Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation - Volume 55, issue 3

Authors: Morse, Kerri P. | Dukes, Charles | Brady, Michael P. | Frain, Michael | Duffy, Mary Lou

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Technology is portable, affordable, and accessible, making it a viable support option for people with disabilities in the workplace. In the past, many supported employment programs relied on natural and paid job coaching supports with little to no use of technology. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this two-experiment study was to investigate the use of a portable multimedia device to teach seven young adults with developmental disabilities to increase independence and decrease dependence on coaching prompts while performing a food preparation task. METHODS: Participants adhered to an industry specific protocol while using an application on an …iPad that provided audio and video prompts. A multiple baseline across participants was used to show effects of the intervention on task performance and reliance on prompts. RESULTS: All participants were able to follow directions delivered to complete tasks accurately, while reducing the need for simultaneous coaching prompts. Maintenance probes were added to Study 2, and for two of three participants, newly acquired skills were maintained for eight weeks. CONCLUSIONS: Results from both studies indicated that using the iPad application to video model tasks was effective in improving and maintaining accurate skill performance, while reducing the need for prompts. Show more

Keywords: Video modeling, employability skills, prompt reduction, iPad applications, job coaching

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-211160

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 55, no. 3, pp. 235-249, 2021

Authors: Spencer, Patricia | Van Haneghan, James | Baxter, Abigail

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Data on graduates’ development and employment outcomes from postsecondary programs for young adults with an Intellectual Disability (ID) continue to increase and provide information on program efficacy and areas for growth. OBJECTIVE: This study explored the development of graduates’ social networks, employment outcomes, and self-determination a year after graduating from an inclusive postsecondary program. METHODS: The social networks, employment outcomes, and evidence of self-determination in a combined cohort of graduates (n  = 6) were analyzed using social network analysis. RESULTS: All graduates except one were employed a year later. Half displayed smaller networks consisting …of family members and new work ties. Only two graduates displayed large networks because of opportunities for socialization. In the absence of employment, students also fall back on familiar supports. Most parents were involved in graduates’ employment decisions, thereby curbing graduates’ expression of self-determination. CONCLUSIONS: Family supports are prominent in graduates’ networks and play a crucial role in employment choices. They act as constant protective and social-emotional supports ensuring graduates’ access to benefits and maintenance of well-being. Employment skills valued by employers and further opportunities to develop students’ social networks while in the PSE program needs to be a focus going forward. Show more

Keywords: Intellectual disability, developmental disabilities, postsecondary education, employment, self-determination, social networks

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-211161

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 55, no. 3, pp. 251-270, 2021

Authors: Carey, Gwendolyn C. | Miller, Brianna J. | Finnegan, Lisa A.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The lived experiences of adults with intellectual disability (ID) during the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) need to be considered when developing and implementing support for maintaining the quality of life outcomes for this population. OBJECTIVE: This study was conducted to capture and analyze adults’ lived experiences with ID during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: A qualitative study with focus groups was conducted that included two groups of adults with ID; graduated (N  = 4) and enrolled (N  = 5) students from a postsecondary education (PSE) program. Questions were formulated based on societal feature areas that may be affected …during unplanned historical events. Data were analyzed utilizing Vivo coding. RESULTS: Four themes (employment, daily living, social, well-being) and eleven subthemes emerged during the interviews. Participants described the impact of COVID-19, such as learning, and implementing new procedures in the workplace, taking on increased responsibilities at home, and the uncertainty of their future. CONCLUSIONS: Findings indicated the need for support for adults with ID to be established before unplanned events to maintain their outcomes as productive members of society. Implications include the need for increased support from immediate support systems. Show more

Keywords: Intellectual disabilities, COVID-19, vocational rehabilitation, quality of life outcomes, well-being

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-211162

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 55, no. 3, pp. 271-281, 2021

Authors: Di Francesco, Cynthia | Murahara, Flavio | Martin, Valerie | Flanagan, Tara | Nadig, Aparna

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Employment rates among individuals on the autism spectrum or with intellectual disabilities (ID) remain extremely low. Although job coaching services have contributed to successful employment for these individuals, few studies have examined the importance of such support, and even fewer have explored which services are valued most by stakeholders. OBJECTIVE: We examined the importance of employment support services through employee, employer, and job coach perspectives, and employee and employer satisfaction of job coach support. METHODS: A multiple-case study was designed with a community organization providing employment support to individuals on the autism spectrum or with …ID, and their employers. Nine employee-employer-job coach triads evaluated the importance of specific services and rated their satisfaction with the job coach support. RESULTS: Services were rated as important, however, some discrepancies were observed between the groups in their ratings of services (e.g., soliciting regular feedback about the employee’s performance). Satisfaction was high for employees and employers; both groups indicated that they would recommend these services. CONCLUSIONS: Job coach support was highly valued by all groups, underscoring the need for these services to be widely available, and suggesting that this support may serve as a critical factor in improving employment outcomes among this population. Show more

Keywords: Autism spectrum, intellectual disabilities, employment, job coach support

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-211163

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 55, no. 3, pp. 283-296, 2021

Authors: Burke, Valerie | O’Rourke, Laura | Duffy, Emer

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Vocation is a meaningful area of rehabilitation after Acquired Brain Injury (ABI). There is a discrepancy between the number of individuals with an ABI who feel able to work and those who are employed in Ireland. Research suggests that Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) programs enhance Return to Work (RTW) outcomes after ABI, however existing literature is limited. OBJECTIVE: This study explores the experience of engaging in VR post ABI, and its impact upon work self-efficacy. METHODS: A mixed methods case study design was selected to represent the individuality of ABI presentations. Participants completed a qualitative interview …at VR follow up (N  = 2) and the Work Self-Efficacy Inventory at pre/post VR. RESULTS: Four overarching themes emerged including Stigma, Adjustment, Support and Readiness. RTW challenges included fatigue, accepting support, adjusting to work and stigma. RTW benefits included routine, pride in work, skills development, and empowerment. Wilcoxon signed rank indicated that work self-efficacy scores mildly improved post VR. CONCLUSIONS: This research may inform VR Programs and offers pragmatic clinical implications based on the data. Future research should consider the role that readiness plays in facilitating RTW. Limitations include sample size, a lack of longitudinal data and control group. Show more

Keywords: Vocational Rehabilitation, Acquired Brain Injury, Ireland

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-211164

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 55, no. 3, pp. 297-312, 2021

Authors: Torres, Ayse | Diaz, Patricia | Freund, Robert | Baker, Tracy N. | Baker, Andrew Z. | Peluso, Paul

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The therapeutic relationship is often acknowledged as one of the most significant factors in clinical process that influences client outcomes. OBJECTIVE: While considerable research has been conducted on the therapeutic relationship in psychotherapy, there is a paucity of research on the impact of the therapeutic relationship in vocational rehabilitation counseling settings. METHODS: This study explored the relationship between areas of client functioning (individual, interpersonal, social, and overall) and the therapeutic alliance among clients who receive services from the State vocational rehabilitation agency. RESULTS: In this study, younger clients (ages between 16 to 29) …reported stronger therapeutic alliance. CONCLUSION: The findings of this study suggested that clients’ perceived individual, interpersonal and overall functioning have a significant positive relationship with the task and bond components of therapeutic relationship. Show more

Keywords: Vocational rehabilitation counseling, therapeutic relationship, working alliance

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-211165

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 55, no. 3, pp. 313-322, 2021

Authors: Snell, Deborah L. | Hackney, Jonathan J. | Maggo, Jasjot | Martin, Rachelle A. | Nunnerley, Joanne L. | Bourke, John A. | Hall, Andrew | Derrett, Sarah | Dunn, Jennifer A.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Early vocational rehabilitation following spinal cord injury (SCI) improves return to work (RTW) outcomes, but there is limited information about who benefits from such interventions, why and in what contexts. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to describe demographic and clinical characteristics and RTW outcomes of adults with SCI who received early vocational rehabilitation. We sought to identify key mechanisms of early vocational rehabilitation. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional survey of people with SCI recruited from the New Zealand Spinal Trust Vocational Rehabilitation Service, who had sustained an SCI within the previous five years. RESULTS: Of …the 37 people who responded to the survey, 54% returned to paid work (90% of whom retained their pre-injury employment). Those in autonomous roles returned to work faster with greater odds of returning to their pre-injury employer and role. Participants highlighted the importance of feeling hopeful about RTW while still in the spinal unit as a key mechanism of effect within the early vocational intervention. CONCLUSIONS: Findings suggested key mechanisms of early vocational intervention could be framed by models of hope. However, for gains to be optimised, continuity of support beyond the acute stage was suggested as an area for future research. Show more

Keywords: Spinal cord injury, early vocational rehabilitation, return to work, hope

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-211166

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 55, no. 3, pp. 323-333, 2021

Authors: Baer, Hailee | Welker, Kristen | Cox, Carol

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: School-to-work transition planning for students with intellectual disabilities should include community-based early work experiences to prepare for possible future integrated employment. Employers have noted job performance levels and appropriate use of supports as important for maintaining employment. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to assess work performance and support needs of students with intellectual disabilities attending a short summer early work experience. METHOD: A small group of secondary-level school students with intellectual disabilities attended a summer-long vocational rehabilitation program where they worked with a job coach at a work setting. Student participants and their …job coaches rated their perceptions of the students’ work performance quality and support needs on the Job Observation and Behavior Scale pre-post program. RESULTS: The groups deviated significantly in their pre-assessment and post-assessment ratings. Job coaches and students both reported significant increases in perception of quality of student performance. In addition, job coaches reported students needing significantly less employment supports by program end. Student participants also reported needing less employment supports by program end; however, results were not significant. CONCLUSIONS: When both student and job coach realistically view student work performance and supports needed, the school-to-work transition can be improved. Show more

Keywords: Work quality, employment supports, intellectual disability, students

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-211167

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 55, no. 3, pp. 335-344, 2021