bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Independent Living Skills During Inpatient Rehabilitation and Its Impact on Long-term Rehabilitation Costs
Authors: Galluf Tate Denise
Published: June 2019

This article provides information that is useful to rehabilitation counselors and other rehabilitation professionals working with persons with physical disabilities. It describes a collaborative medical and independent living inpatient program and its potential long-term cost benefits. The number of rehospitalizations, hours of personal care assistance (PCA) services received and costs of medical rehabilitation care are investigated for persons with spinal cord injury (SCI) from discharge from the hospital to one year post-injury. Data on these three variables are compared for independent living (IL) program participants and non-program participants. Findings revealed differences in two areas.IL program participants diagnosed with quadriplegia reported using more PCA services after discharge than their counterparts. While this represents an increase in post-discharge costs, the number of rehospitalizations for IL participants was significantly lower than that of non-participants. Based on these preliminary findings, the author concludes that providing IL skills during inpatient care is cost-effective and significantly reduces the long-term costs associated with medical complications post-discharge.
Wright's Constructs of Psychosocial Adjustment to Physical Disability as a Framework for Understanding Adaptation to Chemical Dependency
Authors: Alston Reginald J.
Published: June 2019

Rehabilitation counselors will increasingly encounter clients who are chemically dependent to either alcohol, cocaine, or some other debilitating drug. Therefore, it is imperative for rehabilitation counselors to delineate and understand the factors Involved in psychosocial adaptation to chemical dependency. The purpose of this article is to explain how Beatrice Wright's suppositions on psychosocial adjustment to physical disability can be used to illuminate the issues involved in adaptation to drugs. Relationships between adjustment to physical disability and adaptation to drugs will be identified and discussed. Also, implications for rehabilitation counseling practice with persons who are chemically dependent will be examined.
Addressing the Needs of Lesbian and Gay Clients with Disabilities
Authors: McAllan Leslie C. , Ditillo Deb
Published: June 2019

Practical information is presented to assist rehabilitation practitioners to work more effectively with clients who are gay or lesbian with disabilities. The authors address the question, “Are we evolving into a profession which truly embraces diversity in the broadest sense and responds with sincere compassion and understanding to all who request services?” Rehabilitation professionals have a body of knowledge and experience that helps to reduce stigma for people with disabilities which can be applied to working with persons who are gay or lesbian. Practical applications addressed in this article include 1) understanding and countering myths, 2) understanding the reality of what it means to be gay or lesbian, 3) learning about ourselves and our biases, 4) learning skills and resources available, and 5) returning to the roots of comprehensive rehabilitation practice. Rehabilitation counselors are reminded of the basic philosophical roots of what they learned as counselors.
Rehabilitation Counselors as Providers: The Issue of Sexuality
Authors: Boyle Pamela S.
Published: June 2019

Rehabilitation counselors are trained to consider the needs of the “whole person” when providing services to individuals with disabilities. Often, clients will look to their counselors for help with dealing with issues of sexuality and socialization. Rehabilitation counselors can be especially helpful to their clientele if they use their disability-related knowledge and rehabilitation counseling skills in conjunction with PLISSIT, a basic model of sexuali counseling useful with individuals with disabilities.
A Health Promotion Strategy for Persons with Disabilities
Authors: Wong Henry D. , Neulicht Ann
Published: June 2019

Rehabilitation professionals have focused little attention on health promotion strategies for persons with disabilities. The purpose of this article is define and identify components of a health promotion strategy which may be incorporated into a rehabilitation program. The application and utility of integrating health promotion is discussed, and recommendations are provided for rehabilitation counseling.
Gender and Vocational Assessment of People with Mental Illness: What Works for Men May Not Work for Women
Authors: Razzano Lisa , Cook Judith A.
Published: June 2019

This study examines the effect of gender on standardized, computer-based vocational assessments. Specifically, McCarron-Dial vocational evaluation scores for 182 clients with mental illness were examined in relation to the actual vocational outcomes achieved by these clients. Findings suggest significant gender differences on several McCarron-Dial subtest measures, vocational factors and predicted job levels. However, no gender differences were discovered with regard to subsequent rates of employment, hourly salaries, or number of hours worked per week. Implications for these findings as well as recommendations of future studies are discussed.
Denial of Disabling Conditions and Specific Interventions in the Rehabilitation Counseling Setting
Authors: Stewart Jay R.
Published: June 2019

Denial of disabling conditions is prevalent and significant in the rehabilitation counseling setting. For effective diagnosis and intervention with denial, rehabilitation counselors need to understand the causes and consequences of denial as a defense against anxiety. They also need generic intervention skills, as well as skills specific to each client in denial. Because individuals with personality disorders and unstable personalities have unique difficulties in counseling, their extensive use of denial is explained and specific interventions with that population suggested.
Rehabilitation Research and Archives: A Case Study
Authors: Gregory Robert J.
Published: June 2019

Archives, that is, deposits of information on a particular topic, can be useful for research purposes. Rehabilitation education and other programs have opportunities to promote development of archives, and to use the materials collected for research on disability and the field of rehabilitation. A case study about the development of an archive at Massey University in Palmerston North, New Zealand is presented to illustrate the value, process, and potential benefits.
Content Analysis of Journals in Rehabilitation
Authors: Gray Jeannean Hall , Hoggard Rhonda , Marini Irmo , Slate John R.
Published: June 2019

A content analysis of 598 rehabilitation journal articles was conducted covering selected and available journals from three libraries. In all, five professional referred rehabilitation journals were analyzed covering four major areas of rehabilitation: (1) general rehabilitation - The Journal of Rehabilitation (JR) and Rehabilitation Counseling Bulletin (RCB); (2) counseling Journal of Applied Rehabilitation Counseling (JARC); (3) evaluations and assessment - Vocational Evaluation and Work Adjustment Bulletin (VEWAB); and (4) services - Journal of Rehabilitation Administration (JRA). Based on the modification of an earlier content analysis procedure, articles essentially fell into one of twelve following areas: education and training, professional issues, legal issues, ethics, independent living, counselor role and junction, alcohol and drug abuse, research methodologies, program innovations, special interest groups, and miscellaneous topics not elsewhere found. Implications as to how the field of information in rehabilitation has changed over the past decade are discussed.
Rehabilitation Counseling with the Deaf: Considerations for Counselors with General Caseloads
Authors: Melick Amy , Herbert James T.
Published: June 2019

Due to the lack of adequately trained and experienced rehabilitation counselors for the deaf, the majority of vocational rehabilitation services will be provided by counselors with general caseloads. For those counselors who are assigned deaf clients, information is provided to facilitate greater awareness of the cultural, communication, assessment, and career development needs of this clientele.
Disputing Irrational Beliefs in Rehabilitation Counseling
Authors: Gandy Gerald L.
Published: June 2019

Although Rational-Emotive Therapy (RET) utilizes a variety of cognitive, emotive, and behavioral techniques, the cognitive technique of disputing irrational beliefs is what originally made this approach radically different from other psychotherapeutic orientations. This presentation will focus on a systematic written homework self-help technique of disputing irrational beliefs that can be utilized as an effective brief therapy stress management technique in the emotional adjustment of clients with physical and mental disabilities. The self-help feature of the technique also makes it more acceptable to some rehabilitation clients who have tended to view RET as an authoritarian and aggressive approach.
Department of Vocational Rehabilitation as a Referral Resource for School-to-Work Transition Planning: One State's Review
Authors: Feist-Price Sonja , Cyrus Kasundra , Harley Debra Ann
Published: June 2019

The Department of Vocational Rehabilitation is a resource available to children with special needs who are transitioning to post-school life. However, this resource often remains untapped by students until later in life. Steps have been taken in this southeastern state to promote the use of Department of Rehabilitation prior to school completion. This article identifies knowledge and perceptions of Exceptional Children Coordinators or Special Educators regarding the Department of Vocational Rehabilitation as a referral resource in school-to-work transition planning for children with special needs.
Persuasive Effects of an Involving Disability Role Play
Authors: Baesler E. James
Published: June 2019

The research tested whether communication involvement during a dlsabzltty role play influenced beliefs about persons with disabilities. Ninety college students took part in a 40-50 minute role play with a confederate posing as a physical therapist under conditions of low, moderate, and high communication involvement. Self-perception theory was used to explain the main finding that higher levels of communication involvement during the role play produced greater change in beliefs related to persons with disabilities than lower levels of communication involvement.
Supervision in Rehabilitation Counseling: Applications of Theory to Understand Supervision Style and the Supervisory Working Alliance
Authors: Lynch Ruth Torkelson
Published: June 2019

Recent years have evidenced an increased interest in developing theoretical models of supervision and empirically analyzing the supervisory process. The major theme underlying these efforts concerns the supervisory contexts - including style and relationships - which are most effective for trainees with varying needs and at different levels of experience. With the availability of models and instrumentation unique to supervision, it is now possible to more critically look at the perceptions of students and their respective supervisors regarding how supervision occurs. This study examines the current theoretical models of supervision, considers the linkages between the theoretical models and assessment instrumentation which has been developed, applies the models and rating scales toa sample of matched pairs of rehabilitation counseling students and their respective supervisors, and proposes applications for analyzing and improving supervision in rehabilitation counselor education.
A Functional Assessment Approach to Strategy Development and Implementation for a Person with a Specific Learning Disability: A Case Study
Authors: Peters Robert H. , Koller James R. , Holliday Gregory A.
Published: June 2019

Traditional standardized assessments designed to provide measures of intelligence, personality, interest, etc., have consistently failed to provide complete, direct and functionally relevant information for persons with cognitive disabilities. Various forces in rehabilittition have long sought innovative assessments that provide functional information directly pertinent to everyday life. This manuscript describes an assessment paradigm that combines traditional psychometric evaluation and situational assessment through an intensive case study approach. The coordination of service, assessments and the benefits for both the participant and the referring agency are presented from referral to job placement.
Transition From School to Community Life: Implications for Rehabilitation Counselors
Authors: Cain Maura E.
Published: June 2019

This article reviews the current literature in transition counseling for students with disabilities. The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act is explained as it relates to the transition process. A parallel is drawn between those who serve students with disabilities - rehabilitation counselors, special educators, and school counselors - and their responsibilities infacilitating their transition from school to community life. Recommendations are made for vocational rehabilitation counselors to be active and creative in transition counseling for students with disabilities.
Alcohol and Other Drug Use Among Women: Implications for Rehabilitation Counselors
Authors: Harley Debra A.
Published: June 2019

This article discusses the issues and concerns germane to women who use alcohol to the point of addiction. The focus is on the prevalence of alcohol use, role and identity, characteristics umque to women, and treatment issues. Implicationsfor rehabilitation counseling are presented.
Steps for Evaluating and Interpreting Quantitative Research
Authors: McAweeney Mary J. , Heinrich Robert
Published: June 2019

All rehabilitation professionals should attain basic competencies in evaluating the design, methodology, and statistical validity of published or proposed research studies. Evaluation of rehabilitation counseling research is becoming more important as health care reform demands that rehabilitation professionals demonstrate the efficacy of their practices. This article presents fifteen criteria for use in critically evaluating rehabilitation research, and is intended for use in the evaluation of published research and in planning future research studies. The elements of a research article are discussed in detail, with examples provided. Several recommendations are made to improve the clinical usefulness of quantitative research conducted in rehabilitation counseling.
AIDS and Tennessee: An Overview of Guidelines Protecting Workers in Tennessee with HIV and AIDS
Authors: Hackerman Ann E.
Published: June 2019

There has been a professed fear about having a coworker with AIDS. The workers feel threatened, the customers and clients boycott, and the employers are faced with numerous decisions, both morally and legally. The Harkin-Humphrey Amendment, which amended the Civil Rights Restoration Act of 1987, has made it illegal to discriminate against employees or job applicants with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS). With this in mind, the Tennessee government offices are making strident efforts to educate and protect its citizens and workers from discrimination and harassment in regards to HIV and AIDS.
Consumer Choice for People with Cognitive Disabilities: Who Makes the Choices in the Job Search Process?
Authors: Dwyre Amy E. , Trach John S.
Published: June 2019

Historically, people with disabilities have been denied opportunities to make decisions that impact their lives, even though studies have shown that their are many benefits to choice-making for both people with disabilities and society in general. The barriers preventing consumer choice-making include low perception of consumer competence by caregivers, the limited opportunities provided by caregivers for informed choices, and service systems that perpetuate dependence. This article discusses the issues surrounding consumer choice-making in the supported employment job search process and looks at who makes the actual decisions when the supported employee does not. Recommendations include training for service providers to afford choice, training for supported employees to express preferences, and program development that focuses on the involvement of arents and supported employees in the job search process.
University Students' Knowledge of Civil Bights Laws Pertaining to People with Disabilities
Authors: Stageberg Darin , Fischer Jerry , Barbut Alice
Published: June 2019

The purpose of this study was to gather data about university students' familiarity with the civil rights laws pertaining to people with disabilities: Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. A majority of nondisabled students and students with disabilities reported that they had little, very little, or no knowledge at all of civil rights laws pertaining to people with disabilities. In addition, a significant difference was found between the number of university students with disabilities and students without disabilities requesting accommodations from employers. Furthermore, less than 30% of the university students with disabilities in this study requested a workplace accommodation. Given the results of this research, it is recommended that university students with disabilities receive greater exposure to civil rights laws pertaining to people with disabilities.
Reasonable Accommodations in the Workplace for Persons with Affective Mood Disorders: A case study
Authors: Coles Alida V.
Published: June 2019

Persons with a depressive disability experience difficulty in performance, absenteeism, productivity, and the possibility of frequent safety risks in the workplace. These behaviors are cognitive deficits of the illness, but are often ignored by the helping professions when assisting clients with work related issues. The disability is intermittent in nature often requiring cognitive accommodations in the workplace. The study identifies, through case study interview, specific emotional and behavioral barriers that have prevented clients from maintaining employment. And the study identifies support mechanisms to reduce cognitive and behavioral deficits on the job.
The Ethics of Caring: A Collaborative Approach to Resolving Ethical Dilemmas
Authors: Davis Alan H.
Published: June 2019

Authors are divided on the subject of moral relativism, the dilemma in which one is faced with conflicting concepts of good. The rehabilitation literature has consistently favored a rational-analytic approach to ethical problem solving in which alternatives are compared with one another and a preferred option is selected by the rehabilitation counselor. In this paper it is argued that the rational-analytic approach is outdated in the age of consumer driven services, and ill-suited to situations involving more than one individual. Collaborative ethics is associated with caring as a basic consideration, with a strong emphasis on the values of cooperation and inclusion. This paper presents a critique of the traditional method for resolving the problem of moral relativism, and describes a collaborative strategy for resolving ethical conflicts.
Relationship Enhancement® as an Intervention to Facilitate Rehabilitation of Persons with Severe Mental Illness
Authors: Accordino Michael P. , Herbert James T.
Published: June 2019

Relationship Enhancement® (RE) is an effective approach to improve family interactions. RE is a behavioral family intervention with a psychoeducational approach that emphasizes skill building rather than symptom reduction. This article describes RE and how it may be particularly useful in facilitating rehabilitation efforts for families who have a member with serious mental illness (SMI). Mental health workers and rehabilitation counselors who intervene on a family systems level may find this approach particularly helpful.
Rehabilitation Counseling Outside the State Agency: Settings, Roles, and Functions for the New Millennium
Authors: Koch Lynn C. , Rumrill Phillip D.
Published: June 2019

The article explores non-traditional employment settings for rehabilitation counselors. The authors describe career outlooks for and responsibilities of rehabilitation counselors who work in mental health, substance abuse treatment, geriatric rehabilitation, medical/allied health case management, employee assistance programs, disability management, and private practice/consultation.
The Relationship Between the Use of Prescription Medication and Substance Abuse in College Students with Disabilities
Authors: Baker Debbie Ann , Dooley Katherine M.
Published: June 2019

The purpose of this study was to determine whether college students with disabilities who regularly take prescription medications were at risk of developing problems with substance abuse. Three hundred and twelve college students with disabilities volunteered to participate in the study. The participants completed the Substance Abuse Subtle Screening Inventory (SASSI), a demographic profile, and returned both to the investigator. A Chi square test of dependence was used to determine if a significant difference in the incidence of substance abuse existed between students who took prescription medications and those who did not. Results showed that college students with disabilities who regularly took prescription medications were more likely to be identified as substance abusers than those who did not regularly take prescription drugs.
Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Among Persons with Disabilities
Authors: Watson Albert L. , Franklin Mary E. , Ingram Michael Anthony , Eilenberg Laurie B.
Published: June 2019

The use and abuse of alcohol and other drugs (AOD) occurs as frequently, and perhaps more frequently among persons with disabilities. Still, rehabilitation professionals tend to minimize its occurrence, as well as the Impact of AOD misuse in the rehabilitation process. The purpose of this article is to highlight the prevalence and incidence of AOD, the effects of AOD misuse, and unique treatment issues among persons with six disabling conditions. The six disabling conditions include: (1) mental retardation, (2) learning disabled, (3) hearing impaired, (4) visually Impaired, (5) mobility Impaired, or (6) mentally ill/substance abusing.
Moving Toward Culturally Competent Rehabilitation Counseling Services: Issues and Practices
Authors: Schaller James , Parker Randall , García Shernaz B.
Published: June 2019

This article presents a discussion of issues and practices for promoting culturally competent rehabilitation counseling services. These issues and practices include how and by whom disability is defined, and how services are offered and made accessible for individuals and families from culturally diverse backgrounds. Acknowledgment of issues of bicultural/bilingual status, incorporation of cultural knowledge into practice, communication that promotes both information and meaning, and the concept of responsive services were discussed.
Eleven Myths in Vocational Rehabilitation
Authors: Olshansky Simon
Published: June 2019

Professionals in rehabilitation to enhance their feelings of importance and power develop certain myths. These myths impair their sense of reality, their view of themselves and of their clients. Eleven myths are briefly reviewed which obstruct their vision and interfere with their provision of services. Hopefully, by facing these myths professionals will develop a better sense of reality and a better sense of what they can do and cannot do.
Gender Differences in Acceptance of Disabilities Among Vocational Rehabilitation Consumers
Authors: Hampton Nan Zhang , Crystal Ralph
Published: June 2019

This study investigated gender differences in acceptance of disability. Fifty-seven vocational rehabilitation consumers participated in the study. The Acceptance of Disability scale (Linkowski, 1971) was used to measure the level of adjustment to disability. The results indicated that there was a significant gender difference in acceptance of disability. Female participants appeared to have lower level of acceptance compared with males. The implications of the findings for rehabilitation counselors and researchers were discussed.
Ethnic and Gender Influences on the Social Acceptance of Persons with Disabilities by African American and White College Students
Authors: Donnell Chandra M. , Alston Reginald J. , Hampton Joseph L. , Bell Tyronn J.
Published: June 2019

A small number of studies have yielded inconclusive results when examining the assertion that ethnic minorities have greater acceptance of persons with disabilities because of shared minority group status. The purpose of this study was to explore the hypothesis that African Americans, in comparison to Whites, hold more positive attitudes toward persons with disabilities in social situations. Also, differences according to the gender of the college student participants were explored. Implications for rehabilitation counseling are provided.
Vocational Rehabilitation Acceptance: A Tale of Two Races in a Large Midwestern State
Authors: Wilson Keith B.
Published: June 2019

The purpose of this study was to examine whether Americans and European Americans disability would differ in vocational rehabilitation (VR) acceptance. The author used a Chi-square test of independence as the test statistic. Because the majority of previous studies of VR acceptance fail to use a relational statistic to test the practical significance among explanatory and criterion variables, the phi coefficient was utilized. Relational statistics are important because it shows how variables relate, either negatively or positively. Using this methodology, there was no statistically significant difference between African Americans and European Americans. Moreover, the strength of the association between variables proved slight, even in the presence of a relatively large sample. The author concludes by discussing limitations and future research.
A Holistic Approach to Multicultural Rehabilitation Counseling
Authors: Stebnicki Mark A. , Rubin Stanford E. , Rollins Carolyn , Turner Tyra
Published: June 2019

This article proposes a holistic multicultural counseling approach, using a case illustration, that teaches rehabilitation counselors to recognize and appreciate both the individual uniqueness and human commonalities among persons with disabilities. This approach includes, but is not limited to: racial/ethnic identity, religious affiliation, gender, disability and socioeconomic status. A key supposition underlying the proposed approach is that effective counseling is individualized and an emphasis should be on understanding what is useful or meaningful to the client as a person, rather than viewing the person only as a representative of a certain racial/ethnic/cultural group.
Factors Contributing to Rehabilitation Counselor Success in the Private Sector in Michigan
Authors: Chapin Martha H. , Leahy Michael J.
Published: June 2019

This study sought to gain insight into the behaviors and perspectives of exemplary rehabilitation counselors and how they interpret best practices in the private sector. Twenty rehabilitation counselors nominated as exemplary were interviewed using a semi-structured, conversational approach. A qualitative approach for identifying thematic lines was used to analyze the data. Results and findings from this qualitative design are discussed and implications identified for the major theme of professional maturity. Two sub-themes were additionally identified (1) a belief in fair and equitable treatment of clients and (2) understanding the limitations of the roles and responsibilities of a private rehabilitation counselor. The client-counselor relationship was also emphasized as important to rehabilitation counseling practice in the private sector.
O*NET Job Analysis and Vocational Evaluation for the 21st Century
Authors: Havranek Joseph E. , Brodwin Martin G. , Kontosh Larry G.
Published: June 2019

Functional Job Analysis will continue to be the preferred method for accurate, reliable, and legally defensible determination of job duties. With the implementation of the Occupational Information Network (O*NET), job-related functions to be evaluated will expand and the potential applications and problems, both practical and research, will increase. The O*NET system is described, as are potential uses and shortcomings of O*NET, as well as the importance of O*NET to job analysis and vocational evaluation.
Comparisons of Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors' Attitudes Toward Substance Abusers
Authors: West Steven L. , Miller James H.
Published: June 2019

This research was initiated to determine if differences exist in the attitudes of vocational rehabilitation counselors toward substance abusing clients. Using the Substance Abuse Attitude Survey (SMS), ninety-one vocational rehabilitation counselors were surveyed regarding their beliefs and attitudes toward substance abuse and substance abusers. Results comparing those counselors with and without training in substance abuse issues found those with trainning reported significantly more positive attitudes than their non-trained counterparts in only two areas. However, the attitudes of all counselors were found to be somewhat negative.
Working with Gay and Lesbian Consumers with Disabilities: Helping Practitioners Understand Another Frontier of Diversity
Authors: Harley Debra A. , Hall Meada , Savage Todd A.
Published: June 2019

Meeting the developmental and vocational needs of gay and lesbian consumers with disabilities has become an imperative of cultural diversity. Rehabilitation practitioners need to be prepared to deal with societal and environmental barriers that impact the lives, development, and careers of these consumers. This article describes definitions and terminology, stigma related to homosexuality, homosexual identity development and disability, and ethical implications of working with gay and lesbian consumers. Recommendations are offered to help practitioners become effective facilitators of gay and lesbian consumers' developmental and vocational processes.
The Significance of Rehabilitation Counselor Job Satisfaction
Authors: Garske Gregory G.
Published: June 2019

The purpose of this relationship study was to examine the levels of job satisfaction, self-esteem, and attitudes toward persons with disabilities of rehabilitation counselors. The primary focus was on Herzberg's motivation/hygiene factors. While respondents generally reported high ratings in all three areas, two of Herzberg's motivation factors appeared to be significantly low. Job satisfaction variables were found to have significant correlations with scores on the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale and the Issues in Disabilities Scale. Based on the findings, supervisors and managers are requested to remain sensitive to the job related needs of those who serve people with disabilities.
Partnership with the Business Community: The Mental Health Employer Consortium
Authors: Balser Richard M. , Hagner David , Hornby Helaine
Published: June 2019

The Maine Medical Center Department of Vocational Services has developed a process for collaboration with the business community that has resulted in improved vocational outcomes for consumers and improved employer attitudes and flexibility. The process involves recruiting and sustaining an active group of leading employers who meet together as a Mental Health Employer Consortium (MHEC), to learn about mental illness, discuss problem situations and concerns and brainstorm accommodations. This article outlines the process of developing and working with a MHEC and presents preliminary employment outcomes for consumers using this approach. Findings of a qualitative follow-along study are presented, indicating how partnership with the MHEC enhances and supports the work of employment specialists and other vocational staff. Finally, results of interviews are presented, documenting the impact of the MHEC in improving employer attitudes and practices.
A Literature Review of Vocational Rehabilitation Acceptance and Explaining Bias In the Rehabilitation Process
Authors: Wilson Keith B. , Harley Debra A. , McCormick Katherine , Jolivette Kristine , Jackson Ronald L.
Published: June 2019

The United States is transitioning into the new millennium with actual and projected growth in racial and ethnic minority populations. However, racial minority customers remain underrepresented among those receiving services in vocational rehabilitation. Moreover, there is a differential rate of acceptance for customers from racial and ethnic minority and female populations and those who are White (non-Hispanic). While we recognize that the types of service received and severity of disability (and other variables), for example, are important variables to consider when examining VR Ineligibility discrepancies, studies that used these specific variables in relation to VR acceptance were scarce. This article examines the findings of past researchers who have explored the reasons for discrepancies within the vocational rehabilitation (VR) system. Future research and considerations for VR counselors are discussed.
Hmong Perceptions of Disability: Implications for Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors
Authors: Tatman Anthony W.
Published: June 2019

The purpose of this study was to identify Hmong perceptions and attitudes toward people with disabilities that may affect vocational rehabilitation success. Nineteen Hmong participants were interviewed for this ethnographic research. Discussion derived from these interviews produced two naturally occurring categories of biological (genetics, illnAss, and injury) and traditional (sin and punishment) perspectives regarding attitudes toward causation of disability. The traditional perspective was found to influence all participants, regardless of acknowledgment in biological factors. Factors found to impact perceptions and attitudes included social status, family involvement, perceived causation, and ideations that negative treatment may be reciprocated down generational lines in the from of disability. Implications for vocational rehabilitation counselors are addressed.
Transforming Our Professional Organizations: A First Step Toward the Unification of the Rehabilitation Counseling Profession
Authors: Leahy Michael J. , Tarvydas Vilia M.
Published: June 2019

This article provides a contextual background for the current unification efforts underway between the National Rehabilitation Counseling Association (NRCA) and the American Rehabilitation Counseling Association (ARCA). It includes a brief history of collaborative efforts between these organizations, the identification of salient issues and trends, and observations about the unification of our national professional associations.
Quality of Life Assessment in the Rehabilitation Counseling Relationship: Strategies and Measures
Authors: Bishop Malachy , Feist-Price Sonja
Published: June 2019

Quality of life has long been an important focus for rehabilitation counseling. Numerous writers and researchers have advocated for quality of life to serve as the primary criterion for determining rehabilitation interventions and outcomes (Livneh, 1988; Roessler, 1990; Wright, 1980). The purpose of this paper is to promote the primacy of the quality of life concept, and attempt to make quality of life a more useable concept and tool for rehabilitation counselors in their counseling relationships. This paper reviews the concept and various definitions of quality of life, describes the utility of quality of life in terms of the rehabilitation counseling process, and presents several measures of quality of life particularly suited for rehabilitation counseling practice.
Accessibility of the Ten Most Frequently Used Internet Career Sites
Authors: Clawson Paul D. , Skinner Amy L.
Published: June 2019

The accessibility of the ten most frequently visited career-sites was investigated. The career sites were chosen based on the number of unique visitors that accessed the sites over a period of one month. The criteria for accessibility included the guidelines established by the World Wide Web Consortium's Web Accessibility Initiative and were measured using Bobby 3.2 software by CAST. The results indicate that none of the Careers sites met accessibility criteria established by the World Wide Web Consortium.
Rehabilitation Outcomes, Expenditures, and the Provision of Assistive Technology for Persons with Traumatic Brain Injury
Authors: Gamble David , Satcher Jamie
Published: June 2019

This study examined differences in public vocational rehabilitation outcomes (i.e., closure status and weekly earnings) and expenditures for persons with traumatic brain injury (TBI) based on the provision of assistive technology. The sample consisted of 1,145 consumers with TBI whose cases were closed in a southeastern state. Thirty of these consumers received assistive technology during the vocational rehabilitation process. Significant differences were found in closure status and vocational rehabilitation expenditures for consumers with TBI when comparing those who were provided assistive technology with those who were not. No significant differences in weekly earnings were found when comparing the two groups.
Multicultural Counseling Ethics and Assessment Competencies: Directions for Counselor Education Programs
Authors: Fischer Jerome M. , Chambers Ellen
Published: June 2019

Results of this study identified specific areas of multicultural ethics and assessment training for counselors. Licensed Professional Counselors (N = 207) were surveyed using the Multicultural Counseling Ethics and Assessment Competency Scale (MCEACS). A majority of survey respondents reported insufficient competencies in determining client acculturation, culture of the client in assessment interpretation, and resolving multicultural ethical dilemmas. Implications are given for counselor education programs and, subsequently, rehabilitation counselor education programs because of their shared history.
Factors Relevant to Parental Alliance for Parents of Children with Disabilities
Authors: Abdo Abeer , Fischer Jerome M.
Published: June 2019

This study investigated factors relevant to parental alliance using the Parental Alliance Measure (PAM) with parents of children with disabilities. A total of 139 parents of children with disabilities participated in the study. Using multiple regression two factors were examined as relevant to parental alliance: satisfaction with the partnership and percent of caregiving provided by the other partner. Findings showed that parents who perceived a strong relationship with their partner and those who perceived their partner contributing a greater percent of caregiving for the child or children with disabilities in the family had a stronger parental alliance. Rehabilitation counselors may use the PAM with families to understand parenting dynamics, develop strategies, and increase involvement in the rehabilitation process.
Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Life Satisfaction and Work Personality: Exploring the Relationship with Disability
Authors: Keirn Jeanrnarie , Malesky L. Alvin , Strauser David R.
Published: June 2019

This research focused on Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and its relationship to life satisfaction and developmental work personality. The participants were women of low socioeconomic status and consisted of three groups: women not seeking employment; women pursuing their CED prior to seeking employment; and women with disabilities in readiness to work programs. Significant correlations exist between both the Developmental Work Personality Scale (DWPS) and the Life Satisfaction Scale, and PTSD symptoms for the entire group. Separate analyses for each group indicated significant correlations for the women with disabilities between levels of PTSD symptoms, developmental work personality, and life satisfaction.
Traumatic Brain Injury and Rehabilitation Outcomes: Does the Working Alliance Make a Difference?
Authors: Lustig Daniel C. , Strauser David R. , Weems Gail H. , Donnell Chandra M. , Smith Lisa D.
Published: June 2019

This study investigated the impact of the working alliance on vocational rehabilitation outcomes for individuals with traumatic brain injury. The working alliance is defined as collaboration between the client and counselor supported by the development of an attachment bond as well as a shared commitment to the goals and tasks of counseling. Research supports the relationship between the working alliance and positive counseling outcomes. This study extends previous research and considers the relationship between working alliance and employment, job satisfaction, and view of future employment prospects for 49 vocational rehabilitation clients with traumatic brain injury. Results showed a relationship between the working alliance and employment outcomes and future employment prospects but not job satisfaction. Implications for rehabilitation counselors are discussed.
The Impact of Race on the Use of Physical Restraint with Adolescent Males with Behavioral Disabilities: An Initial Study
Authors: Toriello Paul J. , Leierer Stephen J. , Keferl Joseph E.
Published: June 2019

This initial, exploratory study examined the role of racial bias in the use of physical restraint with adolescents with behavioral disabilities. Thirteen months of critical incident data from a residential, rehabilitation counseling agency serving adolescent males was examined to compare the number of physical restraints involving black and white clients and black and white staff. Results indicated the presence of racial bias in that black clients were restrained significantly more often than white clients. Implications for rehabilitation counselors and directions for future research are discussed.
Independent Living Services to Older, Blind Persons in Rural Areas: Do They Make a Difference?
Authors: Huff Marlene B. , Qualls Lou Ann
Published: June 2019

Independent living services are thought to be an effective and efficient way to maintain older blind and visually impaired persons in their home environment for a longer period of time. Few studies, though, have analyzed the level of consumer satisfaction among these elders. This study asserts that an enriched understanding of customer satisfaction and the resulting service delivery recommendations will assist states in developing more effective independent living programs. The Kentucky Department for the Blind has been offering these services to blind and visually impaired elders since 1980. This study analyzes the results of a consumer satisfaction survey participated in by 94 elders who extensively used the service. Results indicate that independent living services are effective but limited in their ability to serve all elders that need them and services must be flexible enough to serve diverse community needs.
Importance of Research and Treatment to Reduce Relapse Rates in Schizophrenia
Authors: Black Micaela
Published: June 2019

Schizophrenia is an illness that interferes with a person's thinking, perception, feeling, and behavior. The unusual and disruptive symptoms commonly wax and wane during the course of the illness: As a result, the onset of this disability can have detrimental effects on the affected individual's ability to continue functioning In society. This article reviews some of the current research with regard to schizophrenia and the importance of early and appropriate treatment as a means of reducing relapses. An overview of the disability is provided, along with some general information about how people with schizophrenia are viewed in our society. All of these factors have a significant impact on further research, implications for professionals, and education of the public to help these individual's rejoin society. Learning more about symptoms, treatment, as well as possible courses and outcomes, will ultimately enable people with schizophrenia to develop problem solving skills and coping abilities. In doing so, these individuals will undoubtedly have a more promising outlook on improvement, with fewer relapses, and a greater potential for recovery.
Assistive Technology: Unequal Access in Postsecondary Education
Authors: Whitney Michael , Upton Thomas D.
Published: June 2019

As postsecondary institutions race to bring academia up to speed on the information highway, students with disabilities discover that electronic architects are building an environment with minimal, if any, curb cuts. Identifying physical access issues for a building is at times obvious, but seeing compliance in the world of the web is difficult, if not impossible when one is not cognizant of the issues. With a student's academic success or failure hanging on equal electronic access, it is imperative that institutions facilitate electronic access by understanding and implementing necessary electronic architectural modifications. At conclusion of this article, suggestions for addressing these barriers across postsecondary institutions are presented.
Opportunity Structure and Transition Practices with Students with Disabilities: The Role of Family, Culture, and Community
Authors: Mpofu Elias , Wilson Keith B.
Published: June 2019

The family, culture of origin and community comprise opportunity structures for the transition of students with disabilities from school to adulthood. A distinction is made between perceived and actual opportunity structure. Perceived opportunity structure is the subjective meaning that students ascribe to family, culture of origin, and community as instruments of transition. Actual opportunity structure is the objective characteristics of family, culture of origin and community that constitute the context of transition. When the students' characteristics are considered, transitional services can at times, fall short of desired outcomes. The success of students with disabilities who are transitioning from school to adult status is greater when rehabilitation services provide a seamless connection between family, culture and community as resources for transition.
Vocational Rehabilitation Closure Statuses in the United States: Generalizing to the Hispanic/Latino Ethnicity
Authors: Wilson Keith B.
Published: June 2019

Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) research focusing on race, ethnicity and other demographic variables has continued to gain needed attention in the VR literature over the past ten years. In the study described here, the Chi-squared Automatic Interaction Detector (CHAID), an exploratory multivariate statistical tool from Answer Tree (SPSS, 2001), was used to investigate closure codes (statuses) with Race, Ethnicity, Age, and Gender. The test statistic revealed a statistically significant difference with the Hispanic ethnicity, age, and types of closures with the race (i.e., African American and White American) of customers in the United States VR system. Particularly, customers who are non-Hispanic (African Americans) between the ages of 51-60 are more likely not to be accepted for VR services (Status 08 from 02) and once accepted for VR services, close not rehabilitated (Statuses 28,30, & closed from pre-service, Status 38 from Status 04). Results further indicated that Black (African American) and White (European American) Hispanics in the United States VR system tend to have different experiences. Suggestions for VR counselors are discussed.