Male &amp; Female

Populations:

Outcomes:

NIDILRR Funded:

Yes

Research Design:

Observational

Quasi-experimental

Peer Reviewed:

Yes

Social capital, employment and labor force participation among persons with disabilities

Authors:

Burke, R. V., Allen, K. D., Howard, M. R., Downey, D., Matz, M. G., & Bowen, S. L.

Year Published:

2015

Publication:

Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation

Volume:

Pages:

17-31

Publisher:

IOS Press

Background:

The author begins by giving examples of human capital, social capital, and economic capital. Previously, disability policy research has focused very little on social capital and its relationship to labor force participation. Measuring social capital can include measurements on social reciprocity, levels of trust, and participation in community events. In the United States, people with disabilities have typically been shown to have lower social capital than their non-disabled counterparts.

Purpose:

The author provides three hypothesis. First, that people with disabilities have lower levels of social capital than those without a disability. Second, people with disabilities in the labor force have higher levels of social capital than those not in the labor force with similar characteristics. Third, people with disabilities in the labor force who are employed will have higher levels of social capital than those individuals with a disability who are unemployed.

Setting:

The Current Population Survey (CPS) collects employment statistics in the United States on a monthly basis for adults aged 18 and older.

Sample:

Data from the 2010 CPS supplement on demographic data and labor force participation, restricted to those ages 25-61, resulted in an unweighted N of 67,009 (weighted N of 151,902,123). Gender of participants was relatively even with 49.31% male and 50.69% female. The sample was predominately White (80.00%) non-Hispanic (84.68%). Only 7.95% of participants reported a disability. The majority (73.85%) of participants were employed.

Data Collection:

Data was collected on a monthly basis from the 2010 supplement of the CPS survey.

Intervention:

There was no intervention.

Control:

There was no control group.

Findings:

The first two hypothesis were confirmed. Specifically, individuals with a disability had lower social capital than those without a disability. Additionally, people with disabilities who are part of the labor force were considered to have higher social capital than those who were not in the labor force. The third hypothesis, that people with disabilities who were in the labor force and employed would have greater levels of social capital than those who were not, was not supported by the data.

Conclusions:

These data show that there is a divide between individuals with a disability and those without in regards to social capital. There was less of a distinction between employed people with disabilities and those who were not participating in the labor force in levels of social capital. To address these discrepancies, policymakers, advocates, and service providers should support innovative approaches to increasing social capital among those with a disability.

URL:

https://content.iospress.com/articles/journal-of-vocational-rehabilitation/jvr751

Disabilities:

Populations:

Outcomes:

NIDILRR Funded:

Research Design:

Peer Reviewed:

Yes

Variations in social capital among vocational rehabilitation applicants

Authors:

da Silva, C. E., Romero, M. G., Chan, F., Dutta, A., & Rahimi, M.

Year Published:

2017

Publication:

Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation

Volume:

Pages:

187-194

Publisher:

IOS Press

Background:

The authors examine the intricacies of individual and community level social capital. Specifically, the relationship between social capital and state vocational rehabilitation (VR) agencies interaction with individuals with disabilities. Previous research reveals that people with disabilities will typically have lower levels of social capital than their non-disabled counterparts. However, this relationship has not been shown to be causational.

Purpose:

The goal of this work is to examine how social capital varies by employment status for VR applicants. It is also hypothesized that levels of social capital would vary by employment status for VR applicants when controlling for disability and individual characteristics.

Setting:

In 2014 and 2015 Mathematica Policy Research collected survey data from applicants to the New Jersey Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services, the Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services, and Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities.

Sample:

2,804 surveys were completed. After cleaning data with missing social capital information, 2639 cases remained. The sample was relatively split between male (49.9%) and female (50.1%) participants. Half (50.5%) identified as non-Hispanic white, with 37.5% identifying as non-Hispanic black, with age ranging from 25-34 (22.6%) to as high as 55-65 (18.7%) years old. Less than 57% of applicants reported having access to someone who could help with financial concerns.

Data Collection:

Data collection was done across three state VR agencies. Social capital was measured by looking at four questions including if applicants had anyone that they could rely on for help: 1. finding a job 2. borrowing money to pay an urgent bill, 3. with transportation to get to work urgently, and 4. help with a serious personal crisis.

Intervention:

No intervention was presented.

Control:

There was no control or comparison condition.

Findings:

Both hypothesis were confirmed. Additionally, disability type, employment status, and perceived health had an effect on social capital. Overall, younger, healthier, employed, and less severely disabled individuals were shown to have higher rates of social capital than their counterparts. This remained true across all four social capital questions.

Conclusions:

This work confirms that there is a strong link between employment status and social capital. As social capital has shown to be lower for individuals with severe disabilities, it would be beneficial for state VR agencies to pay close attention to supporting this community. Similarly, those individuals with a disability onset age of 25 or older could benefit greatly from additional support.

URL:

https://content.iospress.com/articles/journal-of-vocational-rehabilitation/jvr854

Disabilities:

Populations:

Black / African American

Outcomes:

NIDILRR Funded:

Research Design:

Peer Reviewed:

Yes

Psychological Interventions to Facilitate Employment Outcomes for Cancer Survivors: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Authors:

Frank, E., Soreca, I., Swartz, H., Fagiolini, A., Mallinger, A., Thase, M., Grochocinski, V., Houck, P., & Kupfer, D.

Year Published:

2015

Publication:

Research on Social Work Practice

Volume:

Number:

Pages:

84-98

Publisher:

SAGE

Background:

The number of cancer survivors continues to increase in the United States and around the world. Cancer survivors typically have a higher rate of unemployment as compared to their healthy counterparts. Additionally, survivors were 4 times more likely to be employed when they received employment related supports. While other reviews of this subject have been conducted, this review includes more recent research, focuses more squarely on psychosocial interventions more broadly, and expands the definition of employment outcomes to include additional interventions.

Purpose:

This systematic review focuses on examining interventions that facilitate cancer survivors' employment outcomes, including (a) employment status, (b) return to work, (c) absenteeism, and (d) time spent on work disability or sick leave. This review expands the scope of previous reviews to include additional employment outcome measures, across additional databases.

Setting:

Interventions included in this review typically took place in medical settings.

Sample:

Twelve studies met the criteria for inclusion in this review and included over 2000 participants who had been diagnosed with cancer. Participants were typically over the age of 50. Only four studies reported ethnicity of participants.

Data Collection:

Data collection in all included studies was done through a hospital or clinic. Recruitment was typically through referrals or after a medical procedure.

Intervention:

The interventions, for included studies described in this review, included behavioral, psychological, educational, or vocational content that facilitated cancer survivors' employment outcomes.

Control:

There was no control group.

Findings:

There were 20,249 records found after the initial search. After screening, 70 records remained to be evaluated in full-text. Of those 70, 58 records were excluded with reasons. This left 12 studies to be evaluated in the quantitative synthesis. Of the 10 studies that included measures of employment status, those that were randomized controlled trials (RCTs) showed no significant difference when examined alone. When combined with Quasi Experimental Designs (QEDs) the weighted mean effect size for employment status was OR= 2.18, p=.002. Two studies measured number of hours worked, and showed no significant results, OR = 0.89, p =.67. Four RCTs measured sick leave and results were nonsignificant OR = 1.18, p =.39.

Conclusions:

The multicomponent nature of the interventions in this review make it difficult to pinpoint exactly "what works". Further exploration of employment outcomes in relevant research would allow for a more in-depth analysis of intervention effects. Additional RCTs would also strengthen the field.

URL:

http://journals.sagepub.com/doi/pdf/10.1177/1049731515604741

Populations:

Outcomes:

Systematic reviews and meta-analysis

NIDILRR Funded:

Research Design:

Peer Reviewed:

Yes

Translating Research into a Seamless Transition Model

Authors:

Luecking, R. G. & Fabian, E. S.

Year Published:

2015

Publication:

Career Development and Transition for Exceptional Individuals

Volume:

Number:

Pages:

4-13

Publisher:

Sage

Background:

This Research focuses on the implementation of a model for delivering seamless transition services based on the National Collaborative on Workforce and Disability/Youth(NCWD/Y) Guideposts. This research shares how this model has been applied in 11 of the 24 school districts in Maryland for special education populations.

Purpose:

The purpose of this research is to provide preliminary data on the model‚ early impact on students transitioning to careers.

Setting:

School districts in Maryland.

Sample:

This study looked at eleven county-wide school districts in Maryland.

Data Collection:

This study is a descriptive analysis.

Control:

This study had no control.

Findings:

This study provides early indication that the model has potential to be applied across disability categories as well as demographically diverse school systems. It also it has the potential to serve as a practice framework that alleviates barriers known to impede federal transition policy.

Conclusions:

The model presented in this research potentially offers a defined pathway to employment, postsecondary education, and careers for youth with disabilities who are transitioning from public secondary education.

URL:

https://www.michigan.gov/documents/mdhhs/Lueckings_Seamless_Model_511755_7.pdf

Disabilities:

Populations:

Outcomes:

NIDILRR Funded:

Research Design:

Peer Reviewed:

Yes

Exploring Differences in the Content of Job Interviews between Youth with and without a Physical Disability

Authors:

Lucca, A. M., Henry, A. D., Banks, S., Simon, L., & Page, S.

Year Published:

2015

Publication:

PLOS ONE

Volume:

Number:

Publisher:

PLOS ONE

Background:

This study looked at the similarities and differences among youth with disabilities on a mock job interview compared to their typically developing peers. Understanding the content of job interviews may highlight areas where individuals with disabilities perform differently than those with typical development and how these areas may present barriers to employment.

Purpose:

The purpose of this research is to inform employment readiness programs and educate employers about the potential challenges associated with this recruitment method for those with disabilities.

Setting:

This study is part of a larger, multi-method, cross-sectional observational study on employment readiness among youth with disabilities.

Sample:

Employers and employment counselors (n = 19), and youth (n = 31) were interviewed for this study.

Data Collection:

This study recruited youth through the use of advertisements at a pediatric rehabilitation hospital and community centers. Information packages were also sent to youth who were thought to meet the inclusion criteria.

Control:

There was no control for this study.

Findings:

The study found several similarities and differences between youth with disabilities and typically developing youth. For youth with disabilities, differences in job interview answers included: (1) disclosing their condition; (2) giving fewer examples related to customer service and teamwork skills; (3) experiencing greater challenges in providing feedback to team members and responding to scenario-based problem solving questions; and (4) drawing on examples from past work, volunteer and extracurricular activities.

Conclusions:

Clinicians and educators should help youth recognize their marketable skills and how to highlight those skills in an interview. Employers should recognize that the experiences of youth with disabilities may be different than typically developing youth.

URL:

http://journals.plos.org/plosone/article/file?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0122084&type=printable

Disabilities:

Populations:

Outcomes:

NIDILRR Funded:

Research Design:

Peer Reviewed:

Yes

Vocational Rehabilitation Service Patterns and Employment Outcomes for Hispanics with Spinal Cord Injuries

Authors:

Arango-Lasprilla, J. C., da Silva Cardoso, Wilson, L. M., Romero, M. G., Chan, F., & Sung, C.

Year Published:

2011

Publication:

Rehabilitation Research Policy and Education

Volume:

Number:

Pages:

149-162

Publisher:

Elliott and Fitzpatrick Inc.

Background:

Employment impacts the quality of life for individuals with spinal cord injury. Most studies that look at vocational service patterns for individuals with spinal cord injury focus on European Americans. Ethnic minority groups within the United State are growing. These changes also impact referrals to Model Spinal Cord Injury Systems. This presents new challenges to rehabilitation professionals.

Purpose:

The purpose of this study was to identify demographic and service related patterns for Hispanics with spinal cord injury receiving services from state vocational rehabilitation agencies and examine similarities and differences in vocational rehabilitation services and employment outcomes between a group of European Americans and Hispanics with spinal cord injuries.

Setting:

This study included individuals with SCI served by multiple vocational rehabilitation agencies in various settings.

Sample:

Data for this study came from the Rehabilitation Services Administration Case Service report %

Control:

There was no control or comparison condition.

Findings:

Minor differences in case dollar expenditures and service patterns were noted between the two groups. Vocational rehabilitation services that impacted successful work outcomes included: assistive technology services, basic support services and job placement services.

Conclusions:

Hispanic status of vocational rehabilitation clients does not affect employment outcomes. Hispanics appear to have more risk factors than European American clients. Vocational rehabilitation counselors were able to support the needs of Hispanic clients.

URL:

http://eric.ed.gov/?id=EJ987046

Disabilities:

Orthopedic impairments

Populations:

Hispanic or Latino

Outcomes:

Return to work

NIDILRR Funded:

Yes

Research Design:

Observational

Peer Reviewed:

Yes

Current Opinion in Psychiatry

Authors:

Bond, G. R. & Kukla, M.

Year Published:

2008

Publication:

Current Opinion in Psychiatry

Volume:

Number:

Pages:

362-369

Publisher:

Wolters Kluwer Health/Lippincott Williams and Wilkins

Background:

Researches continue to examples predictors of employment among three types of variables: patient characteristics, environmental characteristics, and interventions. Provision of supported employment is the strongest predictor of competitive employment among patients with schizophrenia. Patent characteristics show modest association with employment outcomes; environmental factors are presumed to have major influences, but have been little studied.

Purpose:

Researchers continue to study factors that are relatively easy to study rather than those that are powerful and meaningful from a public health perspective. Truly critical factors are first, disability, insurance, and employment regulations that discourage most people from trying to work, and second, failure to align finances and organization of services with evidenced based practices." Article reviews current literature on the various factors being researched that impact employment outcomes for patients with schizophrenia.

Setting:

This study is a systematic review. The included studies were undertaken in various locations and settings.

Sample:

The study sample was recently published studies examining predictors of competitive employment for patients with schizophrenia.

Data Collection:

Literature search included a combination of strategies,, including PubMed search with keywords, examination of table of contents from major journals in related fields, and consultation with leading researchers.

Control:

There were no comparison or control conditions.

Findings:

Implementing supported employment services with high fidelity to the IPS model clearly improves competitive employment outcomes.

Conclusions:

According to the published literature, the single best predictor of competitive employment for patients with schizophrenia is supported employment. Despite numerous studies seeking to identify patients characteristics predicting employment, the reported findings have been generally unimpressive. Many factors influencing employment outcomes continue to be understudied, including societal and cultural factors, access to supported employment, regulatory factors, and criminal justice involvement.

URL:

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18520741

Disabilities:

Emotional disturbance

Populations:

Outcomes:

Systematic reviews and meta-analysis

NIDILRR Funded:

Research Design:

Peer Reviewed:

Yes

The Diversity Partners Project: Multi-systemic knowledge translation and business engagement strategies to improve employment of people with disabilities

Authors:

Catalano,D., Pereira, A., P., Wu, M., Y., Ho, H., & Chan, F.

Year Published:

2016

Publication:

Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation

Volume:

Number:

Pages:

273-285

Publisher:

IOS Press

Background:

The Diversity Partners Project was created to develop, test, and launch a new learning intervention to improve employment outcomes for people with disabilities. Key arbiters were identified as employment service professionals (ESPs) who are skilled in using labor market data, building relationships with employers, community based disability service professionals, and staffing firm staff who specialize in locating human resources. This project was developed in response to policy changes like Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act, Title I and Title IV of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunities Act.

Purpose:

The purpose of this project was to test a learning intervention that would improve the relationships between ESPs and employers, and illustrate a systematic knowledge translation approach to the project. These research questions were used as a framework for development efforts:

1. How does an external agency create ongoing engagement in local ESP organizations? 2. What competencies will lead to ESPs being successful? 3. What situations do ESPs face when building relationships?

Setting:

An online "Toolbox" was created through a knowledge translation process and included beta testing and feedback.

Sample:

Target audiences included national ESPs and employers.

Data Collection:

Online surveys and interviews were conducted.

Intervention:

The intervention consisted of online modules on a website that contained information pertinent to organizational leadership and frontline personnel. Content modules included learning objectives, a diagnostic test, plain language learning content, case scenarios and more.

Control:

There was no control condition.

Findings:

Specific evaluation activities have yet to be developed.

Conclusions:

Knowledge translation is difficult to achieve in varied contexts with segmented audiences and siloed systems. It is still too early to determine any concrete conclusions about the effectiveness of the Diversity Partners project.

URL:

https://content.iospress.com/download/journal-of-vocational-rehabilitation/jvr862?id=journal-of-vocational-rehabilitation%2Fjvr862

Disabilities:

Populations:

Transition-age youth (14 - 24)

Outcomes:

NIDILRR Funded:

Yes

Research Design:

Observational

Peer Reviewed:

Yes

Barriers to Employment for Transition-age Youth

Authors:

Nuechterlein, K. H., Subotnik, K. L., Turner, L. R.,Ventura, J., Becker, D. R., & Drake, R. E.

Year Published:

2016

Publication:

Administration and Policy in Mental Health

Volume:

Number:

Pages:

354-358

Publisher:

Springer

Background:

Youth with developmental and psychiatric disabilities face substantial vocational challenges, even after receiving employment services. This study examined employment barriers for 280 transition-age youth with disabilities enrolled in supported employment in eight community rehabilitation centers.

Purpose:

Youth with disabilities encounter many barriers to employment. Awareness of these barriers may help employment programs anticipate challenges and develop strategies.

Setting:

Eight Programs in the evaluation of the Illinois Balancing Incentive Program supported employment project.

Sample:

The sample of the current study consisted of 280 youth with developmental and psychiatric disabilities from 8 of the 10 programs in the evaluation of the Illinois Incentive Program.

Data Collection:

Responses from eight Individual Placement Support programs (four serving youth with developmental disabilities and four serving youth with psychiatric disabilities) were aggregated.

Control:

There was no control for this study.

Findings:

Common barriers for youth with developmental disabilities were lack of work experience, transportation problems, cognitive problems, disengagement from the IPS program, and lack of social skills. Common barriers for youth with psychiatric disabilities were transportation problems, failure to engage in the IPS program, poor control of psychiatric symptoms, and lack or work experience.

Conclusions:

Though both groups benefited from Individual Placement Support programs, addressing common barriers is imperative. Transportation problems, lack of work experience, engagement issues, and lack of family support were barriers present in both groups.

URL:

https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10488-016-0773-y

Disabilities:

Populations:

Outcomes:

NIDILRR Funded:

Research Design: