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Assesses the predictability of two client employment outcomes from personal background information, counselor-rated functional limitations of the client, and rehabilitation services provided. Results indicated that rehabilitation education programs should put more emphasis on training in job placement activities and rehabilitation counselors should evaluate clients' functional limitations during the diagnostic phase of the service delivery process. (Contains 16 references, 5 tables and 1 appendix.) (GCP)

Fifty-seven former vocational rehabilitation clients were interviewed regarding their employability skill training and job placement needs. The sample, which was balanced in terms of sex, type of disability, and area of residence (rural versus urban), was biased in favor of individuals having greater employability deficits (persons served by sheltered workshops or a comprehensive rehabilitation center). Approximately half of the sample was employed in competitive work, with about one-fifth of the sample having been unemployed since their exit from a vocational rehabilitation program. Seventy-two percent were helped by rehabilitation services at least to some degree; of those reporting dissatisfaction with the rehabilitation services they received, 79 percent cited inadequate vocational training as their primary complaint. One-fifth of the sample indicated problems in working with supervisors and coworkers, meeting the demands of their jobs, and knowing how to get raises or promotions. One-third of those interviewed reported problems in learning about better jobs or promotions. From these results came recommendations for continued emphasis on such placement services as job-seeking skills training, career development programs, job clubs, postemployment counseling, job development services, and direct interventions with employers. (The study interview form is appended). (MN)

The Vocational Personality Report (VPR) is a computer-generated report that provides information useful in vocational rehabilitation service planning. Input data required by the VPR are 16 raw scores from the Sixteen Personality Factor Questionnaire-Form E (16 PF-E), an inventory designed for persons with low-level language skills. The VPR generates scores on 16 vocationally relevant factors in four distinct conceptual areas: five normal personality scales, two psychopathology scales, three vocational interest scales, and six occupational scales. Written in BASIC for MS DOS machines, the VPR will run on most IBM-compatible computers. The manual includes descriptions of the 16 PF-E primary scales, summaries of VPR developmental studies, instructions for the VPR floppy disk, and 18 references. (JDD)

Examined two groups of applicants with disabilities to determine counselors' judgments about limitations in functional capabilities. Ratings of applicants' functional limitations were partially explained by three latent dimensions derived from applicants' personal history information. Implications for the conduct of the eligibility determination process in state vocational rehabilitation agencies are discussed. (RJM)

Developed a multifaceted definition of the intrapersonal component of empowerment, based on a review and synthesis of selected expository and empirical literature. Consisting of 20 dimensions, each with a standard definition of the construct, the model may be useful in facilitating discussions, developing training programs, and constructing measures of empowerment. (Author/RJM)

Analyzes 6 performance criteria of vocational rehabilitation (VR) counseling effectiveness for a 10-year period. The performance indices were related meaningfully, and some demonstrated substantial longitudinal stability. Concludes that performance criteria based on standard VR caseload statistics may be used inappropriately in counselor appraisal. (Author)

Summarized the results of 15 experimental studies of 10 small-group skills training interventions developed for use with vocational rehabilitation clients. Concluded that the typical participant in skills training interventions received substantial benefit from the activity. Skills training programs should be implemented more widely with clients who are served in rehabilitation facilities. (RJM)