Employment Outcomes For Individuals Research Articles

Promoting quality career pathways for individuals with disabilities through the public vocational rehabilitation program

BACKGROUND: Career Pathways initiatives in Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) have emerged as a crucial strategy for enhancing quality employment outcomes among individuals with disabilities. This paper conducts a comprehensive examination of the integration of Career Pathways within VR, emphasizing its significance in aligning vocational goals with evolving labor market demands. OBJECTIVE: Drawing from the innovative Career Pathways initiatives introduced by the Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA), this paper addresses the RSA Career Pathways Demonstration Initiatives from 2015 to 2019 alongside the ongoing Disability Innovation Fund-Career Advancement Initiative Model Demonstration Project. The paper also discusses the strengthening of Career Pathways through the development of high-quality Individualized Plans for Employment and program evaluation. METHODS: This study utilized a modified exploratory case study approach to examine past and present career pathways initiatives in state VR agencies. Data were gathered from publicly available documentation and archival records, focusing on 12 cases from two national initiatives: the RSA Career Pathways Demonstration Initiatives (2015–2019) and the Disability Innovation Fund-Career Advancement Initiative Model Demonstration Project (2021–2026). RESULTS: The study reveals a substantial, positive impact on employment outcomes for individuals with disabilities through Career Pathways in VR programs, facilitated by the integration of adaptable pathways, individualized planning, and program evaluation.

NCLB Alternate Assessment Policies and Postschool Employment Outcomes for Individuals With Significant Cognitive Disabilities.

The participation of students with significant cognitive disabilities in accountability assessments aligned with general education standards is a heavily debated topic in the field of special education. Attempts to understand the impact of these assessments have generally been limited to correlational methods. We employed a difference-in-differences approach using select waves of the National Longitudinal Transition Study-2 dataset to estimate the impact of alternate assessment policies from the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 on the employment outcomes of individuals with significant cognitive disabilities. Our hypothesis was that these policies would produce a detrimental effect. Analyses suggested that alternate assessment policies resulted in descriptively positive employment outcomes, yet estimates were highly imprecise, which yields a complicated picture requiring more research.

Association between prevalence and severity of chronic kidney disease and employment status: a nationwide study in Korea.

The prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) is increasing globally, and understanding the association between CKD and employment status is crucial. This cross-sectional study aimed to investigate the association of CKD with employment and occupation type among patients with CKD. We analyzed data from 36,732 Korean adults aged ≥ 30 years, who participated in the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey between 2014 and 2021. CKD was detected based on the estimated glomerular filtration rate, and the employment status of the participants was classified into distinct categories: full-time permanent employment, unemployment, self-employment, and precarious employment. We analyzed the data using multiple logistic regression. We observed a significant association between CKD and a higher likelihood of unemployment compared to that in individuals without CKD (odds ratio, 1.70; 95% confidence interval, 1.47-1.96). This association was more prominent in patients with severe CKD. In the multivariable logistic analysis, patients with CKD had a higher likelihood for precarious employment (odds ratio, 1.29; 95% confidence interval, 0.92-1.88), self-employment (odds ratio, 1.3; 95% confidence interval, 0.90-1.88), and unemployment (odds ratio, 2.10; 95% confidence interval, 1.51-2.92) compared to individuals without CKD. Our study demonstrated that CKD is associated with a higher likelihood of unemployment and engagement in precarious employment. These findings highlight the challenges faced by patients with CKD in obtaining stable employment and emphasize the need for interventions to improve the employment outcomes of individuals with CKD.

Early employment outcomes for individuals on the autism spectrum: When judiciously selected and supported for competitive employment in highly skilled technical jobs.

Early employment outcomes for individuals on the autism spectrum: When judiciously selected and supported for competitive employment in highly skilled technical jobs.

Assessing and teaching job-related social skills to adults with neurodevelopmental disorders in Italy

AbstractSocial challenges in the work place can serve as an obstacle to regular employment for many individuals with neurodevelopmental disabilities (NDD). Nonetheless, few studies have focused on interventions to improve job-related social skills or included residents of countries outside of the United States. This study replicated and extended prior research by evaluating the acquisition of job-related social skills with three individuals with NDD residing in Italy. Results suggested that a package consisting of behavioral skills training and token reinforcement was effective for teaching the skills in the clinic and in extension to real work contexts. Furthermore, social validity surveys indicated that the participants, professionals, and caregivers of individuals with NDD considered the skills and interventions to be acceptable. These findings have implications for improving employment outcomes for individuals with NDD across the globe.

Pushing the Integrated Employment Agenda: Employment Systems Partners and the High-Performing States Model.

This article summarizes data collected from key informants in Iowa, Maryland, and Oklahoma regarding efforts to support integrated employment for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). We highlight features that contribute to the effectiveness of collaborative structures that have resulted in each state's success in achieving integrated employment outcomes for individuals with IDD across three state systems: IDD, vocational rehabilitation, and education. We present these features using the seven elements of the High-Performing States Employment Model. These elements have been found to be important in achieving higher rates of competitive integrated employment outcomes for people with IDD.

"More Than a Paycheck": Parent Perspectives on Meaningful Work for Individuals With Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities.

Increasing employment outcomes for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) remains an enduring emphasis of research, policy, and practice. Parents are often primary partners in the pursuit of meaningful work for their family members with IDD. This qualitative study examined the views of 55 parents regarding the importance of this pursuit and the features of employment that matter most to them. Participants discussed a range of reasons they valued employment for their family members with IDD, including factors that extended beyond a paycheck. Likewise, they described an array of features that they considered to be important to their family member thriving in the workplace (e.g., inclusivity, match with interests, opportunities for growth). We offer recommendations for promoting integrated employment among families and conceptualizing employment outcomes within future research.

Association of neurocognitive function with psychiatric hospitalization and socio-demographic conditions in individuals with bipolar and major depressive disorders

Neurocognitive impairments are associated with poor clinical and employment outcomes in individuals with affective disorders. However, little is known about their associations with long-term clinical outcomes such as psychiatric hospitalizations, and with socio-demographic indicators other than employment. In the largest longitudinal study of neurocognition in affective disorders to date, we investigate the role of neurocognitive impairments on psychiatric hospitalizations and socio-demographic conditions. The study included 518 individuals with bipolar or major depressive disorder. Neurocognitive assessments covered executive function and verbal memory domains. Longitudinal data on psychiatric hospitalization and socio-demographic conditions (employment, cohabitation, and marital status) for up to 11 years were obtained using National population-based registers. The primary and secondary outcomes were psychiatric hospitalizations (n=398) and worsening of socio-demographic conditions (n=518), in the follow-up period since study inclusion, respectively. Cox regression models were used to examine the association of neurocognition with future psychiatric hospitalizations and the worsening of socio-demographic conditions. Clinically significant impairment in verbal memory (z-score≤-1; defined by the ISBD Cognition Task Force), but not in executive function, was associated with a higher risk of future hospitalization, when adjusted for age, sex, hospitalization in the year preceding inclusion, depression severity, diagnosis, and type of clinical trial (HR=1.84, 95% CI:1.05-3.25, p=0.034; n=398). The results remained significant even after accounting for illness duration. Neurocognitive impairments were not associated with the worsening of socio-demographic conditions (p≥0.17; n=518). Promoting neurocognitive function, especially verbal memory, may mitigate the risk of future psychiatric hospitalization in individuals with affective disorders. Lundbeckfonden (R279-2018-1145).

Measuring the impact of employment on persons with a disability as a means of improving the quality of employment outcomes

Aim: Current measures for disability employment focus on system outputs, not individual outcomes. This paper proposes an employment outcome measurement approach based on social quality theory as a means of improving the quality of employment outcomes for individuals. Introduction: There is a paucity of government policies that promote practices which address the measurement of employment outcomes that reflect the goals of the individual. While there has been a recent trend towards a focus on quality of life as an outcome, process measurement and compliance to procedural regulations are still dominant. Method: A scoping review of disability employment research from the year 2000 revealed only eleven papers which specifically addressed approaches to measuring disability employment outcomes at an individual impact level. Overall, the search failed to highlight any measure that focused on the impact of employment on the individual with existing measures focused on process measurement. Conclusion: An outcomes-based approach, based on the four pillars of social quality theory, namely, social inclusion, social cohesion, self-determination, and social-economic security provide an opportunity to shift disability employment service provision towards individual outcomes rather than its existing focus on system outputs as a measure of success.

Scoping review of employment resources for individuals with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder and justice involvement

ObjectivesIndividuals with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) are over-represented within the justice system and have significant employment challenges. The primary aim of this scoping review was to ascertain available employment...

A Survey of Wireless Technology Supporting Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities in the Workplace

Despite the enactment of the Americans with Disabilities Act and its amendments, there are still barriers to successful employment for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Known barriers include lack of accommodations; negative stigma; and lack of investment in education, on-the-job training, and work experiences. Although many young adults with IDD want to fully engage in community-based employment, they often require supports that employers are unable or unwilling to provide. Wireless or wearable technologies in the workplace have the potential to provide necessary supports to employees with IDD and their employers. In the present study, we conducted a web-based survey of employees with IDD ( n = 66), service providers ( n = 54), and family members ( n = 19) to determine which technologies individuals with IDD use in the workplace, and how these technologies influence their employment experiences. We analyzed survey data using quantitative and qualitative descriptive analyses. All survey respondents endorsed the use of technology in the workplace to enhance employment outcomes for individuals with IDD. The three groups of respondents varied in their identification of barriers; however, the most commonly identified barriers to effective technology use at work were Lack of Knowledge and Instruction on Device Use/Adaptations and Employer-imposed Barriers. Study findings have the potential to influence workplace decisions and training for people with IDD and their employers, families, and other service providers.

Employment Outcomes of Higher Education Graduates from during and after the 2007–2008 Financial Crisis: Evidence from a Romanian University

In the current article, we seek to understand the ways in which unfavorable macro-level circumstances influence the employment outcomes of university graduates, in the long term. We use the 2007–2008 financial crisis as a historical setting and compare data about the later employment outcomes of 772 students who graduated a bachelor’s program at a public Romanian university before and after the financial crisis. The comparison includes a quantitative perspective and a qualitative one and refers to: duration of the job search after graduation; seniority levels; number of jobs held; profile of the first job gained after graduation; current status on the labor market; localization of the current employer; profile of the current job; satisfaction with the career status; perceived employability. Additionally, we also explore the influence of the following micro-level determinants on employment outcomes: attendance to internships programs; employment during the attendance of the BA program; and choosing to continue education with a master’s program. The findings suggest that, although the group who graduated during the financial crisis indeed faced some initial setbacks, manifested through longer waiting times before securing their first job, they currently have objectively superior employment outcomes compared with their counterparts who graduated after the crisis. Subjectively, the members of the two groups show similar levels of satisfaction with their career status. The analysis of the micro-level determinants shows that they have a positive influence on individual employment outcomes, and this may be of interest in the future in increasing graduates’ resilience on the labor market and supporting their sustainable employment.

Using Research-Based Strategies to Improve Job-Related Social and Communication Skills Among Adults With Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Scoping Review

The purpose of this scoping review was to identify intervention and non-intervention research-based resources that had been applied in vocational rehabilitation (VR) settings, or in collaboration with VR practitioners, to improve job-related social communication skills among adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The search of seven databases, the gray literature, and recommendations from experts identified 290 resources, of which 42 met the review’s inclusion criteria. Since the purpose of a scoping review is to describe the landscape of available literature on a given topic, this review did not vet studies for quality nor exclude studies of interventions that did not lead to successful employment outcomes. Given its goal of identifying broadly relevant information available, the review included systematic reviews and resources from non-peer-reviewed, practitioner-oriented sources. The team developed four topical themes to categorize the publications: On-the-job social skills development, interviewing skills, self-advocacy, and compensatory strategies. Vocational rehabilitation professionals and other service practitioners may find elements of the research summarized here useful in their efforts to increase successful employment outcomes for individuals diagnosed with ASD.

Demographic Covariates, Vocational Rehabilitation Services, and Employment Outcomes of Working-Age Adults with Anxiety Disorders: A Multivariate Logistic Regression Analysis.

PurposeThis study aimed to investigate the relationships between demographic covariates, vocational rehabilitation (VR) services, and employment outcomes of individuals with anxiety disorders. The specific research question for the current study investigate demographic variables and vocational rehabilitation services as predictors of competitive employment outcomes.MethodsData for the present study were extracted from the most recent United States Rehabilitation Service Administration 2018 Case Service Report (RSA-911) data. A purposeful selection, multivariate logistic regression analysis was conducted to examine the case service report data of 9266 individuals with anxiety disorders who received vocational rehabilitation services based on their demographic variables and receipt of VR services.ResultsThe results indicated that African Americans and Latinx, people who have completed high school or more, people who do not receive disability-related benefits, and those who received more vocational rehabilitation services were more likely to be gainfully employed. In addition, receipt of financial support for life crises and occupational credentials (i.e., other services and maintenance services) and vocational rehabilitation counseling and guidance services were significant predictors of employment outcomes. Conversely, receipt of supported employment and transition services were negatively associated with employment outcome.ConclusionsIn the present study, we identified VR services that can improve and risk factors that can impede employment outcomes of people with anxiety disorders. We also identified medical, psychosocial, and vocational interventions that can lessen the effect of anxiety disorders on physical and mental health functioning.

Sustainable employment depends on quality relationships between supervisors and their employees on the autism spectrum

Purpose Employment outcomes for individuals on the autism spectrum may be contingent upon employers’ knowledge of autism and provision of appropriate workplace supports. We aimed to understand the organizational factors that influenced the organizational socialization of autistic employees. Materials and methods We wrote nine case histories based on interviews from managers, autistic employees, and job coaches. Intra-case analysis, then cross-case analysis, provided an understanding of organizational factors that lead to sustained employment of autistic employees. Results The quality of the relationship between managers and autistic employees was consistently seen as the key facilitator of organizational socialization and positive employment outcomes of autistic employees. These relationships, however, relied on the skilled facilitation of the job coach during each stage of the employment cycle (hiring, on-boarding, training, performance management), as they had an important role in building a mutual understanding between supervisors and employees. As such, our study draws upon and contributes to leader-member exchange theory. Conclusions Consistent with prior research, our study shows the importance of high-quality relationships between supervisors and supervisees for positive employment outcomes of autistic employees in organization but adds skilled communication facilitation as a novel antecedent to leader-member exchange, as a potentially key factor for autistic employees. Implications for rehabilitation The relationship between the a manager and their employee is an important factor in effective organizational socialization and workplace outcomes for autistic employees. Job coaches can play a crucial role in building mutual understanding and high-quality relationships between managers and employees. Job coaches can support the inclusion of autistic employees by illustrating the multi-faceted socioemotional performance benefits over the longer term.

Identifying factors that promote successful vocational rehabilitation case closure: Comparison of individual characteristics, VR experiences and state economic conditions

BACKGROUND: Despite the series of public policies being implemented to strengthen vocational rehabilitation (VR) services, individuals with disabilities remained at the substantial deficit in employment outcomes compared with individuals without disabilities. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to examine effects of vocational rehabilitation services on the employment outcomes for people with disabilities while accounting for individual characteristics and state economic conditions. Findings had implications for VR program improvement. METHOD: We used the RSA-911 data covering cases from 2015 to 2017, in addition to state unemployment rate and poverty rate in 2017 to address the research questions. A logistic regression model was estimated with Generalized Estimating Equations to predict the probability of successful case closure by individual demographic characteristics, number of VR services received, and state economic conditions. RESULTS: State economic conditions were not associated with employment outcomes among VR participants. Being female, Black, having physical disabilities, and not having a job at application were disadvantageous in employment outcomes. The more varieties of vocational services that individuals received, the higher odds of successful case closure. CONCLUSIONS: VR services have significant beneficial impact on individual employment outcomes. The strongest beneficial impact may be achieved by providing a combination of different types of services that are designed to help individuals find or sustain employment.

Why open access to vocational services in substance use treatment matters: Commentary on Cosottile and Defulio (2020).

This article presents the argument that all veterans engaged in substance use treatment, regardless of current or recent use, should be allowed access to vocational services through Veterans Affairs (VA). This argument is presented as a commentary to Cosottile and DeFulio (2020), who argue for the VA to restrict veteran's access to work and Compensated Work Therapy (CWT) transitional work (TW) services to those who have demonstrated abstinence from substances. Our commentary provides an overview of relevant literature and programmatic considerations. The VA previously had common practice of restricting access to CWT TW services based on demonstrated sobriety and now has explicit policies and guidance against this practice. Research demonstrates that employment is an important recovery goal, that employment and substance use influence one another (both positively and negatively), and that substance use does not detract from employment outcomes of individuals participating in vocational rehabilitation services. Work activity is not simply a means or incentive for achieving sobriety. Employment is a critical component of recovery that supports a healthy sober lifestyle. Vocational services can be successfully integrated into substance use treatment without restricting access to those who have demonstrated sobriety. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved).

Case Service Reporting: Meeting Guidelines for WIOA and Supporting Documentation

The Workforce Innovation and Opportunities Act (WIOA) of 2014 further amended the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, prompting numerous changes for agencies receiving federal funding. The overall goal of the legislation was to strengthen and improve the workforce development system, including employment outcomes for individuals with disabilities. Implementation of these changes is monitored through common performance measures, which provide standards for each agency operating within the WIOA authority. The Indiana Division of Disability and Rehabilitative Services (IN DDRS), a state vocational rehabilitation agency funded under WIOA, has implemented these changes. This evaluation assessed the effectiveness of IN DDRS’s data system, training, and business process changes specific to the new WIOA requirements. Furthermore, the study provided survey response feedback from Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors (VRC) on the processes in place, training provided, and the impact of the WIOA changes on their daily job duties and provided suggestions to improve performance measures processes within the state.

A Closer Look at Vocational Rehabilitation College Training Services at the Virginia Department for the Blind and Vision Impaired

Working-age adults with visual impairments have an employment rate of 43.5%, which was substantially lower than the employment rate (76.5%) of those without disabilities (Krause et al., 2018). However, research involving both youth and adults with visual impairments has identified positive associations between educational attainment level, specifically post-secondary education and training, and employment (Cmar et al., 2018; Lund & Cmar, 2019; Lund & Cmar, 2020). The Virginia Department for the Blind and Visually Impaired (DBVI) sought to better understand the consumer demographics and employment outcomes of individuals receiving post-secondary education as part of the vocational rehabilitation (VR) program. This study found that younger individuals who received college training services were more likely to achieve higher earnings. Policies on college training services for individuals with blindness and visual impairments are discussed.

Cost-Effectiveness of Individual Placement and Support Compared to Transitional Work Program for Veterans with Post-traumatic Stress Disorder.

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) leads to significant disability, unemployment, and substantial healthcare costs. The cost-effectiveness of vocational rehabilitation (VR) interventions is important to consider when determining which services to offer. This study assesses the cost-effectiveness and return on investment of Individual Placement and Support (IPS) compared to transitional work (TW) programs. Employment outcomes from a multisite randomized trial comparing IPS to TW in military veterans with PTSD (n = 541) were linked to Veterans Health Administration (VHA) archival medical record databases to examine the comparative cost-effectiveness and return on investment. Effectiveness was defined as hours worked and income earned in competitive jobs. Costs for VR, mental health, and medical care and income earned from competitive sources were annualized and adjusted to 2019 US dollars. The annualized mean cost per person of outpatient (including vocational services) were $3970 higher for IPS compared to TW ($23,245 vs. $19,276, respectively; P = 0.004). When TW income was included in costs, mean grand total costs per person per year were similar between groups ($29,828 IPS vs. $26,772 TW; P = 0.17). The incremental cost-effectiveness analysis showed that while IPS is more costly, it is also more effective. The return on investment (excluding TW income) was 32.9% for IPS ($9762 mean income/$29,691 mean total costs) and 29.6% for TW ($7326 mean income/$24,781 mean total costs). IPS significantly improves employment outcomes for individuals with PTSD with negligible increase in healthcare costs and yields very good return on investment compared to non-IPS VR services.