Participants with low incidence disabilities were involved in inclusive employment more often than what was reported in the literature. Minority status increased the likelihood of involvement in advocacy, having a high incident disability increased the likelihood of post-training employment, and being under 21 years old increased the likelihood …of living independently and participating in postsecondary education advocacy and employment advocacy. Exposure to the TXYLF for one full year, participation in the nine-month support phase, attending a regional YLF, and involvement as a mentor increased the likelihood of post-training employment, postsecondary education, and independent living. Show more

Keywords: Disability, employment, leadership, advocacy, postsecondary education, training

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-181001

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 50, no. 2, pp. 207-218, 2019

Authors: Ufere, Nnaoke | Gaskin, James | Ufere, Christopher N. | Garrett, Lee | Satterwhite, Keith

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: We argue that relevant research must focus on a problem of practice. We demonstrate this approach by developing a new product for practice to help counselors make informed vocational rehabilitation decisions. With only 18.7% of persons with disabilities employed in 2017, an accurate and simple prognostic tool could improve the effectiveness of the Individualized Plan for Employment and thus assist persons with disabilities to live independent lives. OBJECTIVE: To demonstrate the validity and practical relevance of a counseling decision support tool that accurately predicts clients’ employment outcomes based on demographic characteristics and vocational rehabilitation factors. METHODS: Using a historical …sample of 53,629 persons with disabilities who completed vocational rehabilitation in a state agency, we derived our prediction model using logistic regression with 90-day employment as the outcome. RESULTS: The final prognostic model was derived from 12 client demographics and 20 vocational rehabilitation factors. The model correctly classified the outcome for 72% of the clients and demonstrated strong calibration and discrimination. The resulting app is available here: www.ablescore.com . CONCLUSIONS: AbleScore accurately classifies client probability of employment at closure. The app therefore has immediate application in providing evidence-informed rehabilitation counseling to people with disabilities to improve the odds of employment at closure. Show more

Keywords: Disability, vocational rehabilitation, employment, prognostic tool, research-practice gap, AbleScore

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-181002

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 50, no. 2, pp. 219-242, 2019