Search

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to investigate the incidence of all-cause mortality, institutionalization, and condition improvement among participants of a state home- and community-based services program (HCBS). Methods: We evaluated the follow-up data of 11,444 individuals with disabilities aged 45–59 years at application who received services from the HCBS program from the state of Illinois. Statistical analysis was conducted using the cause-specific hazard and the subdistribution hazard regression models. Results: In all, 4,900 (42.8%) individuals died, 1,005 (8.8%) were institutionalized, and 1,980 (17.3%) improved at service closure. Males of older age, living with others, with a medical referral, a general physical debilitation, and receiving more service hours increased the risk of all-cause mortality. Middle-aged women with a physical orthopedic disability and a low number of service hours showed greater improvement. Conclusions: The risk of the outcomes was related to baseline characteristics, types of disabilities, and service factors. We also observed that demographic factors such as gender, race, and living arrangements affected the risks of the outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study describes the results of a program developed to improve the transition outcomes of low-income minority youth with disabilities. The program relies on case management support to facilitate interagency collaboration. The participants included 164 graduates from special education and 26 youth from an equivalent comparison group. Two case managers were responsible for providing support to intervention participants. Results indicate that 82% of the intervention participants enrolled in postsecondary education programs compared to only 50% in the comparison group. In addition, 74% of the intervention youth secured employment compared to 23% in the comparison group. Case managers provided 10 main support functions in three areas: job, college, and family/community. Critical functions included assistance with goal setting, transportation, job/college applications, referrals, emotional support, and family mediation. We discuss the implications of the intervention for transition research and practice with minority youth with disabilities. (Contains 1 figure, 1 table and 1 note.)

This article describes a participatory needs assessment process in which Colombian immigrants in Chicago collaborated with university researchers to identify their common concerns and implement self-help efforts to address some of their most pressing needs. A total of 261 Colombians completed a needs assessment survey, and 46 attended a public forum in which the issues were discussed and groups of volunteers were organized to coordinate and plan actions to address identified needs. Groups of volunteers conducted the research and developed a guide to health care and a guide to social services in the state of Illinois, which were widely distributed in the community. The participatory methodology appears to have effectively mobilized individuals who volunteered their time to help others--particularly newcomers who often find themselves at a loss to maneuver and understand a complex array of systems and services that are completely unfamiliar. Implications for future research are discussed. (Contains 2 tables.)

A review of vocational rehabilitation (VR) data from a Midwestern state was conducted to identify predictors of rehabilitation outcomes for African American consumers. The database included 37,404 African Americans who were referred or self-referred over a period of five years. Logistic regression analysis indicated that except for age and disability type, none of the other demographic variables were significant predictors of vocational rehabilitation for the individuals in the sample. However, as the amount of money spent on a case increased, the probability of gaining employment increased. Recommendations for VR practice with minority consumers are suggested. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to develop and validate an instrument to measure cultural competence among rehabilitation practitioners. The authors developed an instrument to measure perceived levels of cultural competence based on an extensive literature review, feedback from experts, and a synthesis of prevalent instruments and conceptual models of cultural competence available in the literature. The validation study was conducted with a random sample of 477 practitioners. Both exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis yielded a three-factor model with the following components: cultural awareness/knowledge, cultural skills, and organizational support. The third factor is seldom addressed in the literature- the role of the organization in supporting practitioners' efforts to engage in culturally appropriate practices. We discuss the research and practice implications of using a validated instrument to assess cultural competence among rehabilitation professionals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to gather information on employment outcomes achieved by Community Rehabilitation Providers (CRPs). Thirty-two Program Directors/CRP Specialists participated in an on-line survey. The results indicated that most clients served by CRPs were placed in the service sector and that once they reached the critical 90-day closure period they were less likely to lose their jobs. The most frequently mentioned barriers to employment were the declining economy, the fact that individuals with disabilities are often competing for the same jobs as recent college graduates, and the lack of funding for job coaching and supported employment. Implications for vocational rehabilitation research and practice are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]