D. Strauser, Chelsea E. Brehmer, P. Rumrill, D. Strauser, B. Phillips, J. Kosciulek, Sa Shen
{"title":"Development and validation of the Illinois brief functioning inventory","authors":"D. Strauser, Chelsea E. Brehmer, P. Rumrill, D. Strauser, B. Phillips, J. Kosciulek, Sa Shen","doi":"10.3233/jvr-221215","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3233/jvr-221215","url":null,"abstract":"BACKGROUND: Individuals with disabilities experience disruptions in life participation at the onset or exacerbation of a disability. The multiple dimensions of functioning impacted go beyond the symptoms of a disabling condition and assessing an individual’s level of functioning is a critical first step of a strengths-based rehabilitation approach. With functioning playing an important role in the vocational rehabilitation process, it would be important to have an assessment tool that can be used to measure an individual’s level of functioning. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to examine the psychometric properties of the Illinois Brief Functioning Inventory (IBFI), a scale developed to measure the multi-dimensional nature of functioning as it relates to vocational rehabilitation, career development, and employment of people with disabilities. METHODS: Factor analysis, including exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), was used to determine and validate the underlying dimension of IBFI. RESULTS: Overall, the study findings indicate strong psychometrics for a 26-item instrument comprised of five meaningful subscales identifying functioning across physical, cognitive, and emotional dimensions. CONCLUSION: The results of this study provide initial psychometric support regarding the IBFI as an instrument that can be used to identify an individual’s current level of functioning.","PeriodicalId":47208,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation","volume":"37 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.9,"publicationDate":"2022-10-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"88302697","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Diversity field officer service: An evaluation of an employer engagement strategy trialled in Geelong, Australia","authors":"K. Murfitt, C. Gaskin","doi":"10.3233/jvr-221212","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3233/jvr-221212","url":null,"abstract":"BACKGROUND: The Australian Government has applied considerable focus to improving the unemployment rate of people with disability through initiatives to build their capacity and job readiness. Far less attention has been paid to addressing the needs of business, especially small- to medium-sized enterprises (SME). OBJECTIVE: We evaluated the Diversity Field Officer Service (DFOS) pilot, which aimed to address that gap through providing direct support to SME to build disability confidence and more inclusive organizations. METHODS: We used a mixed method approach (pre- and post-service surveys along with post-service semi-structured interviews) with representatives from 36 businesses. We used descriptive statistics and thematic analysis to summarise the survey data and interview material, respectively. RESULTS: Confidence in employing people with disability increased, as did the employment of, and intention to employ, people with disability. Many businesses were implementing, or planning to implement, measures to increase the employment of people with disability. DFOS capacity building exercises and activities (e.g., one-to-one conversations to understand the specific needs and challenges of their businesses) were all rated highly. Participants were generally supportive of an ongoing role for DFOS. CONCLUSION: The DFOS holds promise as a strategy to increase the employment of people with disability in SME.","PeriodicalId":47208,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation","volume":"5 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.9,"publicationDate":"2022-10-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"88605670","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Roberta Thimbriel, B. Urkmez, Beatrice Lee, Emre Umucu
{"title":"COVID-19 stress, resilience, and job loss concerns in people with chronic conditions and disabilities","authors":"Roberta Thimbriel, B. Urkmez, Beatrice Lee, Emre Umucu","doi":"10.3233/jvr-221211","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3233/jvr-221211","url":null,"abstract":"BACKGROUND: People experience higher levels of psychological distress during times of crisis, such as the current COVID-19 pandemic. Resilience is a psychological resource that helps people to recover from adverse events. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of resilience on COVID-19-related stress and worry about job loss in people with chronic conditions and disabilities (PwCID). METHODS: The Perceived Stress Questionnaire -8 (PSQ-8) and the Brief Resilience Scale were used to measure COVID-19-related stress and resilience, respectively. Demographics were also assessed. A two-step hierarchical regression and binary regression analyses were conducted. RESULTS: A moderate amount of perceived stress and resilience with mean scores of 2.45 (SD = 0.69; range 1-4) and 3.17 (SD = 0.98; range 1-5), respectively, were found among the 269 participants. Resilience (β=-0.44, p < 0.001) was significantly associated withCOVID-19-related stress after controlling for demographic variables. Results also revealed that those with higher resilience scores had lower probability to worry about job loss. CONCLUSION: PwCID who have higher scores on resilience reported lower levels of COVID-19-related stress. Resilience can be cultivated among PwCID for better psychological outcomes during times of crisis. Vocational rehabilitation counselors can implement strategies to improve resilience in PwCID.","PeriodicalId":47208,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation","volume":"2 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.9,"publicationDate":"2022-09-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"75431490","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Samantha J. Herrick, Weili Lu, Janice Oursler, John Beninato, Sharon Gbadamosi, Alison Durante, Elizabeth Meyers
{"title":"Soft skills for success for job seekers with autism spectrum disorder","authors":"Samantha J. Herrick, Weili Lu, Janice Oursler, John Beninato, Sharon Gbadamosi, Alison Durante, Elizabeth Meyers","doi":"10.3233/jvr-221203","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3233/jvr-221203","url":null,"abstract":"BACKGROUND: Direct Skills Teaching (DST) is a method for distilling a skill into digestible components for ease of teaching and learning of a new skill. Job retention is a complex phenomenon requiring numerous social competencies that include verbal and non-verbal fluency among others. Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) often struggle with social communication and therefore are at a disadvantage in employment settings; even when otherwise qualified for the position. OBJECTIVE: This preliminary pilot study tested the feasibility of a DST group intervention to assist individuals with ASD with work-related soft skills, with a particular focus on informal conversational skills. METHODS: Eight master’s level Rehabilitation Counseling students facilitated groups of adults with autism spectrum disorder seeking employment. Student facilitators followed the Conversing with Others manualized curriculum, designed to teach workplace based informal conversational soft skills. Participant feedback was sought both pre and post intervention, and student facilitators recorded their observations of each group session. RESULTS: The initial findings support the feasibility of soft-skills training for work-related conversational skills teaching for job seekers with ASD. The results also supported the need for significant adjustments to the intervention as well as any future studies of the small group intervention Conversing with Others. CONCLUSIONS: Workplace conversational skills can be facilitated in a small group setting. Master’s level counselors-in-training, were able to follow a manualized DST soft-skills small group.","PeriodicalId":47208,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation","volume":"14 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.9,"publicationDate":"2022-08-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"80139520","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Francisco de Borja Jordán de Urríes Vega, Beatriz Sánchez Herráez, Miguel Ángel Verdugo Alonso
{"title":"Assessment of work ability decline in workers with intellectual and developmental disabilities","authors":"Francisco de Borja Jordán de Urríes Vega, Beatriz Sánchez Herráez, Miguel Ángel Verdugo Alonso","doi":"10.3233/jvr-221209","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3233/jvr-221209","url":null,"abstract":"BACKGROUND: People with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) experience work ability decline through aging and disability (WADAD), conceptualized as the process of deterioration in work ability resulting from the interaction between disability and aging, which has a direct impact on their job. OBJECTIVE: There is a need to focus on how this decline can be detected and to identify the main areas and indicators of WADAD in people with IDD, in order to build a targeted prototype assessment tool to determine a prevention protocol that extends people’s positive working lives for as long as possible. METHODS: We employed a literature review, Delphi panel, and working group through Modular Object-Oriented Dynamic Learning Environment (MOODLE). RESULTS: We created a tool, composed of 76 items, 6 dimensions, and 17 indicators, to assess WADAD in people with IDD. CONCLUSIONS: The indicators identified can be used to develop prevention and/or intervention protocols for WADAD and to produce guidance for the transition toward retirement, specifically for people with IDD. This tool helps extend the satisfying working lives— with support— of people with IDD, promoting social inclusion and participation as workers and not as pensioners.","PeriodicalId":47208,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation","volume":"15 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.9,"publicationDate":"2022-08-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"78903497","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Weili Lu, Janice Oursler, Samantha J. Herrick, N. Gao, John Beninato, Tameika D. Minor, S. Franco, Gabriela Santiago, Tatiana Mihana, Emmaleigh Hauck
{"title":"Interview skills training for people with neurodevelopmental disorders receiving vocational services: A pilot study","authors":"Weili Lu, Janice Oursler, Samantha J. Herrick, N. Gao, John Beninato, Tameika D. Minor, S. Franco, Gabriela Santiago, Tatiana Mihana, Emmaleigh Hauck","doi":"10.3233/jvr-221210","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3233/jvr-221210","url":null,"abstract":"BACKGROUND: People with neurodevelopmental disorders often face significant challenges to finding and keeping employment including engaging in a job interview. Successfully navigating a job interview is a complex and essential stage to finding employment and requires skillful behaviors. OBJECTIVE: The study aimed to determine the feasibility of the Presenting Qualifications intervention for people with neurodevelopmental disorders. METHODS: Direct skills teaching (DST) is a researched method that can be utilized to help people learn a new skill. The current study implemented a multi-session, group based work-related soft skills intervention (“Presenting Qualifications”) for 76 people with various neurodevelopmental disorders via a DST approach. RESULTS: Participants reported increased perceived interview preparedness from pre to post intervention. Participants also reported satisfaction with the intervention. CONCLUSIONS: This suggests soft skills interventions delivered in group settings can be successfully implemented among people with neurodevelopmental disabilities. Implications of the findings and future research directions are discussed.","PeriodicalId":47208,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation","volume":"12 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.9,"publicationDate":"2022-08-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"89449439","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Job retention: Perspectives of individuals with blindness and low vision","authors":"A. Crudden, Anne Steverson","doi":"10.3233/jvr-221204","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3233/jvr-221204","url":null,"abstract":"BACKGROUND: People with blindness and low vision (BLV) encounter many obstacles in retaining employment. Recent legislation has refocused vocational rehabilitation (VR) efforts toward job retention and career advancement among persons with disabilities. OBJECTIVE: We investigated the skills, including technology, and other issues that influenced job retention among persons with BLV to gain in-depth knowledge that is not typically available using survey methods or secondary data sources. METHODS: Intensive interviews using a semi-structured protocol were conducted with 11 persons with BLV and an employment history. Interviews were transcribed, summarized by major themes, and approved by participants. A qualitative software program assisted in further coding, identifying additional themes, and organizing participants’ information. RESULTS: Participants recommended that others with BLV be proficient in assistive technology use, develop networks, and be persistent in achieving goals. Participants had positive and challenging experiences with technology, employers, and the VR service delivery system. Participants reported stress associated with their jobs and concern about their workplace efficiency. CONCLUSIONS: Results suggest that job retention continues to be problematic for persons with BLV. Service delivery systems should explore policies and services that support job retention. Further research concerning job stress, assistive technology, and workplace efficiency is needed.","PeriodicalId":47208,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation","volume":"22 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.9,"publicationDate":"2022-08-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"90793376","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Nurul Nadia Hasbollah, Abdul Kadir Abu Bakar, Norley Shuib, Ahmad Taufik Jamil, S. Razali, Suhaila Md Som
{"title":"Maintaining functional working memory through job activities: A study among patients with schizophrenia enrolled in a supported employment program","authors":"Nurul Nadia Hasbollah, Abdul Kadir Abu Bakar, Norley Shuib, Ahmad Taufik Jamil, S. Razali, Suhaila Md Som","doi":"10.3233/jvr-221205","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3233/jvr-221205","url":null,"abstract":"BACKGROUND: Employment is crucial in rehabilitation of patients with schizophrenia. It may have positive effects on cognitive function, including working memory. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to look for evidence to confirm continuous job activities could maintain functional working memory in patients with schizophrenia. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study involving patients with schizophrenia enrolled in supported employment (SE) program. Informed consent was obtained. Socio-demographic, employment, and clinical data were acquired from interview and clinical notes. Mini International Neuropsychiatric Inventory (M.I.N.I) was used to confirm the diagnosis of schizophrenia. Working memory was evaluated using Weschler Memory Scale Third Edition -Letter-Number Span and Spatial Span. RESULTS: 118 patients were recruited with a mean age of 43.76 years old (SD = 8.96). Most were male, Malays, Muslims, single, and received at least secondary education. There was a significant association between working memory and employment outcome (χ 2 = 20.835, p < .001), and past work history (χ 2 = 10.077, p = 0.002). Multiple logistic regression indicated that the employment outcome (adjusted OR: 12.50; 95% CI: 2.55–61.21; p = 0.002) and past work history (adjusted OR: 3.36; 95% CI: 1.05–10.70; p = 0.041) were significant predictors of working memory among patients with schizophrenia in SE program. CONCLUSION: This study indicated that continuous job activities could maintain functional working memory in patients with schizophrenia.","PeriodicalId":47208,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation","volume":"6 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.9,"publicationDate":"2022-08-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"88830870","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Impact of a summer work experience program on employment outcomes for youth who are blind or have low vision","authors":"Jennifer L. Cmar, Michele C. McDonnall","doi":"10.3233/jvr-221207","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3233/jvr-221207","url":null,"abstract":"BACKGROUND: Work experience programs are a common element of work-based learning for youth with disabilities under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, but few studies have focused on the effectiveness of these programs for youth who are blind or have low vision (B/LV). OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of a vocational rehabilitation (VR) agency-sponsored summer work experience program on employment outcomes for transition-age youth with B/LV. METHODS: In this retrospective cohort study, we used propensity score matching to analyze de-identified case records obtained from a VR agency. Participants were 14 to 24 years old at VR application and had a primary or secondary disability of blindness, visual impairment, or deaf-blindness. The matched sample (N = 302) included 151 youth who participated in the program and 151 youth who did not participate. RESULTS: Summer work experience participants were more likely to obtain competitive employment at VR case closure than non-participants. Work hours and hourly earnings did not differ significantly between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: These findings support the association between paid community-based work experiences and future employment for B/LV youth who receive VR services.","PeriodicalId":47208,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation","volume":"23 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.9,"publicationDate":"2022-08-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"72462270","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
A. Turner, Theunis Jacobus De Wet, Jade McMurray, A. Wrobel, Heather Smith, Ben Clissold, M. Mohebbi, I. Kneebone
{"title":"Feasibility of the community-based Stay at Work Intervention (SAWI) for stroke survivors","authors":"A. Turner, Theunis Jacobus De Wet, Jade McMurray, A. Wrobel, Heather Smith, Ben Clissold, M. Mohebbi, I. Kneebone","doi":"10.3233/jvr-221206","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3233/jvr-221206","url":null,"abstract":"BACKGROUND: Rates of stroke in people of working age are increasing. Returning to work (RTW) after stroke is a key rehabilitation aspiration for younger stroke survivors. A pilot community-based Stay at Work Initiative (SAWI) was developed and delivered from March 2017 to December 2019. SAWI used a co-ordination based approach, covering rehabilitation and vocational recovery to support RTW in younger stroke survivors. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to conduct a feasibility evaluation of SAWI. METHODS: A mixed methods approach was taken considering quantitative and qualitative data. Quantitative data included employment, mood, anxiety and fatigue outcomes at time of engagement with the service and at 6-months post-stroke. Qualitative data was collected on a sub-sample of SAWI clients who volunteered to participate in a semi-structured interview. RESULTS: Overall, there were 93 referrals to SAWI, with 42 clients completing an initial service meeting. Average working hours pre-stroke were high (mean 46.9, SD 22.0, range 5–100 hours/week). By 6 months post stroke, 71% (n = 29 of 41) of SAWI clients were working. For those with 6-month questionnaire information (n = 19), there was a significant reduction in cognitive fatigue, overall fatigue levels, and perceived impact of stroke on employment (medium effect sizes of r = 0.36, 0.34 and 0.40 respectively). No significant difference was seen on measures of mood or anxiety from pre- to post-intervention. Qualitative interviews with six SAWI participants highlighted the importance of personalised support that addresses individual needs during the RTW journey. CONCLUSIONS: A significant number of eligible participants referred to SAWI can engage with the service. RTW is able to be assessed as are potential predictor variables. Seventy one percent of participants had RTW at 6 months post-stroke. Mood, self-efficacy, adjustment, and fatigue likely impact RTW. Qualitative interviews identified that SAWI’s personalised support, tailored to individual need, was valued.","PeriodicalId":47208,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation","volume":"237 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.9,"publicationDate":"2022-08-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"72857780","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}