bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ethical Issues in Addiction Counseling
Authors: Scott Cynthia G.
Published: December 2007

Although all counselors face ethical challenges, addictions counselors encounter ethical issues that are, in many respects, unique to their discipline. This article provides an overview of these issues, which include but are not limited to (a) the lack of communication and continuity between research and clinical practice, (b) lack of agreement over the necessary professional credentials, (c) the questionable propensity of group work in the addictions field, (d) special issues of confidentiality and privileged communication, (e) boundaries of professional practice in making treatment decisions, and (f) unusual circumstances of informed consent. In addressing these issues, addictions counselors must not only uphold the ethical standards of their profession, they must also be cognizant of any federal statutes that may supersede their state regulations and act in accordance with them.
Ethical Issues in Expert Opinions and Testimony
Authors: Weed Roger O.
Published: December 2007

As the private sector rehabilitation industry matures, certain ethical and malpractice issues have emerged. This article provides an overview of ethical issues in private for-profit practice, with particular focus on expert testimony, using examples from a sample of claims filed with the National Association of Rehabilitation Professionals in the Private Sector (NARPPS), malpractice insurance companies, selected court cases, and complaints submitted to NARPPS Standards Compliance Review Board Committee and the Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification. It is evident that complaints have a direct relationship to at least half of the ethical canons of the Code of Pro fessional Ethics for Rehabilitation Counselors because they most frequently involve issues related to competence, the client-counselor relationship, professional relationships, confidentiality, and use of the certified rehabilitation counselor (CRC) designation.
Endorsement of Professional Multicultural Rehabilitation Competencies and Standards
Authors: Middleton Renée A. , Rollins Carolyn W. , Sanderson Priscilla Lansing , Leung Paul , Harley Debra A. , Ebener Debra , Leal-Idrogo Anita
Published: December 2007

This article proposes specific multicultural rehabilitation competencies and standards that define a professional culturally competent rehabilitation counselor. Cross-cultural skills are based on three characteristics across three dimensions: beliefs and attitudes, knowledge, and skills. Explanatory statements operationalizing each competency area are offered. In reinforcing the need and rationale for a multicultural perspective in rehabilitation counseling and rehabilitation education programs, the authors urgently appeal to the leadership of professional rehabilitation organizations to infuse multiculturalism throughout their organizations. Specific recommendations toward endorsement of the proposed competencies are set forth.
Primary and Secondary Labor Markets
Authors: Hagner David
Published: December 2007

This article reviews theoretical and empirical work in labor economics and the sociology of work relating to the segmentation of the labor market into a primary and a secondary sector and examines the implications for vocational rehabilitation. Demand-side and supply-side factors associated with labor market segmentation and movement of workers from the secondary to the primary sector are reviewed. Transition into primary sector employment is explored as an important aspect of career development for individuals with disabilities. Recommendations for working toward this goal are offered for job development, job analysis, and job training and support.
An Analysis of Trends for People with MR, Cerebral Palsy, and Epilepsy Receiving Services from State VR Agencies
Authors: Gilmore Dana Scott , Schuster Jennifer L. , Ciulla Timmons Jaimie , Butterworth John
Published: December 2007

This article presents the results of a secondary analysis of the RSA-911 database from the Rehabilitation Services Administration. All successful vocational rehabilitation (VR) closures for individuals with mental retardation, cerebral palsy, and epilepsy for five data points between 1985 and 1995 were investigated. Trends in the use of competitive employment versus sheltered workshops and employment outcomes (hours and earnings) are examined. The use of supported employment in the VR system and its outcomes are also discussed. An additional analysis of the impact of the 1992 Rehabilitation Act amendments is included. Findings include increased incidence of competitive employment and supported employment services but a decrease in real earnings.
Measuring Rehabilitation Outcomes
Authors: Bolton Brian
Published: December 2007

This article is concerned with the measurement of benefits that clients receive as a result of the counseling and rehabilitation services that are provided to them. Twenty-two instruments that may be useful in measuring rehabilitation outcomes are described. Practical applications of these instruments in assessing benefits to rehabilitation clients are discussed.
The Preferences and Anticipations of People Referred for Vocational Rehabilitation
Authors: Koch Lynn C.
Published: December 2007

Client expectations are beginning to receive increasing attention in rehabilitation research and practice. This study provides preliminary data about the expectations, conceptualized as preferences and anticipations, of individuals seeking vocational rehabilitation (VR) services. Sixty-five people (33 women and 32 men) referred to a state VR agency completed an open-ended survey. A grounded-theory, qualitative methodology was used to identify and categorize the themes that emerged from the survey responses. The results suggest that individuals (a) enter the VR process with their own unique sets of preferences and anticipations, (b) have fairly clear ideas about what services they wish to receive but are uncertain about what services they will receive, and (c) want clear and specific information about all aspects of the VR process.
Developing Relationships Between Vocational Rehabilitation Agencies and Employers
Authors: Buys Nicholas J. , Rennie Jocelyn
Published: December 2007

New models of job placement have emerged over the last few years that focus on creating demand among employers for people with disabilities. Partnerships between employers and vocational rehabilitation agencies represent one of these approaches. This study investigated the factors that underpin the establishment, development, and maintenance of such partnerships. Using a qualitative approach, semi-structured interviews were conducted with employers and vocational rehabilitation agencies currently involved in partnerships. The identified factors underpinning partnerships were similar to those obtained from previous research. However, it was also found that these characteristics may differ according to the stage of development of partnerships. Implications of these findings for rehabilitation counselor practice are discussed.
Disparities in Job Placement Outcomes Among Deaf, Late-Deafened, and Hard-of-Hearing Consumers
Authors: Moore Corey L.
Published: December 2007

This report identifies disparities in the proportions of vocational rehabilitation (VR) cases closed into competitive jobs (Status 26) based on type of hearing loss (i.e., deaf, late-deafened, and hard-of-hearing). Case records obtained from the RSA-911 database for fiscal year 1997 were evaluated. A series of chi-square tests and logistic regression analyses were utilized to investigate potential relationships. Results indicate that a significantly greater proportion of VR consumers who are deaf achieve competitive jobs than of consumers who are late-deafened and hard-of-hearing. A significantly lower proportion of VR services significantly associated with competitive jobs (i.e., college or university training, business and vocational training, on-the-job training, and job placement) were provided to consumers who were late-deafened and hard-of-hearing. Results are presented for work status at closure (i.e., competitive jobs vs. noncompetitive jobs), and the implications of findings for service and research are discussed.
Psychosocial Adaptation to Chronic Illness and Disability
Authors: Livneh Hanoch
Published: December 2007

This article reviews the fundamental components inherent in the process of psychosocial adaptation to chronic illness and disability (CID). It is proposed that investigation of the process of adaptation to CID should consider three distinct classes of interacting variables. First, antecedents or triggering events (causes and contextual variables) present during origination of condition are listed. Second, the dynamic process of adaptation itself (experienced reactions following the onset of CID), as anchored within the existing context of both internally and externally associated groups of variables, is discussed. Third, psychosocial outcome categories that reflect differing views of adaptation to CID are overviewed. Such outcomes correspond to specific or global indicators of quality of life and may be categorized according to their functional domains, content areas, technologies or methods of assessment, and sources of measurement data. This article concludes with discussion of the three-class model's potential implications to rehabilitation practitioners and researchers.
Students with Disabilities
Authors: Ochs Lisa A. , Roessler Richard T.
Published: December 2007

Employment success in the 21st century requires that students with disabilities possess career maturity and personal flexibility. Past research, however, has indicated that students with disabilities experience a significant "developmental lag" with respect to career maturity. To determine whether that conclusion still pertained, this study compared the career development levels of 95 special education and 99 general education students. Although both groups had optimistic career outlooks, evidence indicated that special education students had significantly lower scores than their general-education peers on career decision-making self-efficacy, career outcome expectations, career exploration intentions, and vocational identity. Implications of the findings for educational and rehabilitation programming are discussed.
Consumer Concepts of Ideal Characteristics and Minimum Qualifications for Rehabilitation Counselors
Authors: McCarthy Henry , Leierer Stephen J.
Published: December 2007

Forty former rehabilitation counseling clients returned a mail questionnaire that requested them to write descriptions of "ideal" and minimally qualified rehabilitation counselors. Coders applied content analysis to classify the emergent defining criteria of these counselor prototypes. Relational values and qualities (Consumer-First Advocacy, Nurturing Traits) represented the most frequent categories for the ideal counselor descriptors; demographic characteristics (Disability Experience, Education, Maturity) were mentioned least. Predominent categories for the minimum qualifications were Credentials and Education and subcategories under Work Ethic and Approach, including Commitment to Client, Professional Behavior, and Competence. Broader use of discovery-oriented, qualitative methodologies in rehabilitation research is encouraged to capture consumers' phenomenological perspectives.
Gender of Primary Authors and Types of Research in Three Rehabilitation Counseling Journals
Authors: Skinner Amy L. , Walker Kristi
Published: December 2007

The authors reviewed all articles published in three rehabilitation counseling journals from 1990 through 1999 to identify the gender of the primary author for each article and the type of article. It was found that men were more likely to be the primary authors of empirical and expository articles in each journal; however, this difference was not significant.
Correlates of Multicultural Counseling Competencies of Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors
Authors: Bellini James
Published: December 2007

Correlates of multicultural counseling competencies for a sample of vocational rehabilitation counselors were examined. One hundred and seventy-five counselors completed the Multicultural Counseling Inventory (MCI) and a demographic questionnaire. A three-step, forced-entry multiple regression model was used to assess the separate and collective contributions of demographic, experiential, and training variables to counselors' self-reported multicultural counseling competencies. Together these three variable sets explained 33% of the variation in MCI total score, and each variable set significantly added to the variation in multicultural competencies. In the final model, counselor gender, race, participation in a graduate class in multicultural counseling, and participation in a greater number of workshops on multicultural issues over the previous 5 years significantly predicted MCI total score. These data provide strong evidence that continuing education workshops are beneficial for all counselors, not just those who have less personal and professional experience with multicultural issues or less formal training in multicultural counseling.
Quality of Life Among Adults with Epilepsy
Authors: Bishop Malachy , Berven Norman L. , Hermann Bruce P. , Chan Fong
Published: December 2007

The last 20 years has seen an increased interest in identifying the factors that affect quality of life for individuals with epilepsy. The great majority of this research has focused on the impact of medical interventions on quality of life. At the same time, increased understanding has developed regarding the significant impact that physical, social, and psychological factors make on the quality of life and life satisfaction of people with epilepsy. In an effort to better understand the relationships of the physical and psychosocial factors to each other and to quality of life among people with epilepsy, the authors developed and evaluated an exploratory model. The results have implications for rehabilitation professionals who work with people with epilepsy.
Abuse of Women with Disabilities
Authors: Hassouneh-Phillips Dena , Curry Mary Ann
Published: December 2007

Women with disabilities experience abuse at similar or higher rates than women in the general population. In addition to experiencing emotional, physical, and sexual abuse, women with disabilities may also experience disability-specific forms of abuse for prolonged periods of time and from multiple perpetrators. To promote awareness of this serious problem, this article offers a brief overview of the general domestic violence literature and a critical review of existing research regarding the abuse of women with disabilities. Following these reviews, we offer an overview of practical implications and existing resources in this important area.
On Crossing Borders and Building Bridges Over Troubled Waters
Authors: McCarthy Henry
Published: December 2007

Through description of personal encounters and reflections, the author suggests both the benefits and challenges of rehabilitation counseling professionals' becoming more engaged with disability studies scholars. Disconcerting discrepancies between the self-perception and public perception of counselors are discussed.
VR Services for Persons with Severe/Profound Mental Retardation
Authors: Moore Corey L. , Feist-Price Sonja , Alston Reginald J.
Published: December 2007

This article examines the relationship between race, vocational rehabilitation (VR) services, and the rehabilitation outcomes (i.e., closure status and income) of persons with severe/profound mental retardation. Six predictor variables (race, business and vocational training, on-the-job training, transportation, adjustment, and job placement) were used to predict one dichotomous criterion variable—closure status—and one continuous criterion variable—income (i.e., level of weekly earnings). Logistic regression analysis revealed that European Americans were significantly more likely to achieve closure success when compared to African Americans. Findings also indicated that persons with severe/profound mental retardation who were provided with job placement services were significantly more likely to achieve closure success (Status 26). Results are presented for each criterion variable, and the implications of the findings for service and research are discussed.
Income
Authors: Beveridge Scott , Craddock Sharon Heller , Liesener James , Stapleton Mary , Hershenson David
Published: December 2007

Existing theories of career development have been criticized in the rehabilitation literature for having questionable applicability to persons with disabilities. Given the diversity of disabilities and of persons with disabilities, the authors doubt that a generally applicable theory can be developed. They propose a viable alternative to guide rehabilitation counseling practice: a framework that posits that the career development of individuals (including those with disabilities) at any given point in their lives can be classified into one or more statuses, each of which calls for different interventions. These statuses form the acronym INCOME: Imagining, iNforming, Choosing, Obtaining, Maintaining, and Exiting.
Relationship of Consumer Characteristics and Service Provision to Income of Successfully Rehabilitated Individuals Who Are Deaf
Authors: Moore Corey L.
Published: December 2007

The purpose of this study was to identify higher levels of income, based on consumer characteristics (i.e., gender, race/ethnicity, Hispanic origin) and service variables (i.e., assessment, restoration, job placement), for persons who are deaf and closed rehabilitated (Status 26). A split-half cross-validation research design was used to evaluate 2,422 case records obtained from the RSA-911 database for fiscal year 1996 on three consumer and eight service variables. Results are presented for income, and the implications of findings for research and practice are discussed.
Ethics in Rehabilitation Counselor Supervision
Authors: Blackwell Terry L. , Strohmer Douglas C. , Belcas Eva M. , Burton Kathryn A.
Published: December 2007

This article is an exploration of some of the ethical issues facing rehabilitation counselors who provide clinical supervision. Ethical issues related to competence, evaluation and due process, dual relationships, confidentiality, and informed consent are discussed.
The Relationship Between Working Alliance and Rehabilitation Outcomes
Authors: Lustig Daniel C. , Strauser David R. , Dewaine Rice N. , Rucker Tom F.
Published: December 2007

A key factor in the development of an effective relationship between the client and counselor is the development of a strong working alliance (Bordin, 1979). Although considerable research has investigated the impact of the working alliance on counseling outcomes, no research has considered the effect of this alliance between rehabilitation counselors and clients within the context of the state—federal rehabilitation system. This study used existing survey data on 2,732 vocational rehabilitation clients during fiscal year 1999—2000. Results indicated that (a) employed clients had a stronger working alliance than unemployed clients, and (b) the working alliance is related to the client's perception of future employment prospects and his or her satisfaction with the current job. Implications for rehabilitation counselors are discussed.
Substance Use in People with Mental Retardation
Authors: Cocco Karen M. , Harper Dennis C.
Published: December 2007

Substance misuse and abuse are factors frequently contributing to poor outcomes in the general community. The literature in this area currently suggests that people with mental retardation may experience difficulties living in the community, many of which parallel the negative consequences associated with substance misuse and abuse in the general population. Although the link between substance use and misuse with level of functioning for people with mental retardation has not been established, extant data indicate further exploration might be worthwhile. This article critically reviews the available research, identifies areas for further exploration, and offers suggestions for professionals in rehabilitation counseling.
Patterns in Work Functioning and Vocational Rehabilitation Associated with Coexisting Psychiatric and Substance Use Disorders
Authors: Drebing Charles E. , Fleitas Rick , Moore Anshan , Krebs Christopher , Van Ormer Alice , Penk Walter , Seibyl Catherine , Rosenheck Robert
Published: December 2007

Archival data from 25,480 adults entering the Compensated Work Therapy (CWT) program of the Veterans Health Administration were analyzed to identify differences in work functioning and vocational rehabilitation among participants with psychiatric disorders alone, substance use disorders (SUD) alone, and psychiatric disorders with coexisting SUD. The co-existence of psychiatric disorders and SUD was associated with better work functioning, more participation in vocational rehabilitation, and a better outcome, compared to psychiatric disorders alone. Poorer functioning was seen on all variables relative to participants with SUD alone. These findings are due in part to correlates of substance abuse, but they may suggest that clinicians should focus on work and vocational goals to support other clinical efforts for clients with dual diagnoses.
An Empirical Typology of Career Thoughts of Individuals with Disabilities
Authors: Lustig Daniel C. , Strauser David R.
Published: December 2007

Dysfunctional career thoughts can have a negative impact on the career decision-making process and an individual's career and vocational development. Individuals with disabilities may be particularly vulnerable to dysfunctional career thoughts because limited access to the labor market provides limited opportunity to make vocational decisions and to understand the impact of functional limitations on career decisions. The purpose of this study was to identify groups of individuals with disabilities based on their measured levels of dysfunctional career thoughts. This nonexperimental descriptive study investigated the career thoughts of 132 individuals with a diagnosis based on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders—Fourth Edition (American Psychiatric Association, 1994) who received job placement services from a community-based job placement program. Cluster analysis of the Career Thoughts Inventory (Sampson, Peterson, Lenz, Reardon, & Saunders, 1996) identified three groups of participants: (a) those with dysfunctional thoughts, (b) those with external conflict, and (c) those with productive thoughts. The results suggest differences between the clustered groups and two comparison groups.
Service
Authors: Vash Carolyn L.
Published: December 2007

This article is based on the keynote address that initiated the American Rehabilitation Counseling Association symposium on psychosocial aspects of rehabilitation, which was held at the American Counseling Association annual conference on March 24, 2002, in New Orleans. It lays philosophical groundwork regarding the provision of human services to our fellows generally and to those provided to people with disabilities in particular. In addition, it features issues raised by the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on U.S. soil.
Identification of the Characteristics of Work Environments and Employers Open to Hiring and Accommodating People with Disabilities
Authors: Gilbride Dennis , Stensrud Robert , Vandergoot David , Golden Kristie
Published: December 2007

This study determined the characteristics of employers who are open to hiring and supporting people with disabilities. The purpose was to help rehabilitation professionals better target their placement and educational activities. Using a grounded theory qualitative approach, the researchers conducted focus groups and interviews with employers, employed persons with disabilities, and experienced rehabilitation placement professionals. The results indicated that 13 specific characteristics, organized into three major categories, are found among employers who are open to hiring and accommodating persons with disabilities. The three major categories were work cultural issues, job match, and employer experience and support.
Doctoral Study in Rehabilitation
Authors: Maki Dennis R. , Berven Norman L. , Peterson David B.
Published: December 2007

The third in a series of studies was conducted to describe doctoral programs in rehabilitation over three successive time periods. Characteristics of programs were summarized for the 1999—2000 academic year, including degrees and majors offered, admissions, curriculum, students, and faculty. In addition, information was compiled on numbers of graduates and types of positions entered from calendar years 1991 to 1997, maintaining the series of 7-year intervals from the two previous studies. From the time of the first study to the second, substantial declines had previously been noted in both the numbers of doctoral programs and graduates, but these numbers were found to have stabilized from the second study to the present study, with the identification of 29 programs that produced 276 graduates during the 7-year period. As with the previous studies, considerable variability was found among programs in virtually all of the characteristics examined.
Work Barriers Experienced and Job Accommodations Used by Persons with Arthritis and Other Rheumatic Diseases
Authors: Allaire Saralynn H. , Wei Li  , LaValley Michael P.
Published: December 2007

Many people with arthritis become work disabled, but little is known about (a) the types of work barriers they experience and (b) their use of job accommodations. Our objectives were to describe work barriers and use of accommodations and to examine factors associated with accommodation use in persons with arthritis at risk for work disability. Barrier assessment was conducted using the Work Experience Survey. Factors associated with accommodation use were analyzed by logistic regression. The overwhelming majority of the 121 participants (98%) reported having one or more barriers, and 68% reported 10 or more barriers; 38% used an accommodation. Greater functional limitations and self-efficacy for accommodation request were each associated with accommodation use. Even though these employed persons with arthritis faced multiple barriers at work, only a small number used any form of job accommodation.
Depression and Spinal Cord Injury
Authors: Skinner Amy L. , Armstrong Kevin J. , Rich John
Published: December 2007

Studies of depression in individuals with spinal cord injuries (SCI) over a 15-year period were examined to determine if researchers used consistent diagnostic measures. The Beck Depression Inventory was the most frequently used instrument, but there was inconsistency among methods employed and disagreement regarding the inclusion of somatic symptoms in diagnoses.
Rehabilitation Psychology, Then and Now
Authors: Shontz Franklin C.
Published: December 2007

As an academic discipline, rehabilitation psychology began in the 1950s and 1960s when federal support was made available for the creation of graduate training programs. This review summarizes some of the work of pioneers in the field and notes that most of their contributions were derived from case studies. The author describes professional experiences as a rehabilitation psychologist in hospital and academic settings, from the early years until 1983, when the program in rehabilitation psychology at the University of Kansas was effectively terminated. He also proposes that knowledge in rehabilitation psychology can be organized conceptually along a continuum of research methods and that the case study approach should be restored to a place of legitimacy as a source of information about individuals.
Coping Strategies as Predictors and Mediators of Disability-Related Variables and Psychosocial Adaptation
Authors: Livneh Hanoch , Wilson Lisa M.
Published: December 2007

This study examined the relationships among four predictors (functional limitations, perceived visibility of condition, and two disability-associated affective responses— anxiety and depression), coping strategies, and two outcome measures of psychosocial adaptation to disability (disability-specific psychosocial adjustment and life satisfaction). Based on responses from 121 university students with disabilities, two models (additive and mediational) were tested to investigate the contribution of coping strategies to psychosocial adaptation to disability. The findings of this exploratory study suggest that coping strategies add significantly to the variance in both outcome measures after controlling for the contribution of disability-related factors. The role of coping strategies as mediators between the set of predictor and outcome variables was mostly unsupported in this sample, however. Reasons for the latter finding are briefly outlined, along with the implications for rehabilitation research and practice.
The Disability Rights Movement
Authors: McCarthy Henry
Published: December 2007

Semistructured interviews were conducted with eight highly accomplished individuals with disabilities. This expert sample was selected to represent experienced sources of information and insight about historical developments in the disability rights movement and continuing challenges facing the disability community. Standard methods of narrative qualitative research were used to content-analyze the verbatim transcripts of the audiotaped interviews. Enlightening excerpts from the interviews are included in the report of these leaders' (a) greatest source of pride, (b) personal connections to the disability rights movement, (c) perceptions of the most cherished achievement of the disability community, and (d) predictions of what will be the most pressing disability issue in the year 2020.
A Belated Appreciation of Justin Dart (1930-2002)
Authors: McCarthy Henry
Published: December 2007

As the grandson of the millionaire founder of the largest drugstore chain in the United States, Justin Dart, Jr., was destined for an elite life of privilege. At age 18, instead of en-rolling at an exclusive university, he was given by fate another growth experience: contracting polio and learning about life from the caring hospital staff who touched him by responding to his hostility with love. This article highlights some other experiences in Dart's transformation into a tireless advocate for disability rights and, ultimately, "justice for all." The author also recounts how his own petty prejudice and stereotyping almost prevented him from getting to know this admirable civil rights leader.
Patterns in Referral and Admission to Vocational Rehabilitation Associated with Coexisting Psychiatric and Substance-Use Disorders
Authors: Drebing Charles E. , Rosenheck Robert , Schutt Russell , Kasprow Wesley J. , Penk Walter
Published: December 2007

Archival data from 17,929 homeless adults entering the Veterans Health Administration's Healthcare for Homeless Veterans program were analyzed to identify whether the rate of referral and admission to vocational rehabilitation differed between adults with psychiatric disorders alone and those with psychiatric disorders with a coexisting substance-use disorder (SUD). Participants with an SUD had an 11% greater chance of being referred to vocational rehabilitation than did those with a psychiatric disorder alone. Of the participants referred to vocational rehabilitation, those with an SUD were almost twice as likely to participate. Those with an SUD also had a higher rate of employment prior to evaluation than did those with a psychiatric disorder alone. These advantages were significant after covarying for demographic variables, specific psychiatric diagnosis, and Addiction Severity Index (McLellan, Luborsky, & Woody, 1980) psychiatric composite score. These findings fail to support the hypothesis that there is a bias in the process of referral or admission into vocational rehabilitation and suggest that work and participation in work rehabilitation are not negatively affected by a coexisting SUD.
Comparing Employment Outcomes of Vocational Rehabilitation Consumers with Hearing Loss to Other Consumers and the General Labor Force
Authors: Capella Michele E.
Published: December 2007

This study was an examination of four different aspects of employment (i.e., major occupational category, earnings, projected job growth, and transferable skill levels) that can be used to evaluate vocational rehabilitation (VR) outcomes beyond successful closure. Comparisons were made among VR consumers with hearing loss (the target group), VR consumers with other disabilities, and the general labor force. Results indicated few differences between the two VR consumer groups, but differences between both consumer groups and the general labor force were found across all employment outcome areas. A clear finding of this study was that more successfully closed VR consumers are employed in lower skill jobs than are members of the general labor force.
Hate Crimes and Disability in America
Authors: McMahon Brian T. , West Steven L. , Lewis Allen N. , Armstrong Amy J. , Conway Joseph P.
Published: December 2007

A hate crime is a criminal offense committed against person or property that is motivated, in whole or in part, by the offender's prejudice. Hate crimes are sometimes termed “bias-motivated crimes.” The theoretical bases for bias motivation and their implications for hate crimes against Americans with disabilities are outlined. The history of the Hate Crime Statistics Act (1990) and its eventual extension to Americans with disabilities are also reviewed. Five years of aggregate data from FBI Hate Crimes Statistics reports are analyzed to compare and contrast the hate crimes experience of Americans with disabilities with that of other targeted groups based on race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, and religion. Reports of hate crimes from persons with disabilities are minute as compared to those of any other group. The nature and location of hate crimes are also analyzed. Finally, the findings and their implications for such issues as alternative manifestations of prejudice, underreporting of violent crimes, cross-disability support for hate crime prevention, rehabilitation counseling practice, and future research directions are discussed.
Development of an Instrument to Measure Consumer Satisfaction in Vocational Rehabilitation
Authors: Capella Michele E. , Turner Ronna C.
Published: December 2007

Although state agencies are required by law to assess their consumers' satisfaction with vocational rehabilitation (VR), each state uses its own instrument to measure satisfaction. This not only makes comparisons across states impossible but also means that the quality of these instruments varies widely from state to state. As with other satisfaction research in general, there have been, and continue to be, many problems with the measurement of consumer satisfaction in VR. The purpose of this study was to create a valid, reliable, multidimensional consumer satisfaction instrument specifically for clients of VR agencies, without the documented problems associated with much of the existing satisfaction research.
Predictors of Employment Status for People with Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Roessler Richard T. , Rumrill Phillip D. , Fitzgerald Shawn M.
Published: December 2007

This study examined the relevance of the disease-and-demographics model for explaining the employment outcomes of adults with multiple sclerosis (MS). Participating in a national survey of their employment concerns, 1,310 adults with MS provided data for the study (274 men, 21%; 1,020 women, 78%; 16 participants did not identify their gender). With an average age of 50 ( SD = 12.14), most of the respondents were White (92%), well educated (97% were high school graduates, 40% were college graduates), and residing in urban and suburban areas (74%). Results from a backward stepwise multiple logistic regression analysis included the following variables as best predictors of employment status: educational attainment, severity of symptoms, persistence of symptoms, and presence of cognitive impairment/dysfunction ( R2 = .23). The article discusses the relationship of the findings to psychosocial and career development models in rehabilitation and to training, educational, accommodation planning, and cognitive interventions.
The Characteristics of Senior Applicants for Vocational Rehabilitation Services
Authors: Wadsworth John , Kampfe Charlene M.
Published: December 2007

Vocational rehabilitation services will experience an increase in the number of applicants who are over 65 years of age in the next 25 years. The nature and severity of disabilities of senior applicants, as well as their motivations for obtaining rehabilitation services, are unclear. Prior research suggests that seniors may use vocational services for the benefits of participation, rather than as a means to obtain employment. Information gathered as a part of the Longitudinal Study of the Vocational Rehabilitation Services Program indicates that employment was the primary objective for senior applicants of the state—federal system of vocational rehabilitation services.
A Representational Theory Perspective of Minority Status and People with Disabilities
Authors: Mpofu Elias , Conyers Liza M.
Published: December 2007

Minority is a term that has become particularly visible within the rehabilitation literature due to the increasing focus on the application of minority models to the understanding of the disability experience. At the same time, it is also one of the most ill-defined and misunderstood terms. In this article, the authors explore the meaning of minority status by discussing its core elements from a representational theory perspective. By doing so, they show that minority status is different from racial, ethnic, and cultural membership, although it partially overlaps with each of these constructs in some contexts. The authors argue that although race, culture, and ethnic minority status can attenuate or exacerbate minority status in some settings, these demographics are neither necessary nor sufficient conditions for minority status. Finally, the authors illustrate how many people with disabilities meet the essential criteria for minority status as outlined by representational theory and draw implications for rehabilitation practice, education, and research.
Client Goals for Participating in VHA Vocational Rehabilitation
Authors: Drebing Charles E. , Van Ormer E. Alice , Schutt Russell K. , Krebs Christopher , Losardo Marylee , Boyd Christopher , Penk Walter , Rosenheck Robert
Published: December 2007

Research into vocational rehabilitation (VR) consumer service preferences has been limited. The current study describes the self-reported goals of 228 applicants to a VR program sponsored by the Veterans Administration (VA) and documents the relationship of those goals to participant background variables and outcomes. Participants endorsed a wide variety of goals for participation, including clinical and practical goals. Competitive employment was a goal of only 53% and was the primary goal of only 5%. The apparent contrast between the diversity of VA participant goals and the growing focus by VA rehabilitation professionals on competitive employment suggests that greater dialogue is needed between providers and consumers.
For Just One Day
Authors: Carter Susanne
Published: December 2007

This essay explores the fantasy of a mother who wonders what her son would have been like if he were not severely disabled. For just one day, she confesses, she would like to know the anticipated son who disappeared from her life the day her disabled son was born, 21 years ago. The essay provides vivid examples of challenging experiences she has had with her son's autism and mental retardation, and it includes a list of recommended readings on parenting a child with a disability.
The Relationship Between Counselor Job Satisfaction and Consumer Satisfaction in Vocational Rehabilitation
Authors: Capella Michele E. , Andrew Jason D.
Published: December 2007

This study investigated the relationship between the job satisfaction of counselors employed by a state vocational rehabilitation (VR) agency and the satisfaction of their consumers with both the counselor and the overall VR experience. Multiple regression was used to determine whether facets of job satisfaction were related to consumers' satisfaction. Results indicated that job satisfaction was significantly related to consumer satisfaction and was able to account for a significant amount of variance in consumer satisfaction. The implications of these findings for VR are discussed.
A Comparison of the Ethical Beliefs of Certified Rehabilitation Counselors and National Certified Counselors
Authors: Tarvydas Vilia M. , Leahy Michael J. , Saunders Jodi L.
Published: December 2007

Results of a national survey of certified rehabilitation counselors (CRCs) are compared with those obtained by Gibson and Pope (1993) from a national sample of national certified counselors (NCCs) to determine their beliefs about whether particular behaviors are ethical, and the degree of consensus or controversy about these behaviors. Commonalities and differences in the beliefs of these two groups are described. Implications for education and the field of rehabilitation counseling are discussed. The authors conclude that the high degree of similarity between beliefs of CRC and NCC respondents provides empirical support that these counselors share a fundamental set of ethical beliefs.
Professional Disclosure Practices of Rehabilitation Counselors
Authors: Shaw Linda R. , Fong Chan  , Lam Chow S. , McDougall A. Grant
Published: December 2007

This article reports the results of a survey conducted in order to determine the professional disclosure practices of rehabilitation counselors in both the public and the private sector. Counselors were surveyed regarding the content, the circumstances, the timing, and the format of their disclosure. They were also asked to share their opinions about the use of written forms and about professional disclosure in general. A descriptive analysis revealed that although some information is routinely disclosed, many kinds of information (e.g., treatment risks, limits of confidentiality) that are generally considered very important in the disclosure process are not disclosed to all clients and/or are not disclosed at the outset of the counseling relationship. Several differences in practice between counselors in the public and private sectors were identified. Implications for ethical practice and risk management related to professional disclosure were discussed.
Gender and Perceived Illness Severity
Authors: Roessler Richard T. , Turner Ronna C. , Robertson Judith L. , Rumrill Phillip D.
Published: December 2007

Although research has indicated a link between gender and perceived illness severity and the employment status of people with multiple sclerosis (MS), it has not addressed questions regarding the relationship between those variables and specific types of employment concerns. In this study, a sample of 1,310 adults with MS replied to a mail survey eliciting their concerns regarding employment services and policies. Regardless of perceived severity and gender, adults with MS were dissatisfied with many important employment services and policies. Findings also indicated gender and severity interactions, which are discussed in terms of implications for rehabilitation interventions.
The Relationship Between the Clinical Orientation of Substance Abuse Professionals and Their Clinical Decisions
Authors: Toriello Paul J. , Leierer Stephen J.
Published: December 2007

In this study, the authors examined the relationship between the clinical orientations of substance abuse professionals (SAPs) and their clinical decisions. Cluster analysis grouped a sample of 245 SAPs on two clinical orientations that differed in their relative endorsement of traditional versus contemporary substance abuse counseling processes and beliefs. Logistic regression revealed that SAPs' clinical orientations, labeled neo-traditional and precontemporary, could be predicted by their clinical decision-making tendencies and education level. Implications for rehabilitation counselor education, supervision, and research are discussed.
Prototypes as an Indirect Measure of Attitudes Toward Disability Groups
Authors: McCaughey Tiffany J. , Strohmer Douglas C.
Published: December 2007

A prototype is an ongoing, cognitive representation of common attributes and distinct characteristics that define an object or person. This mixed-method study applies the robust concept of prototype to examine perceptions of disability groups. Core, secondary, and tertiary prototype characteristics are described for six disabilities: schizophrenia, mental retardation, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, spinal cord injury, visual impairment, and hearing impairment. Similarities and differences among disability group prototypes are identified. The potential relationship between prototypes, attitudes, and subsequent judgment biases is explored. Examining prototypes might be an effective method for indirectly measuring attitudes toward disability groups. Implications for rehabilitation counseling practice and education are discussed.
Informed Consumer Choice in Community Rehabilitation Programs
Authors: Hagen-Foley Debra L. , Rosenthal David A. , Thomas Dale F.
Published: December 2007

This study investigated consumer and staff member perceptions regarding the extent of consumer choice and participatory planning in community-based rehabilitation programs (CRPs) and the relationship between these elements, satisfaction, and outcomes. Consumers reported moderate to high levels of choice in services and employment goals, and persons with greater functional limitations perceived themselves as significantly less informed. Consumer perceptions of informed choice were significantly related to greater satisfaction with services received and outcomes attained. Those reporting greater perceived choice also received significantly more services. Lastly, significant differences in informed consumer choice were identified by type of disability. Implications for rehabilitation professionals and future research are discussed.
Rehabilitation in Russia
Authors: Martz Erin
Published: December 2007

For several decades, the disability community in Russia has battled for its rights. In 1995, a disability rights law was passed that covered multiple areas, such as environmental access, education, and work. This article focuses on Russian rehabilitation philosophy and practice. It is written from a mixture of perspectives—personal experience, discussions with activists, and articles—to highlight both the universality of challenges related to disability and the distinctiveness of problems within social systems.
Prevention Practice Differences Among Persons With Spinal Cord Injuries Who Rarely Versus Frequently Sustain Pressure Ulcers
Authors: Jones Michael L. , Marini Irmo , Slate John R.
Published: December 2007

Pressure ulcers are common among people with spinal cord injury (SCI) and not only are costly to treat but also affect the quality of life of those affected by them. Despite a plethora of literature on prevention, there are few wellness studies focusing on the practices of people who do not develop pressure ulcers. This preliminary study sought to compare persons with spinal cord injury with consistent healthy skin histories to those with chronic pressure ulcer problems, focusing on behavioral habits of self-care. Data from 86 individuals 6 to 17 years postinjury were gathered by a mail and telephone survey investigating demographics and behavioral management lifestyle practices and factors attributed to success in preventing ulcers. Chi-square and follow-up analyses of variance indicated the group practices of those relatively ulcer free, who were female, were employed, weighed less, performed frequent pressure releases, experienced fewer ulcers during the first year, were less likely to smoke, consumed less alcohol, had fewer incontinence or moisture problems, had more sensation in the buttocks region, and were more physically active. Relevance to rehabilitation counselors in working with this population and addressing this debilitating problem is explored.