Other | Knowledge Translation for Employment Research Center

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:

No specific disability

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:

No specific disability

Populations:

Male & Female

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:

Male & Female

Outcomes:

Employment acquisition

NIDILRR Funded:

Research Design:

Systematic reviews and meta-analysis

Peer Reviewed:

Yes

Working with schools: What employment providers need to know for successful collaboration

Authors:

Grunert, B. K., Smucker, M. R., Weis, J. M., & Rusch, M. D.

Year Published:

2016

Publication:

Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation

Volume:

Pages:

355-359

Publisher:

IOS Press

Background:

In 2004, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) mandated that transition services focus on improving academic and functional achievement of students with disabilities. In 2008 report from the National Council on Disability (NCD) highlighted that outcomes were not being accessed in regards to the benefits being provided to youth with disabilities. Additionally, in 2014 the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, addressed the role of Vocational Rehabilitation Services, that were being provided through the states, in relation to supporting youth with disabilities and transition services.

Purpose:

This paper examines a collaborative transition model and preliminary results of a 5-year study. The study evaluated the effects of embedded employment resources in schools, the impact on agency connections, employment outcomes, and lessons learned. These results were then used as the basis for the National Association of People Supporting Employment First (APSE) Conference and associated workshop. There were three questions that guided the workshop discussions.

Setting:

One example that was provided looked at the Indiana School-to-Work Collaborative. IN*SOURCE is a parent training and information center in Indiana that provides information to families.

Sample:

Students with a disability who had difficulties meeting diploma requirements and were hoping to enter the workforce where the primary target of the Collaborative. There were 208 Experimental Sites and 66 Control Sites. Examples of Agencies involved included Vocational Rehabilitation, Employment Providers, Case Management Providers and several others.

Data Collection:

Implementation and data collection occurred over three years. Metrics measured included number of internships obtained, employment rate for students, and pay.

Intervention:

There were 7 aspects of the Collaborative that focused on integrating services for students. Some examples include having a single-point-of-contact, participating in internships through the school, and having Benefits Information Network (BIN) liaisons available for students and families.

Control:

The control sites included districts that did not have employment resources embedded into schools.

Findings:

Students were more likely to be connected to vocational services when they are embedded within schools.

Conclusions:

Schools and employment supports should be integrated to offer students with disabilities the most opportunities for success.

URL:

https://content.iospress.com/download/journal-of-vocational-rehabilitation/jvr872?id=journal-of-vocational-rehabilitation%2Fjvr872

Disabilities:

Autism Spectrum Disorder

Emotional disturbance

Intellectual disabilities

Specific learning disabilities

Populations:

Male & Female

Transition-age youth (14 - 24)

Outcomes:

Employment acquisition

Increase in hours worked

NIDILRR Funded:

Research Design:

Peer Reviewed:

Yes

Barriers to and Facilitators of Employment among Americans with Multiple Sclerosis: Results of a Qualitative Focus Group Study

Authors:

Bolton, B. F., Bellini, J. L., & Brookings, J. B.

Year Published:

2016

Publication:

Journal of Rehabilitation

Volume:

Number:

Pages:

59-69

Publisher:

National Rehabilitation Association

Background:

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a complex and chronic neurological disease. There are approximately 450, 000 people living in the United States who have been diagnosed with MS. These people can experience a wide variety of symptoms including fatigue, mobility problems, visual impairments and much more. Due to these symptoms employment retention and acquisition can be challenging.

Purpose:

This research focuses on two primary questions. One, what are the most commonly reported barriers and facilitators to employment that are identified by people with MS? Two, what are the most commonly reported employment information and resource needs reported by people with MS?

Setting:

Participants were recruited from five stakeholder groups of people with physical disabilities. These groups included the National MS Society, United Spinal Cord Injury Association, World Institute on Disability, United Cerebral Palsy, and National Centers for Independent Living.

Sample:

Participants in this study were 25 predominantly Caucasian (n=18, 72%) females (n=19, 76%) between 18 and 64 years of age.

Data Collection:

Telephone focus groups were conducted and provided transcripts for the research team to analyze using NVivo 10 using a conventional qualitative content analysis approach.

Intervention:

The research team developed a focus group protocol for this study that was delivered over the phone.

Control:

There was no control group.

Findings:

There were three main themes (and additional sub-themes) as a result of this research. Participants reported facing future uncertainty, feeling a sense of loss, and discussed issues related to navigating the workplace.

Conclusions:

Vocational Rehabilitation counselors would benefit by increased knowledge around the issues that people with MS face in the workplace, especially in the area if disclosure.

URL:

http://www.worksupport.com/documents/116767876.pdf

Populations:

Outcomes:

NIDILRR Funded:

Research Design:

Peer Reviewed:

Yes

Using telehealth interventions to prevent pressure ulcers in newly injured spinal cord injury patients post-discharge. Results from a pilot study

Authors:

Porteous, N., & Waghorn, G

Year Published:

1999

Publication:

International Journal of Technology Assessment in Healthcare

Volume:

Number:

Pages:

749-755

Publisher:

Cambridge Journals

Background:

Spinal cord injuries (SCIs) are rare but catastrophic occurrences. They produce permanent changes in sensory and motor function and physical impairments that restrict mobility, often completely. Although definitive statistics are lacking, studies estimate the incidence of spinal cord injuries to range from 30 to 50 cases per million people. Because of the profound physiological impact of SCIs, those affected are at increased risk for secondary health problems. Pressure sores or ulcers have been identified as one of the most common problems.

Purpose:

The purpose of this study was to determine which of three approaches to care produces the lowest incidence of pressure ulcers, promotes the most effective care of sores that develop, and leads to the fewest hospitalizations in newly injured patients with spinal cord injury after discharge.

Sample:

The sample included 37 individuals with newly acquired spinal cord injury.

Data Collection:

All three groups were surveyed every 2‚Äì3 months about doctor, hospital, and emergency room visits, calls to the Shepherd Center helpline, ulcer occurrences and characteristics, and employment status. Data on participant characteristics were analyzed using the Kruskal-Wallis rank sum test and k-sample chi-square tests for continuous and categorical variables. Outcome data were analyzed using Friedman‚ test to investigate response differences for multiple treatments applied to a series of subjects.

Intervention:

The intervention was Telehealth care services. This included video intervention and telephone support.

Control:

The comparison condition was standard care.

Findings:

The video group had the greatest number of reported and identified pressure ulcers. Differences in health care utilization between the video and telephone telehealth groups were small. The standard care group reported the lowest number of pressure ulcers and lowest frequency of health care utilization. Substantial differences existed in employment rates before and after injury. The video group had the lowest pre-injury rate of employment and the highest post-injury rate of employment.

Conclusions:

Tracking pressure ulcer incidence, particularly stage I sores, is difficult. Self-report is likely to lead to substantial underreporting. Similarly, self-report on health care utilization over extended periods may lead to undercounting of encounters. Telehealth interventions appear to improve ulcer tracking and management of all ulcer occurrences. Video interventions may affect outcomes, such as employment rates, which are not conventionally measured.

URL:

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10645116

Populations:

Male

Outcomes:

Other

NIDILRR Funded:

Research Design:

Quasi-experimental

Peer Reviewed:

Yes

Interview skills for adults with autism spectrum disorder: A pilot randomized controlled trial

Authors:

Mueser, K. T., Aalto, S., Becker, D. R., Ogden, J. S., Wolfe, R. S., Schiavo, D., ... & Xie, H.

Year Published:

2014

Publication:

Journal of Autism and Development Disorders

Volume:

Number:

Pages:

2290-2300

Publisher:

Springer Science + Business Media

Background:

Even among high functioning adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) employment outcomes vary widely. The social communication deficits of those with ASD can influence these outcomes. Thus, increasing job interview skills may serve to improve outcomes.

Purpose:

The purpose of this study was to examine the effectiveness of an interview skills curriculum (ISC) for young adults with ASD.

Setting:

The study was conducted in Tallahassee, Florida

Sample:

Participants were recruited from Florida State University Center for Autism and Related Disabilities (CARD). Twenty-eight adults with ASD between the ages of 18-36 took part in the study. All had a verbal IQ above 70 and possessed a high school diploma or GED. There were 27 males and one female.

Data Collection:

Mock interviews were scored using the Social Pragmatic Scale and linear regression was used to analyze variation in performance.

Intervention:

The experimental group was randomly assigned and received a 12 week ISC. Sessions were 90 minutes each and delivered in a group setting. The ISC is focused on improving social skills with an emphasis on those that are used in a job interview. Mock interviews were conducted before and after the ISC for both the experimental and control group.

Control:

Participants randomized to the control group did not participate in the ISC but were invited to participate in one at the conclusion of the study.

Findings:

The experimental group showed larger gains in social pragmatic skills on the final interview than did the control group.

Conclusions:

These findings support the effectiveness of a short term social skills program for individuals with ASD.

URL:

http://link.springer.com/article/10.1007%2Fs10803-014-2100-3#/page-1

Disabilities:

Autism Spectrum Disorder

Outcomes:

Other

NIDILRR Funded:

Research Design:

Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs)

Peer Reviewed:

Yes

The impact of bipolar disorder upon work functioning: A qualitative analysis

Authors:

Migliore, A., Timmons, J., Butterworth, J., & Lugas, J.

Year Published:

2007

Publication:

Bipolar Disorders

Volume:

Number:

Pages:

126-143

Publisher:

John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

Background:

One important but sometimes poorly-captured area of functioning concerns an individual's ability to work. Several quantitative studies have now indicated that bipolar disorder (BD) can have a severe, and often enduring, negative impact upon occupational functioning. While this data indicates that employment rates are relatively low in this patient population, it throws little light on the specific ways in which this complex psychiatric condition can affect work, or upon how these effects are subjectively interpreted by individuals with BD.

Purpose:

In order to further explain the relationship between bipolar disorder (BD) and work, the authors report here on a series of exploratory qualitative interviews undertaken to develop a disease-specific measure of quality of life in BD.

Setting:

Most of this initial sample consisted of outpatients with BD. The second stage of the study actively recruited patients with BD from the University of British Columbia hospital in and outpatient departments.

Sample:

To be eligible to participate, affected individuals had to be 18 years or older and fluent in English; no limitations were placed on the type of BD they had been diagnosed with. Demographic and diagnostic details were recorded on a standardized report form at the onset of each interview, but no confirmation of diagnosis was made. More females than males responded to our recruitment advertisements, resulting in there being more interviews with females (67%). Also, more interviews were conducted with people (64%) with a diagnosis of BD type I than BD type II or not otherwise specified/spectrum.

Data Collection:

All of the interviews were tape recorded, transcribed verbatim and coded by the first author using basic qualitative research methods which included the following steps: (i) the transcripts were initially read through (without coding) in order to gain an overview of the main issues and themes raised by participants; (ii) the transcripts were read again several times, with all pertinent references to work being highlighted and detailed memos being made concerning emerging themes;?(iii) the number of participants describing a particular theme, and the frequency with which themes were mentioned, was recorded, as were instances where opposing viewpoints were apparent; and (iv) themes for discussion were selected on the basis of how many participants mentioned them, and how frequently they were mentioned.

Intervention:

The interviews lasted approximately 1 hour(range 20‚Äì90 min). It is important to note that the primary aim of conducting the interviews was to generate the items for the QoL.BD scale. The researchers wished to give participants as much freedom as possible to describe their own experiences, and in turn, to generate the items and domains of QoL that would eventually be included in the scale. Thus, the interviews began and finished the interviews according to a standard script, but otherwise left them unstructured, and no standardized direct probes were used.

Control:

There was no control or comparison condition.

Findings:

Respondents described the different ways in which the symptoms of depression and hypomania presented in the workplace. Five main themes emerged from the data: lack of continuity in work history, loss, illness management strategies in the workplace, stigma and disclosure in the workplace, and interpersonal problems at work.

Conclusions:

The qualitative data obtained through this study highlights the often complex, varied and intermittent effects of an episodic condition such as BD upon work functioning, and points to the importance of developing more sophisticated and precise measures of occupational functioning for this population.

URL:

http://www.pubfacts.com/detail/17391356/The-impact-of-bipolar-disorder-upon-work-functioning-a-qualitative-analysis

Disabilities:

Emotional disturbance

Populations:

Outcomes:

NIDILRR Funded:

Research Design:

Peer Reviewed:

Yes

Cognitive training and supported employment for persons with severe mental illness: One-year results from a randomized controlled trial

Authors:

McGurk, S. R., Mueser, K. T., Harvey, P. D., LaPuglia, R., & Marder, J.

Year Published:

2005

Publication:

Schizophrenia Bulletin

Volume:

Number:

Pages:

898-909

Publisher:

Oxford University Press

Background:

Individuals with severe mental illness have poor unemployment rates. Past research indicates supported employment can help improve employment rates among this group. However, not all person with severe mental illness have benefited from that model. For example, poor job tenure rates have been reported. Therefore, it is important to try to improve the effectiveness of these programs. One possible way to enhance outcomes may relate to improving cognitive functioning through an intervention such as cognitive training.

Purpose:

The purpose of this study was to measure the impact of cognitive rehabilitation on employment outcomes among individuals with severe mental illness who had not been successfully employed and were receiving supported employment services.

Setting:

The study took place at two mental health centers that provided a wide range of services including supported employment.

Sample:

Participants included 44 individuals with severe mental illness who were receiving services from 2 mental health centers in New York. The majority were males (62%), from a minority like African American (59%), followed by Hispanic (24%) and had a diagnosis of Schizophrenia. The mean age of participants was 31 years and most had relatively low levels of education. Participants were assigned to either the cognitive training and supported employment program or supported employment.

Data Collection:

Comprehensive employment data were collected the first year. Cognitive and psychological assessments were administered at baseline and three months later.
Diagnostic and background information were retrieved from the participants charts, interviews, and staff reports. Employment outcomes were measured through contact with the participants and staff. Seven different tests were used to measure cognitive functions (i.e.. attention and concentration, psychomotor speed, information processing speed, verbal learning and memory, executive functioning and overall cognitive functioning) at baseline and 3 month follow up.
Psychiatric symptoms were measured with interviews using the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale. Efforts were made to get follow up employment data for the one year following randomization. Intent to treat analyses of the employment outcomes were conducted on the entire randomized sample that had some follow up data (n=44). The statistical analysis included: x2, t test and analyses of covariance. Due to skewed data Mann Whitney U tests were also used.

Intervention:

The intervention was cognitive training titled Thinking Skills for Work and supported employment services.

Control:

The control was supported employment services without cognitive training.

Findings:

The rate of retention of the cognitive training program was high. The program was successfully implemented at two sites that predominantly served inner city minorities. Participant who received cognitive training showed improvements in several areas over the first 3 months of the study as well as a better overall cognitive functioning score as compared to those who received only supported employment services. They also had higher rates of employment. Notably, this group showed improvements on the PANSS depression scale.

Conclusions:

The Thinking Skills for Work program may help individuals with severe mental illness with employment. This program was successfully implemented in a challenging inner city setting. More research is needed.

URL:

https://academic.oup.com/schizophreniabulletin/article/31/4/898/1877695

Disabilities:

Emotional disturbance

Populations:

Male & Female

Hispanic or Latino

Black / African American

Outcomes:

NIDILRR Funded:

Research Design:

Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs)

Peer Reviewed:

Yes

The Menu Approach to supported employment for individuals with severe and persistent mental illness: Outcomes in an Oregon community based program

Authors:

Salyers, M. P., Becker, D. R., Drake, R. E.,Torrey, W. C., & Wyzik, P. F.

Year Published:

2009

Publication:

Work: A Journal of Prevention, Assessment and Rehabilitation

Volume:

Number:

Pages:

45-51

Publisher:

IOS Press

Background:

The employment rate for individuals with severe mental illness is poor. This is despite the fact that they have expressed an interest in work. The supported employment model developed to serve people with developmental disabilities has been adapted to serve this group. One approach is the Individual Placement and Support model of supported employment. Another one is the Menu Approach. The Individual Placement and Support approach has been thoroughly investigated and has been deemed effective. The Menu Approach has not.

Purpose:

The goal of this study was to evaluate outcomes of a Menu approach to assist individuals with Mental Illness with gaining and maintaining employment.

Setting:

The setting was a variety of employment sites located in the Pacific Northwest where individuals with mental illness worked.

Sample:

The sample was taken from individuals with severe mental illness who were served by the program from 2000 to 2006. This resulted in a total of 140 people that met the study criteria.

Data Collection:

Abacus program records were reviewed to identify individuals served during the established time frame. Then rates of successful employment and trends were identified. To ensure confidentiality each participant was randomly assigned a number during data analysis. General demographics was collect from records. Records were reviewed by the primary investigator and a graduate student. Other data collected from the file review related to employment outcomes and whether or not ongoing support was accessed. Reliability was checked using cross referencing and strengthened by having the student randomly code one fourth of the data which was compared to the primary investigators coding. Coded data was entered into the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences 15.0. The package calculated statistics that were used to develop and describe program employment outcomes.

Intervention:

The intervention was a menu-based Supported employment approach provided by the Abacus Program, that works cooperatively with the State's Office of Vocational Rehabilitation Services.

Control:

There was no control condition. There was a pre/post comparison only.

Findings:

Among the 140 participants there were 83 reports of successful employment. The majority of those who went to work or 82% received ongoing support services. The mean number of weeks to obtain employment was 13.9. Job search services varied from behind the scenes help to job development. Most positions were entry level. The average number of months employed was nine. The most frequently reported reason for not going to work was client choice (40.4%); followed by physical medical issues (17.5%).

Conclusions:

The Menu Approach lead to positive employment outcomes. Additional research is needed to determine if these outcomes were exclusive to the Abacus program or can be replicated.

URL:

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19923675

Disabilities:

Emotional disturbance

Populations:

Male & Female

Outcomes:

Other

NIDILRR Funded:

Research Design:

Observational

Peer Reviewed:

Yes

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