Employment acquisition

The study collected data on patient employment and behaviors from the following sources: personal interviews, vocational activities log and employment documentation. Employment measures drew on and integrated information from these sources. The major employment outcome was the attainment of a paid job.
To provide a single overall index of vocational outcomes, they were combined into a four-level, ordinal measure of highest level of vocational attainment:
1. Attained a competitive job (highest).
2. Attained an informal job.
3. Performed constructive activity other than paid employment.
4. None of the above (lowest).
CES counselors left during the study period. Patients who received no counseling (N=24) were excluded from this sample. The interview follow up rate for follow up at 12 months was 91%. The main analytical technique was multiple logistic regression with statistical significance set at p < .05 (2-tailed). Vocational intervention condition was introduced into the analysis as an indicator variable (CES=1, standard=0). The statistical control for period of intervention, as described above, is also an indicator variable (earlier cases = 1, later cases = 0). All analyses of employment outcomes included the baseline measure of the outcome variable as a covariate. Since the study had no dollar measure of earnings prior to baseline, work in the prior 6-month period was used as the covariate in the analysis of earnings as an outcome. Patient baseline variables were examined to determine whether any were significantly associated with both an employment outcome and vocational intervention assignment (CES vs. standard counseling); none were. Thus, none of these variables was a potential confounder in the regression analysis. Work in the pre-study period was included as a covariate in the multivariate analysis, however, to enable the potential independent effect of the CES intervention on employment outcomes to be determined.

Hours worked were measured weekly, and work performance was assessed biweekly with the use of the Work Behavior Inventory. Hope and self-esteem were assessed at baseline and at 5 months with the Beck Hopelessness Scale and the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Schedule.

An action research approach was used. Results were presented for each 3 groups of participants. The individualized approach was successful for 17 of the adult participants. By the end of year four 56% had secured full time and part time work. Among the special education group 27 people had the chance to participate in one to three work experiences. Eighteen required one to one ongoing support throughout the duration of the work placement. Some parents of the young adults in this group reported feeling less anxious about what would happen when the child left school. The mainstream group required work experience for short periods of time. A program spanning the entire school year was not possible due to difficulties associated with being released from school. During the engagement phase individuals completed a individual induction, an assessment, a vocational profile, and an action plan. The plan was reviewed and updated every six months.

A sixteen item questionnaire was used to learn more about participants' employment and living situation. Participants were contacted by telephone. After answering each question, the participant was given the opportunity to make comments. Chi-square analysis was used to determine statistical differences between the two groups.

Referral data for Bridges includes demographic, disability, and previous educational/employment histories. Additional data come from a placement data form, an internship log, an internship completion form, and a follow-up questionnaire. Follow-up data collection occurs at 6, 12, and 18 months after internship completion. The data instruments were standardized across all 10 sites. Data analysis consisted of descriptive results for internship performance, and the exploration of the relationship between predictor and outcome variables at each of the three periods using logistic regression procedures.

All data came from secondary sources, as there was no direct contact between researchers and clients. Data on earnings came from the wage and hour file collected by Washington State's Department of employment Security.

Researchers identified a set of topics to address through a review of the relevant literature. This included:

(a) individual characteristics and personal attributes,

(b) family support and expectations,

(c) high school and postschool school services and supports,

(d) workplace experiences, and

(e) other postschool training or education.

Data was collected over four years. Initial post-school interviews took place when participants were between 3 and 6 years out of high school. The second phase of data collection occurred up to 4 years following the initial interview when participants were between 7 and 10 years out of school. In total there were 66 interviews. this included interviews with 24 young adults, 18 with family 11 with employers, 8 with school personnel and 5 with rehabilitation counselors. In addition a family background questionnaire, job history form were completed for each participant along with a file review of special education and vocational rehabilitation records.

Field notes were kept on all contacts with participants and key informants. Onsite observations, field notes and file reviews were recorded on structured forms. Case study data for each participant was completed following standard qualitative analysis procedures. Cross case data summaries and explanatory tables were used to determine which characteristics influenced outcomes similarly or uniquely across cases.

Employment data was collected at 6-month and 12-month follow up interviews.

The cumulative measures of employment, total hours worked, and wages earned during the study period were analyzed with fixed-effect procedures. Logistic regression was used to test whether the participant worked during the study, and an analysis of variance was used to test log hours worked and log wages earned. The probability of working over time by treatment group was analyzed as a repeated binary measure using generalized estimating equations to adjust SEs. This secured an estimate of the "population-averaged" effect of working over time for the 2 treatment groups.

Interview assessments with EIDP participants elicited information about demographic characteristics, previous employment, current income, clinical indicators, and other relevant information at six month intervals for 24 months. Sites also collected data on the types of vocational and clinical services received by EIDP participants. Recruitment of study participants took place between February 1996 and May 2000. Random effects meta analysis were fist to the data over multiple sites. All analyses showed consistency between sites. Effect sizes for the job acquisition and job retention variables were calculated using Comprehensive Meta-Analysis statistical software. A;; hypothesis were two-tailed, and the standard p value of p<.05 was used for rejection of the null hypothesis.