bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
"Doing my own thing": Supported self-employment for individuals	with cognitive disabilities
Authors: Hagner David , Davies Tobey
Published: November 2024

In recent years self-employment has increasingly been recognized as a viable employment option for individuals with disabilities, including individuals with mental retardation or other cognitive disabilities. Eight business owners with cognitive disabilities and those most directly involved in providing support to them were interviewed using qualitative research methods. The purpose of the study was to explore the meaning of self-employment for the business owners, to understand the structure, function and viability of the businesses, and to examine the types and sources of support provided. Findings and recommendations for enhancing the use of this employment option are presented.
With a little help from my friends: Supported self-employment for	people with severe disabilities
Authors: Rizzo Dennis C.
Published: November 2024

People with disabilities are utilizing self-employment as a work option in greater numbers than ever before. However, there has not been a concerted look at methods or practices which may open the option of self-employment for those with severe disabilities or severe support needs. While the unemployment rate for people with severe disabilities remains at around 70%, work. The option of self-directed employment does exist and, according to a review of both social supports and business supports, can be practically applied. Employment efforts that intelligently combine business support systems with personal social support systems more typical for people with severe disabilities can open the option of self-employment and self-directed employment for this group. Future exploration and testing of methods is also discussed.
Self-employment: A process for use by vocational rehabilitation	agencies
Authors: Arnold Nancy L. , Seekins Tom
Published: November 2024

Starting a business is hard work. For a person with a disability working with a Vocational Rehabilitation agency it requires a deliberate, detailed process. This article presents a recommended Self-Employment Process for Vocational Rehabilitation agencies to use for assisting people with disabilities start the most successful businesses possible.
Enhancing self-determination in job matching in supported	employment for people with learning disabilities: An intervention study
Authors: Kilsby Mark S. , Beyer Stephen
Published: November 2024

This study aimed to test the effectiveness of two interventions employed to assist job seekers with mental retardation to increase self-determined vocational choices. A job taster programme was set up in two South Wales supported employment agencies. During baseline, job coaches were provided with no specific instructions. Intervention 1 comprised a one-day training package to teach job coaches the principles of self-determination and encourage the use of structured job reviews following each job taster. Intervention 2 comprised the introduction of a pictorial job review profile aimed at increasing job seeker independence in the review procedure. Results suggested that job seeker self-determination was enhanced through the project, indicated by a high degree of job seeker accuracy in reporting factual aspects of their experiences accompanied by a drop in the rate of job coach assistance.
Factors that influence employer decisions in hiring and retaining	an employee with a disability
Authors: Graffam Joe , Shinkfield Alison , Smith Kaye , Polzin Udo
Published: November 2024

This paper is based on results of a national study in Australia. Questionnaires were completed by 643 employers, each of whom had employed a person with a disability between 1996--1998. Employers rated the importance of several factors relevant to decisions to hire and retain a person with a disability. Individual factors were rated most important, with grooming/hygiene and work-performance factors rated highest. Management factors and cost factors were rated moderately important. Social factors were rated least important. Analyses of variance were conducted, identifying several employer differences in ratings. The paper discusses employer values as well as the need to include employers in a partnership approach.
Ingredients for success: Consumer perspectives on five essential	elements to service delivery
Authors: Timmons Jaimie Ciulla , Schuster Jennifer , Hamner Doris , Bose Jennifer
Published: November 2024

This article reports on a study investigating the characteristics of effective state service systems. Findings are based on the experiences of individuals with disabilities who have used a state agency to find employment. Interviews were conducted to examine individuals' experiences with employment services including job search, job entry, strategies that facilitated involvement, supports provided, and barriers experienced. Findings indicated five key components to effective service delivery, including agency culture, consumer-directedness, access to resources, quality personnel, and coordinated services. Using these five essential elements as guidelines, the implications explore what state systems can do to increase their capacity to support job seekers.
Collaboration and partnership to improve employment outcomes
Authors: Flannery K. Brigid , Slovic Roz , Treasure Tina , Ackley Daryl , Lucas Frank
Published: November 2024

For the past three decades, the vocational rehabilitation field has been moving from a system controlled by professionals to one beginning to promote the crucial role of consumers in decision making and planning for their futures. This focus on empowerment of consumers reflects the Independent Living philosophy developed in the late 1960s and promoted through Centers for Independent Living. This focus requires a major shift in thinking and action on the part of rehabilitation counselors and administrators so that all people with disabilities can truly be legitimate partners. It also requires consumers to be more knowledgeable and have the skills necessary to be more involved, indeed directive, in choosing the goals and the services they want and need. Oregon has developed a partnership between rehabilitation agencies and Centers for Independent Living (CILs) to provide support and skills to consumers to increase their involvement and role in developing their rehabilitation plan.
Employer benefits and costs of employing a person with a	disability
Authors: Graffam Joseph , Smith Kaye , Shinkfield Alison , Polzin Udo
Published: November 2024

This paper derives from a national study of employer outcomes when employing a person with a disability. Questionnaires were completed by 643 Australian employers who had employed a person with a disability. Individual performance was considered by comparison of the employee with a disability and the "average" employee. The "average" employee was rated significantly better on productivity variables, and employees with a disability were rated somewhat, but not significantly, better on reliability variables and employee maintenance variables. Organization performance was considered in terms of benefits and costs of workplace modifications and changes to staff training and supervision. In each domain, employers identified more organization benefits than costs, a large majority considering the financial effect of modifications and changes cost-neutral, with financial benefit more common than net cost. Employers reported short-term, but no long-term or broader benefits from employer subsidies and/or incentives. The need to take a broad, "big picture" view to understand cost effectiveness is discussed.
School to where? A literature review on economic outcomes of youth	with disabilities
Authors: Wittenburg David C. , Maag Elaine
Published: November 2024

This paper summarizes the recent empirical literature on post-secondary school outcomes of youth with disabilities. Our summary illustrates the variation in characteristics and outcomes that exist in several subpopulations generally defined as youth with disabilities. Unfortunately, a major limitation of this literature, particularly for special education students and SSI recipients, is a lack of information on recent outcomes. Specifically, there were no major data collection efforts, at least at the national level, to track these populations in the mid to late nineties. While upcoming data sources, such as the National Longitudinal Transition Survey2 (NLTS2) and National Survey of Children and Families (NSCF), should fill major gaps in existing knowledge, other data initiatives are necessary to ensure that policy makers continuously have current information. We suggest several types of survey and administrative data initiatives, as well as new research projects using current data, to address current gaps.
Measuring and reducing acquiescence in vocational profiling	procedures for first time job-seekers with mental retardation
Authors: Kilsby Mark , Bennert Kristina , Beyer Stephen
Published: November 2024

Discourse analysts have shown that interview interactions between staff and people with mental retardation are especially subject to problems of 'acquiescence'. The interviewer's interactional dominance as well as the way questions are phrased and sequenced on questionnaires have been shown to encourage potentially acquiescent behaviours. These observations imply a need to develop procedures for measuring the extent of this phenomenon during vocational profiling conducted by job coaches and for finding effective methods for its reduction. Kilsby and Beyer (2002) demonstrated how a self-determination package could be used by job-coaches to reduce the incidence of question formats most associated with producing acquiescent responses during job selection interviews. However, the quantitative method of coding the type and frequency of the questions asked by job-coaches does not provide conclusive evidence that job-seekers' acquiescence was actually reduced. This paper aims to highlight the problems of acquiescence in supported employment by using the insights gained from fine-grained interactional analysis using a sample of the first time job-seekers from the Kilsby and Beyer study. Results indicate that the interventions did indeed reduce the occurrence of potentially acquiescent responses on the part of job-seekers, thus adding validity to the observational data and suggesting effective ways forward for practice and research.
A behavioral intervention to improve work performance in	schizophrenia: Work behavior inventory feedback
Authors: Bell Morris , Lysaker Paul , Bryson Gary
Published: November 2024

Objective: Situational assessments of work performance can be used repeatedly to measure progress in work rehabilitation and used for feedback and goal setting.

Design: Sixty-three people with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder participating in a 6-month paid work program were randomly assigned to receive a behavioral intervention utilizing work performance feedback and goal setting or to receive usual support services.

Results: Results showed that those receiving the behavioral intervention (BI) had significantly greater improvement on the WBI subscales overall and specifically on Social Skills, Personal Presentation, and Cooperativeness. Those in BI also worked significantly longer, 36% more hours and 22% more weeks. Additionally, those in BI showed a trend toward greater improvements on measures of motivation, sense of purpose, and enjoyment in life.

Conclusions: Results indicate that BI can improve work performance, particularly for interpersonal behaviors that are less likely to be addressed by work supervisors, increase job retention, and may enhance feelings of motivation, sense of purpose and enjoyment in life.
Identifying relationships between functional limitations, job	accommodations, and demographic characteristics of persons with psychiatric	disabilities
Authors: MacDonald-Wilson Kim L. , Rogers E. Sally , Massaro Joseph
Published: November 2024

Objective: Years after the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act, little empirical information exists about the relationship between the functional limitations experienced by individuals with psychiatric disabilities, and related reasonable accommodations provided on the job.

Design: A multi-site, longitudinal study was conducted with 191 employees in 22 supported employment programs across 3 states during a 1-year study period. Data were gathered prospectively in a structured, narrative form designed to describe both the functional limitations and accommodations of participants.

Results: The most frequent functional limitations among this group of employed persons with psychiatric disabilities were cognitive in nature, followed by social, physical, and emotional/other. There was a significant relationship between the type of functional limitation and the number and type of accommodations received. There was a marginally significant relationship between type of functional limitation and a diagnosis of schizophrenia. There were no significant relationships between any other clinical or demographic factors, functional limitations or reasonable accommodations.

Conclusion: Functional limitations and their associated accommodations can be defined and categorized. Cognitive limitations were the most prevalent in this sample and the best predictor of the number of accommodations provided. Implications of these findings for accommodations under the ADA, eligibility for Social Security Disability benefits, and vocational assessment and planning are discussed
The strength of self-reported course of illness in predicting	vocational recovery for persons with schizophrenia
Authors: Waghorn Geoff , Chant David , Whiteford Harvey
Published: November 2024

Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine whether self-reported course of illness predicts vocational recovery in a representative sample of persons with DSM-III-R diagnosed schizophrenia after adjusting for 13 clinical, and 8 non-clinical predictors chosen on the basis of a recent literature review.

Design: Data from the National Survey of Mental Health and Wellbeing in Australia (a survey of people living with psychotic illness) 1997–1998 were analyzed. Participants (n = 380) were characterized by a diagnosis of schizophrenia, outpatient or short-stay inpatient status, known educational attainment, and an employed or unemployed status at the time of interview.

Results: Self-reported course of illness emerged as a practical and low cost predictor of vocational recovery. In contrast to previous controlled studies in the United States, educational attainment and age contributed to predicting vocational recovery in Australia.

Conclusions: More severe courses of illness, disrupted education, and age exceeding 44 years, suggest more intensive forms of vocational assistance may be required. Although promising, further work is needed to validate the potential utility of self-reported course of illness in vocational studies.
The work project survey: Consumer perspectives on work
Authors: McQuilken Michael , Zahniser James H. , Novak Jeanne , Starks Roy D. , Olmos Antonio , Bond Gary R.
Published: November 2024

Objective: Mental health consumers at an urban mental health center were surveyed about their motivations for working and perceived barriers to employment.

Design: A survey was developed and administered by a consumer-led research team to 389 persons receiving case management and outpatient services.

Results: Most consumers were either working (16%; n=59) or reported a desire to work (46%; n=170). The latter group constituted 55% of the 310 respondents who were not working at the time of the study. The most common perceived barrier was the fear of losing Social Security benefits. Consumers also reported concerns about receiving low pay and being ashamed of their job histories. Among the 38% of the total sample who expressed a reluctance or unwillingness to work, two-thirds (n=58) indicated that, if they did not have to worry about losing their Social Security benefits while working, they would try to obtain employment. A total of 179 (49%) respondents expressed a preference for receiving vocational services at their clinical sites, versus at a clubhouse location.

Conclusions: Most consumers in this study were working or wanted to work. Consumers' motivations for work can be increased, especially if key barriers to work are described as removable. Preferences for types and locations of vocational services need to be considered in planning services.
The evolution of Personal Assistance Services as a Workplace	Support
Authors: "Tony" Young Anthony J.
Published: November 2024

The evolution of Personal Assistance Services (PAS) as a Workplace Support (WS) is truly one of a long, slow change. This evolution has a shared history with the Independent Living Movement; the Long-term Care, Services and Supports efforts; and the push for full inclusion and community integration for people with disabilities. As it is impossible to separate the need for PAS in the workplace from the need in other areas in life, it is impossible to separate the development of PAS as a workplace support from its development for other areas of life. Consumers across the country used a variety of mechanisms to document the need and value of PAS. States took the initiative to develop and implement community-based personal assistance services. They all shared the strategy of using whatever funding source advocates could pry open to fund PAS. Unable to identify a single source of funding large enough to meet the documented needs for PAS, advocates inserted PAS into each and every program they could. Advocates with disabilities working for PAS as a workplace support have accomplished much. They still have a long way to go to have a well working system, but they are not alone in their quest.
Accessing personal assistance services in the workplace: Struggles	and successes
Authors: Coble-Temple Alette , Mona Linda R. , Bleecker Thomas
Published: November 2024

This article explores the concept of personal assistance services (PAS) in the workplace for individuals with disabilities. Three focus groups were conducted with individuals with disabilities who use PAS in the workplace. Thirteen men and three women provided insight regarding their experiences accessing and maintaining personal assistants in the workplace. Issues of discrimination, knowing who and when to request worksite PAS, self identifying with a disability, and understanding one's PAS needs were identified as important factors in PAS at the workplace. The recommendations participants most frequently reported were to become a strong self-advocate and improve public policy around worksite PAS. Discussion focuses on how to incorporate the experiences and insights of the participants into enhancing the rehabilitation process for individuals who want to be in the workforce.
Workplace inclusion: Persons with disabilities and coworkers	working together
Authors: Wehman Paul
Published: November 2024

The purpose of this article is to assist supported employment professionals with identifying and promoting quality integration outcomes for individuals with significant disabilities. Workplace inclusion is an important outcome measure of a quality employment program supporting individuals with disabilities. Multiple factors must be examined when determining if a particular job or employee is integrated. First, the indicators that are characteristic of vocational integration are described. Second, systematic procedures for assessing integration opportunities in the workplace and an individual's social preferences are discussed. Third, strategies for improving integration and quality of life outcomes are presented. The article emphasizes the importance of systematic and ongoing assessment of the job setting and the worker if maximum integration is to be achieved and maintained.
Invisibility of disability and work experience as predictors of	employment among community college students with disabilities
Authors: Martz Erin
Published: November 2024

A random sample of 200 out 597 individuals with disabilities attending a community college were surveyed by mail. The Reactions to Impairment and Disability Inventory [20], the Internal-External Locus of Control [32], and a demographics page were administered, which included items on current employment and visibility of disability. A backward logistic regression was run to explore whether the psychological variables of locus of control, acknowledgment and adjustment to disability, and the demographic variables of perceived visibility of disability, age, education, marital status, age at onset of disability, and work experience predicted individuals' employment status in this sample. The results indicated that invisibility of disability and work experience were the most-likely contributors in predicting individuals' current work-status. Though the variable of work experience was retained in the last step of the logistic regression, it had an insignificant Wald statistic. Several indicators suggested that the variable of work experience was acting as a suppressor variable. The findings that individuals with invisible disabilities were sixteen times more likely to be employed than individuals with visible disabilities were discussed in terms of stigma and visibility of disability. Implications of these findings for rehabilitation counselors were briefly suggested.
Providing effective support services for culturally and	linguistically diverse persons with disabilities: Challenges and	recommendations
Authors: Stodden Robert A. , Stodden Norma Jean , Kim-Rupnow Weol Soon , Thai Nghi D. , Galloway L.M.
Published: November 2024

This review examines the impact of culturally and linguistically diverse (CLD) persons of disability status upon the work of researchers, rehabilitation service providers, and postsecondary education instructors and support personnel. The increasingly disproportionate distribution of CLD persons with disabilities, and the inequitable treatment CLD people experience in receiving services, continues to challenge the disability research field, vocational rehabilitation system, and postsecondary institutions. Disability researchers, practitioners, instructors, and support personnel have not adequately understood the unique issues related to disability in CLD communities and, as a result, have failed in their relationship with CLD persons with disabilities. This review examines the barriers to this relationship which fall into three categories: (a) lack of cultural sensitivity and knowledge regarding CLD persons with disabilities; (b) failure to account for environmental determinants of disability, including natural, social, cultural, and built environments; and (c) inadequacy of current research methodology and approaches by service systems and postsecondary education as applied to CLD populations with disabilities. Recommendations to better relate to the needs of persons with disability in CLD communities are provided.
College entrance exams for students with disabilities:	Accommodations and testing guidelines
Authors: Fuller William E. , Wehman Paul
Published: November 2024

In order to enter traditional 4 year college programs, most students with disabilities will need to perform on the standardized entrance exams such as the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT). The purpose of this paper is to describe ways to identify accommodations and prepare for these exams in order to attain scores which will maximize performance.
Supported employment and workplace supports: A qualitative	study
Authors: Rogan Pat , Banks Becky , Herbein Michelle Howard
Published: November 2024

This article describes a qualitative study involving four organizations that provided supported employment. Employment specialist practices, including facilitating workplace supports, are examined, and implications for practice are discussed.
The Self-Determined Career Development Model: A pilot study
Authors: Wehmeyer Michael L. , Lattimore Jennifer , Jorgensen Jean D. , Palmer Susan B. , Thompson Eunice , Schumaker Kent M.
Published: November 2024

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of a model to enable Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) counselors and others to support VR consumers to self-regulate problem solving to enable them to set career and job goals, and design, implement and evaluate progress toward their goal(s).

Study design: The study occurred in the context of a local VR office with five consumers with disabilities who were receiving VR services. The study utilized a multiple-baseline across subjects design. Participants worked through the support model to set a job or career goal and to design an action plan to reach that goal. Once baseline data were collected, all participants implemented their action plan and data were collected to determine progress toward that goal.

Results: All participants, except one, made progress toward his or her goal and indicated satisfaction with the process.

Conclusions: Findings support the potential of this model to increase VR consumers' capacity to self-direct problem solving and goal setting activities related to getting a job.
Social integration in the workplace for people with disabilities:	An Australian perspective
Authors: Riches Vivienne C. , Green Vanessa A.
Published: November 2024

Employment success for people with disabilities is closely related to the degree to which they are physically and socially integrated into the work environment. This study sought to explore the extent to which workers (N = 71) with disabilities were experiencing integration from the perspective of Supervisors (N = 65), Co-workers N = 63) and Employment Specialists (N = 67) located in 64 open and supported employment sites across Australia. The participants completed questionnaires that addressed the following areas: workplace conditions, social interaction in the workplace, appropriateness of particular social behaviors, and attitudes to employees with disabilities. Overall, the findings revealed a considerable amount of agreement between the three groups of participants. The results showed that people with disabilities who were employed in entry level jobs across a range of work-places were considered to be valued members of the workforce. The majority of supervisors and co-workers indicated that the person with a disability was engaged in the social life of the workplace, although co-workers were less positive. Perceived differences on task related social skills and actual job performed appeared likely contributors to this finding. Finally, the positive attitudes being expressed towards those people with disabilities in this study by all three groups suggest that having direct experience with employees with disabilities in open employment situations can have a positive effect. The findings are discussed in light of the need for further research that seeks to understand the formation of friendships by adults with disabilities. Social integration in the workplace is only the first step toward the formation of reciprocal friendships.
The Customized Employment Supports (CES) model of vocational	rehabilitation for methadone treatment patients
Authors: Blankertz Laura , Staines Graham L. , Magura Stephen , Madison Elizabeth M. , Horowitz Emily , Spinelli Michael , McKenzie Anita , Bali Priti , Guarino Honoria , Grandy Audrey , Young Rebecca , Fong Chunki
Published: November 2024

Few methadone-maintained patients are employed, due to personal barriers and limited vocational services. With federal and state policy reforms compelling substance users to obtain work or risk losing public benefits, it is imperative to develop and test innovative vocational rehabilitation models. Designed for methadone patients, the Customized Employment Supports (CES) model integrates components of traditional vocational counseling in treatment, innovative vocational programs for the severely mentally ill, and case management techniques. This paper describes CES, its principles, essential elements, and stages of service delivery. The model features a small caseload [16], long service duration (up to 18 months), frequent counselor-patient contacts, fieldwork with patients, and rapid job search. Although the primary goal of CES is competitive employment, incremental and intermediate steps involving any productive activity are also valued. After establishing a working alliance, the CES counselor helps patients increase their self-efficacy, and addresses both vocational and non-vocational barriers to employment. The CES model may also contribute to non-vocational improvements, especially reductions in illicit drug use, excessive alcohol consumption, and criminality. The CES model has been implemented at two urban methadone-maintenance clinics as part of a five-year randomized clinical trial to test the model's efficacy by comparing it with standard vocational services.
Supported employment and systems change: Findings from a national	survey of state vocational rehabilitation agencies
Authors: Novak Jeanne , Rogan Pat , Mank David , DiLeo Dale
Published: November 2024

This paper presents findings from a national survey of state Vocational Rehabilitation agencies regarding systems change in supported employment. Respondents from the 50 states and the District of Columbia assessed the impact of state systems change activities and policy implementation efforts on supported employment. Activities perceived to be most important to the implementation and expansion of state supported employment programs were training, technical assistance, capacity building, and policy and funding initiatives. While respondents reported that significant efforts were devoted to conversion during state Title III supported employment system change projects, they reported a lower level of sustained effort following the conclusion of these projects. Respondents from 26 states reported that fiscal incentives exist to provide supported employment services over segregated services. Fiscal disincentives were also reported. Federal and state policies and practices were perceived to influence the administration and operation of state supported employment programs.
Stakeholder perceptions of an effective CIL
Authors: Usiak Douglas J. , Stone Vathsala I. , House Ronald B. , Montgomery Mark E.
Published: November 2024

This paper presents the methods and findings of a Rehabilitation Research and Training Center on Independent Living Management (RRTC-ILM) study which identifies the profile of an effective center for independent living (CIL) as seen by CIL stakeholders, with a focus on structural elements and expected outcomes. This study represents an initial phase of a larger RRTC-ILM project that seeks to identify CIL management practices with a view toward helping the centers identify training needs. Five hundred and eighty-eight (588) stakeholders participated in the study representing CIL board members, executive directors, staff, volunteers, consumers and funders. Their responses, collected in focus groups and via telephone interviews, were subjected to qualitative content analysis. Findings include nine management categories into which stakeholder-perceived elements clustered. Consumer Involvement emerged as a category distinct to CILs and showed the importance of consumer control in the organization. Outcomes found to be important to stakeholders were congruent with the management categories that were important to them.
Identifying the employment and vocational rehabilitation concerns	of people with traditional and emerging disabilities
Authors: Nary Dorothy E. , White Glen W. , Budde James F. , Vo Hoang Yen
Published: November 2024

Objective: This study was conducted a) to examine the concerns of people with disabilities regarding their participation in independent living and in society and b) to explore whether people from "emerging" disability groups and those from "traditional" disability groups prioritize issues related to these concerns similarly.

Study design: National survey using the "Concerns Report Method for Citizens with Disabilities" (CRM), an agenda-setting instrument, which involves people with disabilities in the research process. The CRM was administered to a national sample of people with a variety of disabilities.

Results: Survey items related to employment and vocational rehabilitation are typically rated as "problems" by the entire group of respondents as well as by respondents from specific disability groups. One employment-related item pertaining to adequate salary and benefits emerged as one of the top three issues selected by the entire group and by respondents in specific disability groups.

Conclusion(s): Despite progress in many areas of disability policy and quality of life, people with a variety of disabilities remained concerned about employment and vocational rehabilitation issues. The chronically high national unemployment rate of people with disabilities highlights the need for increased attention to programs and policies to address this need.
Consumer outcomes of Centers for Independent Living program
Authors: O'Day Bonnie , Wilson Jean , Killeen Mary , Ficke Robert
Published: November 2024

This article presents findings from a comprehensive evaluation of Title VII, Chapter 1, Part C of the Centers for Independent Living (CIL) program funded by the Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA). These 2001 study results are based upon interviews with 569 consumers about their experiences at CILs. We asked consumers about services received, knowledge or skills gained, and changes in their lives they attributed to the CIL. We also asked consumers about the extent to which they decided upon the services they would receive. This study found that CILs are providing a wide variety of beneficial services and advocacy in their communities. Consumers report a high level of satisfaction with the services they receive and report significant life changes as a result of CIL services. Only 56% of consumers stated that they decided on the services they would receive either by themselves or in conjunction with another staff person. Centers should take steps to insure that consumers are empowered to make or have a voice in decisions about the independent living services they receive.
A comparative analysis of employment discrimination complaints	filed by people with multiple sclerosis and individuals with other	disabilities
Authors: Unger Darlene , Rumrill, Jr. Phillip D. , Roessler Richard T. , Stacklin Richard
Published: November 2024

This article describes findings from an empirical investigation of the pattern of Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Title I complaints filed with the United States Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) by people with multiple sclerosis (MS) in comparison to the pattern of ADA Title I complaints filed by all other people with disabilities since 1993. Chi square analyses revealed that people with MS are more likely than all other complainants to charge discrimination related to benefits, health insurance, demotion, reasonable accommodations, and the terms of employment. People with MS are less likely than other complainants to file ADA Title I complaints alleging unlawful discharge, harassment, and discriminatory hiring practices. Implications of these findings for vocational rehabilitation practice are presented.
Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act and Equal	Employment Opportunity Commission case resolution patterns involving people	with multiple sclerosis
Authors: Rumrill, Jr. Phillip D. , Roessler Richard T. , Unger Darlene , Vierstra Courtney V.
Published: November 2024

This article describes findings from an empirical investigation of the pattern of Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Title I case resolutions by the United States Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) involving people with multiple sclerosis (MS) in comparison to the pattern of ADA Title I case resolutions involving all other people with disabilities since 1993. Chi-square analysis revealed that people with MS are more likely than all other complainants to have charges resolved with the issuance of a right to sue letter. People with MS are less likely than other complainants to have charges resolved via administrative closures. Implications of these findings for vocational rehabilitation practice are presented.
Workplace barriers and job satisfaction among employed people with	multiple sclerosis: An empirical rationale for early intervention
Authors: Rumrill Phillip , Roessler Richard , Vierstra Courtney , Hennessey Mary , Staples Laura
Published: November 2024

This article presents findings pertinent to the relationship between on-the-job barriers and job satisfaction among employed people with multiple sclerosis (MS). Fifty-nine adults with MS (N = 59), who self-initiated a telephone call to an employment hotline for assistance in managing their MS on the job, participated in structured job accommodation interviews (Work Experience Survey – WES). Respondents reported few worksite accessibility problems, a moderate number of performance difficulties, few job mastery problems, and relatively high levels of job satisfaction. Restricted range in the job mastery variable precluded its contribution to the hypothesized regression equation predicting job satisfaction, but the total number of worksite accessibility and essential function barriers correlated significantly and negatively with job satisfaction (r = -0.33, r^2 = 0.11, p < 0.015). A rationale for early intervention to reduce workplace barriers is presented, grounded in these findings and career development theory.
The decline in the employment rate for people with disabilities:	Bad data, bad health, or bad policy?
Authors: Burkhauser Richard V. , Stapleton David C.
Published: November 2024

A major debate has begun over reports of an unprecedented decline in the employment of working age people with disabilities over the 1990s business cycle. Here we review the literature on what can and cannot be said with current data on this subject and conclude that this decline is not an artifact of the data. We then review the various explanations and evidence for this decline and conclude that it was caused by changes in social policy rather than increases in the severity of the underlying health conditions and impairments of this population. The implication is that significant changes in public policy are needed to more effectively integrate working age people with disabilities into employment. We identify and discuss the most promising directions for public policy in this area.
Small-N designs in rehabilitation research
Authors: Cowan Richard J. , Hennessey Mary L. , Vierstra Courtney V. , Rumrill, Jr. Phillip D.
Published: November 2024

This article describes applications of small-N designs in rehabilitation research. The authors provide an overview of the key features of small-N research, several types of small-N designs, and the strengths and limitations of each type of design. Examples from the contemporary professional literature are used to illustrate key points.
Supported employment in the public sector for people with	significant disabilities
Authors: Robertson Susan , Lewis Gregory , Hiila Helena
Published: November 2024

Most jobs secured in supported employment programs for people with disabilities have been found in the private sector. This is in spite of the fact that the public (i.e. government) sector is a significant employer in most countries and usually offers better job stability, salary rates and employment benefits than entry-level positions in the private sector. It has been claimed in the literature that people with disabilities supported in public sector employment would enjoy similar wage and benefit advantages over their counterparts in the private sector workforce.

These claims were empirically tested in this study to determine whether similar benefits are available to workers with disabilities in the Australian public sector. Over a period of 18 years, 389 public sector positions secured for people with disabilities by Edge Employment Solutions (a Western Australian supported employment program) have produced significantly superior outcomes in the key areas of hours of work, wages rates and length of employment than have 2,264 private sector positions secured over the same period. This paper reports on these findings and suggests strategies for supported employment programs to improve public sector placement outcomes.
Supported Employment in The Netherlands for people with an	intellectual disability, a psychiatric disability and a chronic	disease. A comparative study
Authors: Hoekstra E.J. , Sanders K. , van den Heuvel W.J.A. , Post D. , Groothoff J.W.
Published: November 2024

The Dutch government and private agencies are striving to assist people with disabilities with employment. Job placement agencies in The Netherlands use various methods including a Supported Employment (SE) approach to achieve this result. This article examines similarites and differences in tasks performed and the amount of time spent on a task implementing SE across the following disability groups: people with an intellectual disability, a psychiatric disability and a chronic disease. Results revealed the greatest amount of time was expended on Job coaching activities for each group and that substantial time was expended on assessment and job seeking activities for persons with psychiatric or chronic disabilities.
Causal-comparative research designs
Authors: Schenker Jason D. , Rumrill, Jr. Phillip D.
Published: November 2024

This article describes causal-comparative research designs and examines the role these studies play in rehabilitation research. The goals, assumptions, and data analytic strategies that inhere to causal-comparative research are emphasized, illustrated with examples from the contemporary vocational rehabilitation literature.
Informing the development of employment programs for persons with	disabilities: A case study analysis of the definitions, uses and implications	of the idea of suitable employment
Authors: Brucker Debra L.
Published: November 2024

Persons with disabilities may be involved with a number of public programs that use the idea of "suitable employment" to determine initial eligibility for services, guide service delivery planning, assess program compliance, and/or provide guidelines for case closure. Using documentary and interview data, the author conducts an embedded case study analysis of unemployment insurance, workers' compensation, vocational rehabilitation, and welfare programs across three states to provide insight into variations in definitions and uses of the idea of suitable employment. The author discusses implications for developing employment programs for persons with disabilities.
A two-year comparison of support provision for persons with	disabilities in postsecondary education
Authors: Tagayuna Arlie , Stodden Robert A. , Chang Chuan , Zeleznik Mari E. , Whelley Teresa A.
Published: November 2024

The nature and frequency of educational support provision in postsecondary education represents an area about which a critical need for information has emerged. In order to fulfill the need for research, the National Center for the Study of Post Secondary Educational Supports (NCSPES) at the University of Hawai'i at Manoa Center on Disability Studies (CDS) conducted a national survey that administered two surveys to a national sample of more than 1,500 disability support coordinators working in postsecondary education institutions. The surveys focused on the status of educational support provision for students with disabilities in postsecondary education [21]. Their goal was to assess the types and frequency of educational supports, accommodations, and services offered to students with disabilities attending two-and four-year postsecondary education institutions. The first survey was administered in 1999 with a follow-up survey in 2001. This article compares the two surveys in order to assess the present status and measure the development of the various support services. The paper presents and compares significant changes in specific support services in postsecondary education.
Trends in postsecondary education: Participation within the	vocational rehabilitation system
Authors: Gilmore Dana Scott , Bose Jennifer
Published: November 2024

The intent of this paper is the comparison of data from the state Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) system to data from studies within the general population of three measures related to participation in postsecondary education (PSED) of persons with disabilities. The three measures compared include the following: (1) the VR system's incidence of enrollment for people with disabilities and the incidence reported by other studies; (2) the rate of participation in postsecondary education for people with disabilities versus the rate for the general population; and (3) the employment-related outcomes of people with disabilities compared to outcomes for the general population and across disability groups.
The use of voice recognition software as a compensatory strategy	for postsecondary education students receiving services under the category of	learning disabled
Authors: Roberts Kelly D. , Stodden Robert A.
Published: November 2024

Research on the use of voice recognition software (VRS) as a compensatory strategy for written language difficulties, often experienced by postsecondary education students receiving services under the category of learning disabled, is minimal, with one study [13] reporting findings. Higgins and Raskind [13] found writing samples of their subjects, completed with VRS, had higher holistic scores than samples completed with assistance from a transcriber, and without assistance. The research presented in this article builds on this finding through investigation of research questions that address ongoing use of VRS, influence of VRS on writing performance, and variables that influence both of these areas.

Key findings include ongoing use of the software being dependent upon need and personal issues; written performance improvements contingent upon need; and key variables influencing ongoing use, including: time, ease of use/acquisition of skills, personal issues, use of Standard English, disability (area affected), and the use of other effective compensatory strategies. This article outlines characteristics of individuals who may benefit from using the software, implications for specific populations, and direction for future research.
HIV/AIDS 101: A primer for vocational rehabilitation	counselors
Authors: Berry Jhan Doughty , Hunt Brandon
Published: November 2024

This paper provides a comprehensive overview of the most current medical, psychosocial, and vocational information on HIV/AIDS as it relates to vocational rehabilitation. Counseling strategies and suggestions are given for vocational rehabilitation professionals to use when working with this population.
Developing employment services for individuals with HIV/AIDS:	Participatory action strategies at work
Authors: Paul-Ward Amy , Braveman Brent , Kielhofner Gary , Levin Mara
Published: November 2024

This paper details the development and implementation of employment and independent living services for people living with HIV/AIDS over year one of a three-year project. Specifically, we describe the ongoing collaborative process, based on participatory action strategies, that is being utilized in the development of this multi-faceted, intensive, personalized and coordinated program of services. Further, we provide preliminary results regarding the benefits of this model of service provision for addressing the employment needs of individuals living with HIV/AIDS. We conclude with a detailed discussion of the challenges and successes of these efforts.