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BACKGROUND: Americans with disabilities have historically faced substantial barriers to employment participation. The state-federal vocational rehabilitation (VR) program has played an important role in increasing the employment opportunities of Americans with disabilities through the provision of services and supports designed to lead to high-quality employment, independence, self-sufficiency, and full integration into the community. OBJECTIVE: The Vocational Rehabilitation Technical Assistance Center for Quality Employment (VRTAC–QE) was designed to bring together the broad range of existing quality employment strategies and supporting practices, identify and implement new ones, and incorporate them into an integrated training and technical assistance plan, consistent with the circumstances and priorities of each State VR agency that requests technical assistance. METHOD: In the present paper, we present the results of a needs assessment survey conducted among State VR rehabilitation counselors and professionals in cooperating rehabilitation agencies and services. RESULTS: The purpose of the present study was to determine technical assistance and training needs of State VR counselors in four practice domains: (a) outreach services, (b) pre-employment transition services, (c) vocational rehabilitation services, and (d) employment services. CONCLUSION: Implications and future directions are also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Recent laws, regulations, court cases and policies have included the requirement that people with disabilities be provided the opportunity to exercise informed choice in decision-making to promote inclusion and integration into society. These contemporary developments build on principles established in the early deinstitutionalization litigation, including rights to habilitation and to community settings as a remedy for unnecessary institutionalization. OBJECTIVE: This policy paper examines these regulatory, legal and policy changes to better understand the legal mandate for informed choice and its application to promote competitive integrated employment. METHODS: This policy paper analyzes the foundation of informed choice as presented in the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), the Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) Settings Final Rule, two landmark Department of Justice (DOJ) court cases (Oregon and Rhode Island) regarding shelteredworkshops, the Olmstead decision by the Supreme Court and recent interpretations of the Americans with Disabilities Act. The paper includes interpretations of informed choice from key civil rights lawyers in key court cases, reviews of case law, statutes, regulations, policy initiatives, executive orders, state Employment First initiatives and landmark settlement agreements. RESULTS: It is the authors' finding that, in combination, these laws, regulations and policies form a mandate for informed choice and create an affirmative obligation on the part of government entities to provide opportunities for people with disabilities to experience competitive integrated employment outside of sheltered workshops and other segregated settings as integral to making informed choices. CONCLUSIONS: The article posits that informed choice and the resulting affirmative obligation it embodies has not been sufficiently implemented by governmental and other private entities, and additional affirmative steps are needed to fully secure the legally mandated right to informed choice regarding employment services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Increased federal attention to advancing racial equity and support for underserved communities suggests the need for data on racial and ethnic differences in evidence-based employment services for people with serious mental illness. Individual Placement and Support (IPS) is an evidence-based model of supported employment for this population. OBJECTIVE: The objective was to identify differences based on race and ethnicity in IPS services. METHODS: This narrative review examined the empirical literature on IPS services in the U.S., assessing evidence of differences in access, retention, and effectiveness for Black and Hispanic IPS clients, relative to non-Hispanic Whites. RESULTS: We identified 12 studies examining racial and ethnic differences in access (4 studies), retention (3 studies), and effectiveness (6 studies). The findings for access to IPS were mixed, with two studies showing no differences, one finding less access for Blacks, and another finding greater access for Blacks but less access for Hispanics. Three studies found better retention rates for clients enrolled in IPS regardless of race or ethnicity. Compared to clients receiving usual vocational services, all studies found better employment outcomes for IPS clients regardless of race or ethnicity. CONCLUSION: Unlike for most of health care, few racial and ethnic differences have been found for IPS employment services in the U.S. Access to IPS is inadequate for all groups, with conflicting evidence whether Blacks and Hispanics have even less access. Based on the available evidence, Black and Hispanic clients have comparable retention and employment outcomes in IPS as non-Hispanic White clients. State and local mental health leaders responsible for monitoring IPS outcomes should routinely report statistics on race and ethnicity. They should also give active attention to client needs and equity. Research designs should answer multifaceted questions regarding disparities for historically underserved populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This expository paper describes an innovative Scripps designed supported employment program, using an evidence-based practice model based on recovery by Scripps Behavioral Health Services staff to fill a gap in the continuum of care for Behavioral Health Services. The A-Visions Program was also developed to increase offerings to mental health consumers (typically those with serious and persistent mental illness) struggling to find help in an under funded, fragmented mental health system of care. The program has grown since its inception and has received commendations from external stakeholders. This paper reviews the prevalence of mental illness in the United States, a review of the classic and recent evidence-based literature, a comprehensive description of the program (including analyses of outcome measures), a plan to spread this innovation across the Scripps enterprise, and conclusions. Due to the success of the program in providing essential services to individuals with serious mental illness, the authors recommend replication in other Scripps facilities. The author makes a strong case for the spread of this innovation, as these services typically are not a part of the mental health care continuum. These program development strategies are replicable in other mental health programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to advance the growing national momentum to focus on integrated employment as the desired outcome for citizens with disabilities, the Board of Directors of APSE recently established a strategic objective to support and promote the Employment First movement throughout the United States. The purpose of this paper is to identify the fundamental principles of an effective state or local initiative. The principles identified in this paper are built upon practical experiences and track records of several Employment First projects operating successfully around the country. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: We groaned, too, when we learned about the Common Core and considered how it could affect thoughtful, appropriate and evidence-based transition services if not carefully implemented. OBJECTIVE: Without watering down either, we have developed a model demonstration project that meets the needs of late adolescents/young adults with autism, autistic-like presentations, mental health/behavioral challenges, and other developmental disabilities by successfully preventing them from falling off "The Cliff" between IDEA-mandated and eligibility-based, underfunded adult services when they exit out of IEP-land. How? By helping them to achieve employment prior to exiting IDEA-funded services. CONCLUSION: This paper discusses the challenges presented by the Common Core and describes what the components of our model are in response to these standards. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper reviews the literature on the economics of supported employment. By comparing results from research conducted prior to, and after, 2000, several important findings were identified. The first was that individuals with disabilities fare better financially from working in the community than in sheltered workshops, regardless of their disability. This is especially true given that the relative wages earned by supported employees have increased 31.2% since the 1980s while the wages earned by sheltered employees have decreased 40.6% during the same period. Further, supported employment appears to be more cost-effective than sheltered workshops over the entire 'employment cycle'' and returns a net benefit to taxpayers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many students with disabilities receive some form of disability benefit from the Social Security Administration. There is a common misconception among individuals with disabilities, their families and the disability services provider community that saving for post secondary education is not permitted under the Social Security disability benefit program rules. In fact, for individuals receiving disability benefits authorized under title II of the Social Security Act, there are no restrictions placed upon asset accumulation or the amount of resources a beneficiary may have. The title II disability programs include Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), Childhood Disability benefits (CDB) and Disabled Widow(er)s Benefits (DWB). Many other students receive benefits from the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program. Currently, SSI program rules require that eligible individuals have no more than $2,000 of countable resources with a $3,000 limit for two SSI recipients who form an eligible couple. While this limit is stringent, there are numerous resource exclusions which do not count in any way against the student when SSI eligibility determinations are made. Several of these resource exclusions are specifically designed to permit SSI recipients to save for post secondary education or training which prepares them for paid employment. This paper summarizes these provisions and provides information on additional resources individuals with disabilities may access to help cover the costs of education or vocational training after high school. The provisions covered include: – Plans for Achieving Self-Support or PASS – Educational Savings Accounts or 529 Plans – Coverdell Accounts – Educational Assistance received under Title IV of the Higher Education Act such as PELL and Supplemental Educational Opportunities grants and federal work-study Individual Development Accounts (IDA) – Assistance from State Vocational Rehabilitation Agencies and One-Stop Career Centers [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this paper is to present the findings from a national survey of a random sample of community rehabilitation programs (CRPs) that hold Special Wage Certificates established under Section 14(c) of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), 29 U.S.C. 214(c). The intent of the survey was to identify the types of services provided, the trends in the employment services, and the factors that were perceived as inhibiting and facilitating integrated employment outcomes. The survey results are categorized for this report in the following three areas: 1) characteristics of community rehabilitation programs, 2) organizational change trends, and 3) factors that influence the type of employment program utilized by consumers with disabilities. Representative results from the survey are that overall, facility-based programs continue to be the predominant service provided by community rehabilitation programs holding 14(c) certificates. Of the 20,075 staff members identified as serving consumers, only 1,741 (8.7% are reported as working with individuals earning at least minimum wage. Although competitive employment and individual supported employment services among these CRPs are growing at a faster rate than other services, use of facility-based services continues to expand. Overall, the findings indicate that the organizations that provide daily services to those Americans with disabilities utilizing 14(c) certificates are continuing to predominately support facility-based work and non-work activities versus services leading to integrated employment outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper uses the Current Population Survey (CPS) from 1981–2000 to compare long-term trends in socio-economic outcomes for youth (aged 15–21) and young adults (aged 22–29) with work limitations to those for youth and young adults without work limitations. We focus on the years 1988 and 1999: years that roughly correspond to the peaks of successive business cycles. We find that prevalence of work limitations declined for males but increased for females, mostly accounted for by growth for African American females. Despite a substantial reduction in the educational attainment gap between young adults with and without disabilities, gaps in employment, earnings, dependency on public programs and poverty widened substantially. These trends could be due to factors that determine whether individuals report themselves to be work-limited, factors that affect individual outcomes regardless of self-reported work limitation status, or both sets of factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cost effectiveness of supported employment can only be meaningful studied in the context of how meaningful the actual outcomes are. This paper examines how to assess outcomes, how funding agencies purchase services, and describes how two states, Massachusetts and Oklahoma, provide funding for supported employment. A summary of cost effectiveness recommendations is provided as well. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An introduction is presented in which the editor discusses various reports topics in the issue including article on customized employment, Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), and rehabilitation techniques in customized employment.

BACKGROUND: The Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has been associated with unprecedented social and economic impacts in the United States, including significant cuts to the labor force, beginning in the spring of 2020. OBJECTIVE: In this study we examined the employment effects of the pandemic on Americans with multiple sclerosis (MS), a population that has historically experienced low rates of employment relative to the general population. METHODS: Based on a survey of a convenience sample of 69 members of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, we examined employment, health, and economic experiences between May and August, 2020. RESULTS: The results suggest potentially significant job loss. Specifically, in the present sample approximately 20% of participants who were previously employed reported losing employment as a result of the pandemic, and approximately 40% reported other work changes. At elevated risk for job loss were those with lower levels of education, African American workers, and workers reporting Hispanic, Latinx, or Spanish origin. Almost two-thirds of the participants reported that the pandemic had affected their financial status and over half (53.6%) reported that the pandemic had affected their ability to access their MS healthcare. CONCLUSION: We discuss the implications and potentially lasting effects of the current, complex employment situation faced by Americans living with MS, and the broader considerations for vocational rehabilitation professionals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Understanding factors that impact the successful employment of individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is critical to improving outcomes, including quality of life. Despite employers being critical contributors to the hiring process, the perspectives of these stakeholders have yet to be examined in the literature. OBJECTIVE: To understand: 1) employers' perspectives on factors that influence the decision to hire an individual with ASD, 2) employers' needs in order to hire and integrate an employee with ASD into the workplace, and 3) the skills employers perceive as important to workplace success. METHODS: Interviews were conducted with 13 employers from businesses in the United States to understand their perspectives related to the hiring and employment of individuals with ASD. Qualitative data were analyzed using a data-driven thematic approach. RESULTS: Employers identified several benefits to hiring individuals with ASD, including unique individual skills and broader workplace benefits. Employers also expressed concerns related to how ASD symptomology may negatively impact the workplace. Employers want to understand their employees and want to identify appropriate workplace accommodations in order to integrate an employee with ASD into the workplace. Finally, employers emphasized the importance of both "soft" and "hard" skills to workplace success. CONCLUSION: Although employers expressed concerns, these concerns can be addressed through employee accommodations, vocational rehabilitation programs, and disability diversity trainings. Limitations and future directions of this area of research are also addressed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Parent expectations are known to be significant predictors of postsecondary outcomes among youth with disabilities. However, little is known about the relationship between parent and youth expectations and their differential prediction of postsecondary outcomes among youth with disabilities. OBJECTIVE: To determine the relationship between parent and youth expectations among students with disabilities in the United States. METHODS: Through analysis of the National Longitudinal Transition Study-2 (NLTS2), we compared wave two parent and youth expectations across disability categories (N = 1,940) and explored the extent to which they predicted youth postsecondary outcomes. RESULTS: We identified that parent and youth expectations are related but significantly different, with parents consistently holding less independent expectations than youth. Both parent and youth expectations were identified as significant predictors of postsecondary outcomes, with youth expectations more strongly predicting education and independent living outcomes, and parent expectations more strongly predicting employment and Social Security benefit outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Transition providers should work with parents and youth to develop collaborative goals and expectations to best support youth with disabilities for independent activities in adulthood. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: This article presents descriptive findings from a sub-sample of 414 people with multiple sclerosis (MS) residing in rural areas that was derived from a national survey of the employment concerns of Americans with MS. OBJECTIVE: Respondents were asked to evaluate 38 employment concerns items on two dimensions, importance and satisfaction, for the purpose of identifying strengths and weaknesses in the employment policies and practices affecting the labor force participation of Americans with MS. RESULTS: Results revealed a total of 13 employment strengths and 25 employment weaknesses that must be addressed in direct service and advocacy efforts if more rural residents with MS are to continue their careers while coping with this intrusive and unpredictable disease. CONCLUSION: Implications of these findings for future rehabilitation programming and research are examined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is one of the most common neurological disorders in the world, and it is increasing in incidence and prevalence in the United States. OBJECTIVE: This article describes the medical, psychosocial, and vocational aspects of MS. Current information regarding the diagnosis and treatment of MS is presented. The authors review recent research on the impact of MS on health, function, employment, and community participation. CONCLUSION: Important considerations for providing responsive vocational rehabilitation services to people with MS are thoroughly discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Previous research identifies employment as a social determinant of health for persons with HIV/AIDS, specifically African American women. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was twofold: (1) to examine the eligibility/acceptance and competitive employment rates of African American women diagnosed with HIV/AIDS in comparison to the general population of persons with disabilities in the state-federal vocational rehabilitation (VR) system and (2) to determine the relationship between (a) demographic variables (i.e., age, education level at the time of application for VR services, and receipt of cash benefit) and VR services received (e.g., job placement) and (b) employment outcomes for this population. METHODS: Chi square analysis was used to determine if there was a significant difference in acceptance/eligibility rate between the target population of African American women with HIV/AIDS and the general disability population. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to determine the relationship between demographic variables and vocational rehabilitation services received on employment outcomes for the target population. RESULTS: Results indicate that the African American women with HIV/AIDS were found ineligible for services at a lower rate, 14%, than the general population of persons with disabilities served, 17%. However, even though they are more likely to be accepted for services, the competitive employment outcomes are lower than the general population of persons with disabilities. Results also indicate that the hypothesized demographic and VR service-related predictor variables were significantly related to competitive employment outcomes. Specifically, receipt of cash benefits and diagnostic /treatment VR services had a negative impact on employment outcomes. Factors positively associated with employment outcomes included receipt of job placement and maintenance services. CONCLUSIONS: Vocational rehabilitation counselors, researchers and other key stakeholders must identify the most effective strategies to assist African American women with HIV/AIDS in navigating the VR process from application to closure as competitively employed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: To address prevailing gaps in employment rates between working-age people with disabilities and those without, vocational rehabilitation professionals can use targeted career development initiatives for their consumers as they progress through school and into the professional world. With education at the core, vocational rehabilitation counselors are poised to collaborate with teachers, employers and policymakers to promote work experience and self-advocacy among their transition-age consumers, which has been shown to increase employment rates. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this article is to present a synthesis focusing on the intersection of the career development and secondary transition literature to provide guidance for the evaluation and development of policy, to contribute to a needed area of knowledge generation in vocational rehabilitation and to underscore the application of research-based practices in transition services. METHODS: The literature search, identification and synthesis were guided by the overarching question, how can rehabilitation professionals use what is known about career development to assist with secondary transition preparation and planning through the services and resources they provide? RESULTS: The search resulted in the identification of 20 articles specific to the intersection of career development, secondary transition preparation and planning and improving postsecondary outcomes. CONCLUSION: Suggestions for practices and further research are presented in the context of U.S. national rehabilitation law, specifically the recent (2014) Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Veterans with mental illness often have poor employment outcomes. OBJECTIVE: This mixed-methods study sought to understand and describe Veteran perspectives of factors that impact their work success. METHODS: A sample of 40 employed and unemployed Veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or other severe mental illness (SMI) completed a survey of factors that impact vocational functioning and provided narrative accounts of their most successful and challenging work experiences. RESULTS: Personal motivation, self-efficacy, work skills, interpersonal issues, health, and cognitive problems were rated as most impactful on work. There were no significant differences on ratings of work factors based on employment status. Veterans with PTSD reported significantly more barriers to work success compared with Veterans with SMI, notably, cognitive problems, physical health, and psychological stress. Veterans with SMI were more likely to receive VA vocational services and rated this assistance as beneficial to work success. Narrative findings corroborated the survey results, and yielded additional factors, including economic factors, person/job fit, and Veteran-specific issues. CONCLUSIONS: Several factors substantially impact work success in Veterans with mental illness. Veterans with PTSD and SMI experience a distinct set of barriers and facilitators, suggesting the need for tailoring clinical and rehabilitative services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Employment for individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) varies by demographic, educational, and preinjury occupational characteristics. Individuals with SCI also face a number of physical and structural barriers to returning to work postinjury. Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) services through the use of the federal and state vocational rehabilitation programs is one option for obtaining the needed supports that lead to successful competitive employment outcomes. OBJECTIVE: This information is for those individuals with SCI whose cases were closed by VR in one of the four case closure codes: Status 08, Status 28, Status 30, or Status 26. The intent of this research is to profile participation, services received, and outcomes achieved by individuals with SCI who were participants in State Vocational Rehabilitation programs. METHODS: Using the Federal Rehabilitation Services Administration's (RSA) 911-database, individuals with a primary physical disability of spinal cord injury who had their cases closed in Federal Fiscal Years 2011-2013 (n = 9,205) were selected to understand general demographic, education, SSI/SDI, and reasons for case closure information. More detailed analyses of data of services received, employment outcomes, and costs for individuals for whom an Individual Plan for Employment (IPE) also were completed. RESULTS: Nationally, state VR agencies reported closing 3,217 cases in FY 2011, 3,098 cases in FY 2012, and 2,890 cases in FY 2013 in the four case closure codes: Status 08, Status 28, Status 30, and Status 26. Status 26 closure represents those cases closed successfully. In this study, 991 individuals with SCI were closed in Status 26 during FY 2011, 972 in FY 2012, and 936 in FY 2013. The majority of cases closed successfully were for individuals who were white/Caucasian, and rates were slightly higher for individuals with an associate's degree or more. CONCLUSIONS: The findings in this study are consistent with previous findings on the demographic characteristics of individuals with SCI and return to work. More research is needed on the relationship between certain demographic characteristics and successful employment postinjury, the impact of rehabilitation technology services on successful case closures, the types of jobs that individuals with SCI obtain, and what makes state VR programs in some areas more successful than others. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: State vocational rehabilitation (VR) agencies play a significant role in supporting the employment goals of people with disabilities, but delays in the receipt of vocational services could adversely affect employment outcomes of applicants for services. OBJECTIVE: We explore how exogenous variation in the duration to service receipt for VR applicants receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits affects their employment outcomes. METHODS: We constructed a data set for an annual cohort of SSDI applicants for VR services and followed them for 48 months after their application month using VR and Social Security Administration (SSA) administrative records. We then estimated multivariate models to predict employment-related outcomes based on agency order of selection characteristics and a measure of the usual wait time experienced by all SSDI applicants to the same agency in the same month. RESULTS: Having wait lists for services and experiencing longer wait times for services are associated with lower employment outcomes at VR closure and employment outcomes observed through SSA administrative data. CONCLUSIONS: Longer wait times harm the economic well-being of SSDI VR applicants, reduce VR agency revenues, and increase SSA benefit costs. An experimental test of the effect of accelerating the pace of service delivery seems worthwhile. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite significant program efforts since the ADA was passed in 1990, the employment rates of people with disabilities have changed little. While the causes behind these disappointing outcomes are multi-facetted and complex, it is clear that a knowing-doing gap has limited the effectiveness of efforts to change these disappointing statistics. That is, though employers have a basic knowledge of the ADA, this knowledge is largely not being translated into actions or practices. Approaches are needed that go beyond merely disseminating information to actively engage employers in bringing about organizational change. We designed, implemented and researched a program aiming to bridge the knowing-doing gap. This program was based on a blended learning approach designed to build organizational change strategies and partnerships. A comprehensive program research effort included both a measure of immediate program impact (using the BIAT - a researcher-developed and validated tool) and longer-term impact (using a grounded theory, open-ended interviewing protocol). Implications for further research and practice are discussed using findings from both the short-term and long-term studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Policymakers in the United States continue to face challenges in implementing effective strategies to encourage people with disabilities receiving disability benefits to participate in the labor market. Ticket to Work is one such strategy that has undergone considerable scrutiny. However, the experience of people with disabilities within welfare reform is an area that has been under-researched. OBJECTIVE: To explore how this contentious issue affects the provision of Vocational Rehabilitation services. Following the implementation of Ticket to Work, does workfare policy allow people with disabilities to pursue full and equal participation in the labor market, and do they have equality of opportunity to achieve employment? METHODS: This research takes a qualitative approach to social policy, using empirical data from focus groups with people with disabilities and interviews with policymakers, employment service providers and employers. RESULTS: Three themes emerged from an analysis of data framed within the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in relation to disability rights and workfare policy: the rights of people with disabilities; the expectations of people with disabilities; and the practices associated with policy reform. The findings suggest that a collaboration of government actors, community organizations and the business community is necessary in order to achieve human rights. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The authors present and analyze a variety of datasets outlining trends in employment during the Great Recession. Noteworthy in these findings is the impact of the Great Recession on the labor market status of workers over the age of 55. In analyzing three distinct labor market outcomes, the surprising finding emerges that older workers persisted in job seeking efforts and remained part of the active labor market more so than younger age groups. They were rewarded by record levels of hiring and the lowest levels of employment-to-population decline from 2007 to 2010. Their share of the labor market will dramatically increase in the decade ahead and with it the representation of workers with disabilities and all that this implies. Record levels of accommodation, workplace accessibility, assistive technology, ergonomics and innovation are likely to become routine due to this irrepressible demographic trend. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Data available in the Integrated Mission System (IMS) maintained by the United States Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) were analyzed with respect to comparisons in the employment discrimination experiences of youth with epilepsy (N = 555) and youth in a general disability comparison group (i.e., GENDIS; N = 12,663). Both groups of youth were employed in industries associated with entry level positions such as retail trades, manufacturing, health care and social assistance, and accommodation and food services, and the majority of allegations for both groups pertained to post-hire issues, e.g., unlawful discharge and failure to provide reasonable accommodations. Youth with epilepsy were more likely to file allegations regarding unlawful discharge and were more likely to receive a merit rating of their allegations from the EEOC. Findings suggest a connection between poverty and likelihood of a diagnosis of epilepsy, the need to target certain industries for disability awareness training, the relationship between a seizure at work and termination for disability rather than cause, and the importance of worksite interventions addressing identification of barriers to productivity and accommodation planning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics allows assessment of the impact of the Great Recession on working age persons with disabilities in America. Following an overview of the nature and scope of the Great Recession, the labor market experiences of persons with and without disability are compared for 16 of the 22 months of its duration. Differences which favor those without disabilities were detected in the labor market activity rate, the official unemployment rate, and in the desire for work among those who have quit the workforce. These differences persist among subgroups based upon age and educational attainment. The level of educational attainment appears to not provide the same level of insulation from the consequences of labor market downturns for persons with disabilities as it does for persons without disabilities. Finally, the reasons for unemployment are quite different for persons with and without disabilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examined the impact of acculturation patterns and related variables on employment and vocational rehabilitation (VR) experiences of Latinos with disabilities. Acculturation and related variables of acculturative stress, English proficiency, educational attainment, familial support, and cultural mistrust were investigated using quantitative and qualitative methods. First, the Disability and Employment Survey was completed by 59 Latinos with disabilities. Second, 9 Latinos with disabilities participated in either an English- or Spanish-speaking focus group. Findings revealed that participants with lower identification with the United States cultural domain (USCD) struggled more with employment and VR outcomes than those with stronger identification. Specifically, lower identification with the USCD was associated with limited English proficiency and educational attainment and increased acculturative stress, which in turn tended to negatively impact employment and VR experiences post-disability. Among participants with higher identification with the USCD, familial support was an important factor when seeking employment. Finally, irrespective of acculturation pattern, cultural mistrust toward the VR system was evident and may be a barrier to seeking such services. Findings from this study may have policy and programmatic implications to improve employment opportunities and VR services for Latinos with disabilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Effective vocational rehabilitation services play a critical role in improving the economic wellbeing and quality of life of many people with disabilities, yet little is known about the factors that predict the use of vocational rehabilitation (VR) services among ethnic minority groups in the United States. This study applies the Andersen Behavioral Model of Service Utilization as a theoretical framework to identify predisposing (sexual orientation, ethnicity, racial identification), enabling (poverty, knowledge of vocational rehabilitation, receipt of public benefits), and need (health perception, confidence with job seeking, confidence with job maintenance) variables to predict the factors associated with the use of vocational rehabilitation services among a sample of 168 Latino men with HIV/AIDS from New York State. Respondents completed the National Working Positive Coalition – Vocational Development and Employment Needs Survey and key predictor variables were analyzed using a hierarchical logistic regression. Puerto Rican ethnicity (p < 0.01), having knowledge of VR (p < 0.001), and having received public benefits (p = 0.04) increased odds of VR use. As confidence in ability to maintain a job increased, so did odds of VR use (p = 0.01). Study limitations, practical implications, and future research recommendations are included. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With so many people affected by arthritis and the significant impact it has on themselves and on their families, employers as well as on society, employment of individuals with arthritis is an important topic to consider. A review of literature was conducted to examine the issues that arise from arthritis, factors that influence work disability and employment retention, and interventions and services that are available to promote and retain employment for individuals with arthritis. In recent years, employers have begun to proactively intervene in terms of both prevention activities as well as provision of accommodation. Work disability is a common occurrence for individuals with arthritis and factors that influence work disability for those with arthritis include employment factors, employee factors, disease factors, and other factors such as access to health care and vocational rehabilitation. It is critical to consider the complex interaction of these factors in order for individuals with arthritis to remain productive and future research must consider all of these aspects when developing and implementing interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Managed care delivery systems seem to be one of the primary vehicles that policymakers have selected to control the accelerating costs of public programs, including services to persons with developmental disabilities. The article provides a case example of a Colorado managed care organization that developed a performance-based funding system to improve supported employment services for individuals with developmental disabilities. The presence of achieved outcomes and quality indicators led to additional funding of service agencies. Contractors were given incentives for reaching certain milestones, such as job placement and job stabilization. To strengthen the milestone system, a three-day intensive skill-building training program was developed for the staff of service agencies to become or enhance skills as supported employment consultants. Service agencies with trained staff could bill at a higher rate for their services. Over a period of 3 years, this payment system led to a 37% increase in the number of long-term job placements in the community. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article provides a primer on the emerging field of benefits planning, assistance and outreach as outlined in the Ticket to Work and Work Incentives Improvement Act of 1999 (TWWIIA). Detailed is an overview of the TWWIIA and a theoretical construct for the delivery of benefits planning and assistance services and supports. A review and description of the major practice domains within the construct are provided as is an operational definition of benefits planning and assistance. In conclusion, a summary of needed developments and critical next steps for the emerging field are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cost efficiency research is reviewed. This literature is followed by discussion on the state variation in the costs of supported employment with an analysis of ``high'' cost vs. ``low'' cost states funding patterns. An examination of the preliminary impact of the Home and Community Based Waiver on costs of supported employment is also provided on a state-by-state basis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article reviews the specialized needs of Deaf individuals in supported employment. The primary focus will be the discussion of common challenges and strategies for effectively providing services to Deaf people; both those with disabilities, and those who have immigrated to the United States from developing countries. Inclusion into the workplace, successful assessment, job placement, and ongoing support strategies will also be discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]