scholarly journals Service factors and personal characteristics associated with employment and job quality for vocational rehabilitation consumers with combined traumatic brain injury and visual impairment

2020 ◽  
Vol 52 (3) ◽  
pp. 223-238
Author(s):  
Michele C. McDonnall ◽  
Jennifer L. Cmar ◽  
Zhen Sui McKnight
Keyword(s):  
Traumatic Brain Injury ◽  
Brain Injury ◽  
Vocational Rehabilitation ◽  
Visual Impairment ◽  
Personal Characteristics ◽  
Job Quality ◽  
Service Factors

Comorbid Traumatic Brain Injury and Visual Impairment: Vocational Rehabilitation Service Provision and Agency-Level Outcomes

2019 ◽  
Vol 114 (1) ◽  
pp. 6-17 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michele C. McDonnall ◽  
Jennifer L. Cmar ◽  
Emily M. Lund
Keyword(s):  
Traumatic Brain Injury ◽  
Brain Injury ◽  
Vocational Rehabilitation ◽  
Visual Impairment ◽  
Visual Impairments ◽  
Rehabilitation Service ◽  
Employment Rate ◽  
Theory Approach ◽  
Competitive Employment ◽  
Employment Rates

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to investigate how services are provided to state–federal vocational rehabilitation consumers with comorbid traumatic brain injury (TBI) and visual impairment and the prevalence of and competitive employment rates for this population. Methods: We utilized a mixed-methods approach by incorporating interview data from 51 vocational rehabilitation agency administrators (to identify strategies used to serve these consumers) and case service data (to identify prevalence and competitive employment rates at the agency level). We combined the data to examine the relationship between strategies used and the prevalence of and employment outcomes for this population. A modified grounded theory approach was used for qualitative data analysis and descriptive statistics, and analyses of variance were used for quantitative data analyses. Results: Strategies used to serve these consumers included collaboration between counselors, involvement of external organizations, specialized TBI units or caseloads, staff training in TBI, and personnel with dual expertise in TBI and visual impairment. Over a third of agency administrators reported that they did not do anything special or different to serve this population. The average percentage of consumers with visual impairments who also had TBIs being served by agencies was 2.1%. Their average competitive employment rate by agency was 43.2%. Employing staff with dual expertise in TBI and visual impairment was associated with serving a greater percentage of consumers and having a higher competitive employment rate. Discussion: No agencies had a unique service delivery program or method to serve this population, perhaps due to its low prevalence. Agencies had substantial variability in the proportion of consumers with TBI and visual impairment served and their competitive employment rates. Implications for practitioners: Training vocational rehabilitation professionals to develop expertise in both TBIs and visual impairments may help agencies better serve these consumers.

Employment Outcomes and Job Quality of Vocational Rehabilitation Consumers With Deaf-Blindness

2018 ◽  
Vol 63 (1) ◽  
pp. 13-24 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michele C. McDonnall ◽  
Jennifer Cmar
Keyword(s):  
Vocational Rehabilitation ◽  
Personal Characteristics ◽  
Employment Outcomes ◽  
Job Quality ◽  
Competitive Employment ◽  
Related Factors ◽  
Related Services ◽  
Educational Advancement ◽  
Rehabilitation Services Administration ◽  
Counseling And Guidance

The purpose of this study was to investigate employment outcomes for vocational rehabilitation (VR) consumers with deaf-blindness, a population that has received no attention in the literature. The sample was obtained from Rehabilitation Services Administration Case Service Report (RSA-911) data and included 1,382 consumers with deaf-blindness identified as their primary or secondary disability whose cases were closed during fiscal years 2013, 2014, and 2015. Independent variables consisted of consumer personal characteristics and VR service-related variables. Two measures of employment outcomes were used: obtainment of competitive employment and a composite measure of job quality. Overall, the results indicate that several VR service-related factors are associated with whether deaf-blind consumers obtain competitive employment, but consumers’ personal characteristics are much more important in determining job quality. Implications for improving employment outcomes for consumers who are deaf-blind include providing job-related services, supporting educational advancement, and providing counseling and guidance. Results also support the importance of accounting for employment status at application in RSA-911 analyses and the efficacy of service provision by separate agencies for the blind.

scholarly journals Exploring Vocational Evaluation Practices following Traumatic Brain Injury

2015 ◽  
Vol 2015 ◽  
pp. 1-11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christina Dillahunt-Aspillaga ◽  
Tammy Jorgensen Smith ◽  
Ardis Hanson ◽  
Sarah Ehlke ◽  
Mary Stergiou-Kita ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Traumatic Brain Injury ◽  
Brain Injury ◽  
Vocational Rehabilitation ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Assessment Method ◽  
Rehabilitation Counselors ◽  
Assessment Practices ◽  
Work Related ◽  
Vocational Evaluation ◽  
Certified Rehabilitation Counselors

Background. Individuals with traumatic brain injury (TBI) face many challenges when attempting to return to work (RTW). Vocational evaluation (VE) is a systematic process that involves assessment and appraisal of an individual’s current work-related characteristics and abilities.Objective. The aims of this study are to (1) examine demographic and employment characteristics of vocational rehabilitation providers (VRPs), (2) identify the specific evaluation methods that are used in the VE of individuals with TBI, and (3) examine the differences in assessment method practices based upon evaluator assessment preferences.Methods. This exploratory case study used a forty-six-item online survey which was distributed to VRPs.Results. One hundred and nine VRPs accessed the survey. Of these, 74 completed the survey. A majority of respondents were female (79.7%), Caucasian (71.6%), and holding a master’s degree (74.3%), and more than half (56.8%) were employed as state vocational rehabilitation counselors (VRCs). In addition, over two-thirds (67.6%) were certified rehabilitation counselors (CRCs). Respondents reported using several specific tools and assessments during the VE process.Conclusions. Study findings reveal differences in use of and rationales for specific assessments amongst VRPs. Understanding VRP assessment practices and use of an evidence-based framework for VE following TBI may inform and improve VE practice.

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