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Purpose: Identify barriers to career development and employment from both the survivor and parent perspective. Method: Young adult survivors (N = 43) and their parents participated in focus groups to elicit information regarding perceptions regarding career development and employment. Results: Perceptions of both the young adults and parents indicate that there is a significant need for comprehensive career and employment services targeted for young adult central nervous system cancer survivors. Conclusions: Findings provide initial evidence and support for the need to incorporate career and vocational services into psychosocial treatment programs. More research is needed in this area to gain an understanding of the specific career and vocational needs and to further explore how the interaction between the young adults and their parents impact vocational outcomes.

With the continued lower employment rate for persons with disabilities, researchers are focusing more on barriers to employment that reach beyond functional impairment. Personality and self-efficacy have consistently been important factors when considering employment outcomes for persons without disability; less is known about these factors as they relate to job tenure in samples of people with disabilities. A sample of 56 individuals eligible for vocational rehabilitation services was used to investigate the relationship among personality, work behavior efficacy, and length of prior employment. Results of this study revealed that work behavior efficacy and personality are related to length of prior employment. Personality was found to account for a significant amount of variance in work behavior efficacy, and personality was a stronger predictor of length of prior employment over work behavior efficacy. Specifically, the personality trait "openness" significantly contributed to length of prior employment, and "openness" and "neuroticism" significantly contributed to length of prior employment among persons with low education. A discussion of the dynamic nature of personality as it relates to persons with disabilities and employment is included. (Contains 4 tables.)

Vocational rehabilitation (VR) professionals are critical partners in the transition process for students with disabilities; therefore, they are required to develop transition service delivery proficiencies. VR professional perceptions of transition competencies are seldom examined due to the perception that transition falls mainly on school-based professionals. In this study, VR professionals from three states were surveyed on their perceptions regarding transition competencies. Specifically, seven transition domain areas (i.e., "Providing Career Planning and Counseling, Providing Career Preparation Experiences, Facilitating Allocation of Resources, Promoting Access and Opportunity for Student Success, Conducting Program Improvement Activities, Building and Maintaining Collaborative Partnerships," and "Promoting Nonprofessional Supports and Relationships") were examined and reported across importance, preparedness, and frequency. Results showed that importance rankings were rated very high overall across all competencies (mu = 3.42). Preparedness was the next highest overall rating (mu = 2.77), and frequency in performing transition competencies was the lowest (mu = 2.55). Paired t tests also showed a significant difference between each of the pairs of ratings. In addition, the findings indicated that although all domains were identified as very important, respondents did not indicate they were as prepared or participated as frequently in these transition activities. Individual domain rankings and rationale as well as implications for practice are also discussed. (Contains 1 figure and 4 tables.)

This study examines the sex differences in the perception of working alliance and the perceptions of optimism regarding future employment and job satisfaction with adult cancer survivors receiving vocational rehabilitation services. No significant differences were found between males and females in terms of the three components of the working alliance. However, examination of effect sizes indicated that the females reported higher levels of tasks (d=0.40) and goals (d=0.55) than their male counterparts. The three components of working alliance explained 60% of the variance with bonds ([beta]=0.865) making a significant and unique contribution to employment prospects. Working alliance was not associated with current job satisfaction in the employed group. Overall results of this study suggest that working alliance seems to be an important variable in the vocational outcomes for cancer survivors receiving vocational services.

Access to health insurance is one of the critical aspects of securing employment for people with disabilities. This study investigated whether vocational rehabilitation consumers secured employment with an employer who offered health insurance at similar rates to workers in the general population. In general, the results show that vocational rehabilitation consumers had significantly lower health insurance access rates than workers in the general population. Implications for rehabilitation counselors are discussed. (Contains 1 table.)

Developing an evidence-based practice approach has been advocated for in rehabilitation counseling research. However, the evidence-based practice approach which focuses primarily on intervention efficacy is theoretically flawed which limits its application to rehabilitation counseling research. Specifically, evidence-based practice research does not address the important construct of external validity. In this paper, the RE-AIM evaluation model is introduced as a comprehensive model that takes into account both internal and external validity. After the model is introduced, the authors provide a brief example of how the RE-AIM model can be applied to rehabilitation counseling research. Recommendations for rehabilitation counseling research, funding organizations, and journal editors are provided. (Contains 4 tables and 1 figure.)

A national study of rehabilitation counseling graduate students and state-federal rehabilitation counselors investigated whether there were differences between (a) what graduate students preferred to do upon graduation and what they believed vocational rehabilitation counselors did, (b) what graduate students preferred to do upon graduation and what vocational rehabilitation counselors perceived they did, and (c) what students believed vocational rehabilitation counselors did and what counselors perceived they did. Results indicated graduate students preferred to spend more time on counseling and less time on case management than state-federal vocational rehabilitation counselors perceived they did. Graduate students were accurate in their estimates of the amount of time vocational rehabilitation counselors stated they spent on counseling and inaccurate in their estimates of time spent on case management. Implications for recruitment and retention of rehabilitation counseling graduate students are discussed. (Contains 2 tables.)

The purpose of the current study was to examine the relationship between perceived percentage of time spent on rehabilitation counseling responsibilities and the possession of an educational degree, certification as a rehabilitation counselor, and years worked for a state or federal vocational rehabilitation agency. A national study was conducted of 483 vocational rehabilitation counselors in state and federal vocational rehabilitation agencies. The results provide evidence that there is little difference in the perceived percentage of time spent on work activities with respect to degree type, certification as a rehabilitation counselor, or years worked for a state or federal agency. Implications for rehabilitation counselors working for a state or federal agency are discussed. (Contains 3 tables.)

The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between perceived percentage of time spent on particular rehabilitation counseling responsibilities, on one hand, and possession of an educational degree, certification as a rehabilitation counselor (CRC), and years worked for the state--federal vocational rehabilitation (VR) agency, on the other. Our national study of 483 vocational rehabilitation counselors in state--federal VR agencies provides evidence that there is little difference in the perceived percentage of time spent on specific work activities with respect to degree type, CRC, or years worked for the state--federal agency. Implications for rehabilitation counselors working for a state--federal agency are discussed. (Contains 3 tables.)

Individuals with disabilities experience disproportionate rates of unemployment and underemployment when compared to individuals without disabilities. Furthermore, health functioning impacts career development and employment across multiple life contexts. To build on what is known regarding the relationships between functioning and career development, this study focuses on delineating how varying aspects of functioning differentially impact specific areas of career development. Based on data collected from 674 individuals with disabilities in the United States this study investigated the relationship between individual health functioning and the following three core components of career development: vocational identity, work personality, and work adjustment. Findings illuminate important differences across dimensions of functioning that impact career development. Results suggest that a multidimensional approach to career development would be most efficacious in supporting the functioning of individuals with disabilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Although the majority of childhood cancer survivors make successful transitions to adulthood, research suggests that a significant group experiences ongoing medical concerns, such as psychological distress, that significantly impact the achievement of crucial social roles including employment. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between career decision making, core self-evaluations, and perceived internal and external barriers to employment in a sample of young adult central nervous system tumor survivors. METHOD: A sample of 110 young adult survivors of pediatric central nervous system tumors was surveyed. Mediation analysis with structural equational modeling was used to correlate a number of different measures (Career Decision Making [CTI], Perceived Employment Barriers [PEB], and Core-Self Evaluations [CSE]). RESULTS: The presence of both significant direct and indirect effects of career decision making on perceived employment barriers implied that there was a partial mediating effect of core self-evaluations on the association between career readiness and employment barriers. CONCLUSION: Career decision-making is a robust construct that can be applied to young adult central nervous system tumor survivors in effort to gain more insight into the vocational psychological factors that impact career development and employment in this group. Core self-evaluations was found to be a mediator between career decision making and perceived career barriers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The COVID-19 pandemic has greatly influenced all aspects of daily life. Especially hard hit during the pandemic are typically marginalized individuals, including individuals with chronic illnesses and disabilities. Vocational rehabilitation counselors are uniquely positioned to support these individuals both during and after the pandemic. The Illinois Work and Well-Being Model can be utilized by researchers and counselors supporting marginalized individuals as an effective theoretical framework to address anticipated COVID-19-related challenges. In this article we also provide insights into three potential issues that may be more likely to occur as a result of the pandemic. These issues are a delay in career development, an extended absence from work, and experiences of both primary and secondary trauma. We conclude by providing future directions for research that could impact the lives of individuals directly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this article is to describe the Illinois Work and Well-being Model (ILW2M), a multi-domain framework for conceptualizing the employment development of people with traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). The model emphasizes the interaction of contextual and career development domains to improve participation in the areas of work, society, community, and home. A brief discussion of potential implications regarding vocational rehabilitation research and service is offered with the overall goal of reinforcing employment development as the foundation of vocational rehabilitation services for adults with TBIs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: This article describes the Illinois Work and Well-Being Model as a framework that can be applied to facilitate the career development of people who have sustained strokes. The model depicts the interaction of contextual and career development domains to improve participation in the areas of work, society, community, and home. CONCLUSION: A discussion of the model's implications regarding vocational rehabilitation research, service, and policy is presented, with the overall aim of establishing career development as the foundation of vocational rehabilitation services for stroke survivors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article presents the Illinois Work and Well-Being Model (IW2 M) as a framework that can be applied to facilitate vocational rehabilitation interventions for people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The model encompasses the interaction of contextual and career development domains to improve participation in the areas of work, society, community, and home. A discussion of the model's implications regarding vocational rehabilitation service and research is offered, with the overall goal of reinforcing career development as the foundation of vocational rehabilitation services for people with RA and other emerging age-related disabling conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this article is to introduce the Illinois Work and Well-Being Model as a framework that can be applied to facilitate the career development of people with multiple sclerosis (MS). The model emphasizes the interaction of contextual and career development domains to improve participation in the areas of work, society, community, and home. CONCLUSION: A brief discussion of potential implications regarding vocational rehabilitation research, service, and policy is offered, with the overall goal of reinforcing career development as the foundation of vocational rehabilitation services for adults with MS and other chronic health conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to investigate the patterns in allegations of workplace discrimination by individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS). OBJECTIVE: To describe the discrimination, both actual and perceived, that has occurred against individuals with MS in comparison to a group of individuals with other disabilities (GENDIS) through analysis of the United States Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) Integrated Mission System (IMS) database. METHODS: An ex post facto, causal-comparative quantitative design was used to examine Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA) Title I complaints received by the EEOC from people with MS from 2009 through 2016 (n = 4,000) in comparison to the GENDIS group over the same time period (n = 139,728). RESULTS: The MS group was less likely to allege discrimination regarding discharge but more likely to allege discrimination regarding reasonable accommodation, constructive discharge, discipline, insurance benefits, and demotion. Charging parties with MS were more likely to be female, younger, and Caucasian and less likely to identify as African American, Hispanic/Mexican, or Asian. The EEOC was more likely to evaluate allegations by adults with MS as having merit than those filed by the GENDIS group. Implications for vocational rehabilitation practice include the need for consultation regarding recognition of on-the-job discrimination and procedures for filing allegations consistent with EEOC guidelines; greater use of physical and occupational therapy; and development of cognitive support technology strategies to aid in job performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

People with disabilities are arguably the most economically marginalized population in America. Employment does not address the problem unless wages reach adequate levels, suggesting the need for better understanding of factors influencing compensation in employment. The purpose of this study is to replicate previous findings on social capital and starting wage while also considering the influence of social role for people with and without disabilities. The responses of university health students to hypothetical hiring scenarios were analyzed using a three-way mixed ANOVA. Results support and extend prior research suggesting that social capital and social role have a positive influence on starting wage for both people with and without disabilities. Scenarios depicting social capital and positive social role resulted in an increase in hourly wage of more than US$1,500.00 per year than those with low levels of social capital and a negative social role. A similar but weaker relationship between pay and social capital existed when there was one degree of separation (i.e., the friend of a friend) between employer and new employee. Social role, along with social capital, is an important factor in starting wage decisions. Implications for the job search are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An introduction is presented in which the editor discusses articles in the issue on topics including COVID-19-related issues facing people with developmental disabilities, and employment and vocational rehabilitation considerations for people with disabilities during and after the COVID-19.

The primary purpose of the study was to investigate the relationship of Type D personality and perceived career readiness in a group of college students with and without disabilities. The findings of the study revealed no significant differences in levels of career readiness and Type D personality across disability groups. Results also revealed that Type D traits did have a significant relationship with career readiness variables, and that this relationship is particularly significant for college students with disabilities. Results also indicated that for individuals with disabilities, both Type D traits (negative affect and social inhibition) have an effect on different dimensions of career readiness. Implications of the results are discussed within the context of rehabilitation counselors and professionals. Future directions for research are also offered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Research with young adult cancer survivors has found that they are often lacking appropriate career development skills. As a result, they are often disconnected with the labor market and deal low levels of career readiness, low career self-efficacy, and higher rates of under and unemployment. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this article is to describe a multi-domain model that provides a framework for conceptualizing the career development of young adult cancer survivors. METHODS: This study utilized a comprehensive review of the literature to develop a theoretical based conceptual model. RESULTS: The model emphasizes the interaction of contextual and career development domains to improve participation in the areas of work, society, community, and home. CONCLUSION: A brief discussion of potential implications regarding research, service and policy are offered with the overall goal of conceptualizing career development as a public health intervention for young adult cancer survivors and other young adults with chronic health conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The purpose of this exploratory study was to examine the differences in levels of work personality for persons with psychiatric disabilities compared to persons with other types of disabilities. Participants: Seventy one adults eligible to receive Vocational Rehabilitation services participated; 30 reported a physical disability, 26 reported a psychiatric disability, and 15 reported a learning disability. Methods: Eligible participants were recruited through VR offices and volunteered to participate. Results: Results indicate that persons with psychiatric disabilities scored significantly lower on the Work Task and Social Skills subscales of the Developmental Work Personality Scale (DWPS) when compared to individuals with physical disabilities, but scored higher than individuals with physical and learning disabilities on the Role Model subscale. Conclusions: The results of this study provide some initial clarity regarding developmental work personality differences among three broad categories of disability. Recommendations for future research are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Access to health insurance is one of the critical aspects of securing employment for people with disabilities. This study investigated whether vocational rehabilitation consumers secured employment with an employer who offered health insurance at similar rates to workers in the general population. In general, the results show that vocational rehabilitation consumers had significantly lower health insurance access rates than workers in the general population. Implications for rehabilitation counselors are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A national study of rehabilitation counseling graduate students and state-federal rehabilitation counselors investigated whether there were differences between (a) what graduate students preferred to do upon graduation and what they believed vocational rehabilitation counselors did, (b) what graduate students preferred to do upon graduation and what vocational rehabilitation counselors perceived they did, and (c) what students believed vocational rehabilitation counselors did and what counselors perceived they did. Results indicated graduate students preferred to spend more time on counseling and less time on case management than state-federal vocational rehabilitation counselors perceived they did. Graduate students were accurate in their estimates of the amount of time vocational rehabilitation counselors stated they spent on counseling and inaccurate in their estimates of time spent on case management. Implications for recruitment and retention of rehabilitation counseling graduate students are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between perceived percentage of time spent on particular rehabilitation counseling responsibilities, on one hand, and possession of an educational degree, certification as a rehabilitation counselor (CRC), and years worked for the state-federal vocational rehabilitation (VR) agency, on the other. Our national study of 483 vocational rehabilitation counselors in state-federal VR agencies provides evidence that there is little difference in the perceived percentage of time spent on specific work activities with respect to degree type, CRC, or years worked for the state-federal agency. Implications for rehabilitation counselors working for a state-federal agency are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of the current study was to examine the relationship between perceived percentage of time spent on rehabilitation counseling responsibilities and the possession of an educational degree, certification as a rehabilitation counselor, and years worked for a state or federal vocational rehabilitation agency. A national study was conducted of 483 vocational rehabilitation counselors in state and federal vocational rehabilitation agencies. The results provide evidence that there is little difference in the perceived percentage of time spent on work activities with respect to degree type, certification as a rehabilitation counselor, or years worked for a state or federal agency. Implications for rehabilitation counselors working for a state or federal agency are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examined the effect of sense of coherence on the career thought process. Sense of coherence is the global orientation that the world is comprehensible, manageable, and meaningful. A sample of individuals with disabilities completed the Sense of Coherence Scale and the Career Thoughts Inventory (CTI). Univariate tests indicate a large relationship between Sense of Coherence Scale scores and CTI-total scores and CTI-Decision Making Confusion subscale and CTI-External Conflict subscale scores and a medium relationship between Sense of Coherence Scale scores and CTI-Commitment Anxiety subscale scores. Univariate tests indicate large and medium relationships between Sense of Coherence Scale scores and individual subscale scores. The implications of the study are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A key factor in the development of an effective relationship between the client and counselor is the development of a strong working alliance (Bordin, 1979). Although considerable research has investigated the impact of the working alliance on counseling outcomes, no research has considered the effect of this alliance between rehabilitation counselors and clients within the context of the state-federal rehabilitation system. This study used existing survey data on 2,732 vocational rehabilitation clients during fiscal year 1999-2000. Results indicated that (a) employed clients had a stronger working alliance than unemployed clients, and (b) the working alliance is related to the client's perception of future employment prospects and his or her satisfaction with the current job. Implications for rehabilitation counselors are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Investigates the differences in career thoughts in relation to individual disabilities. Importance of cognition in vocational rehabilitation; Factors influencing occupational behavior; Individualistic approach of professionals in rehabilitation planning.

Examines the correlation between self-efficacy, locus of control and work personality. Discussion on the transformation of economics; Emphasis on the utilization of cognitive and interpersonal skills; Importance of interpersonal skills in career and rehabilitation.

Provides an overview of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and discusses the implications for rehabilitation planning and the effects of PTSD on individual vocational development. Symptoms; Explanation of the Ecological Model of Vocational Behavior, which was developed to address the vocational behavior of people with and without disabilities and of people from diverse ethnic backgrounds; Effect of PTSD on the congruence between the individual and environment; Suggestion of strategies for rehabilitation counselors.

The author reflects on finishing his first year term as editor of the journal "Rehabilitation Research, Policy, and Education," particularly his personal growth and of the journal. The author relates his renewed focus on the importance of work and employment despite the distractions he encountered. Moreover, the author notes some changes in the journal including the publication of a special issue and the diversity of manuscripts submitted to the journal.