Background: Social communication disorder (SCD) issues within inclusive primary school classrooms present significant challenges for teachers, affecting the overall teaching and learning atmosphere. Recognition of learner diversity is the cornerstone of inclusive education, whereby all learners are expected to participate equally, actively and meaningfully.
Objectives: This study aimed to explore effective mediation strategies for addressing SCD in inclusive primary classrooms and how this learning disability impacts teacher professional development.
Method: This study adopted a qualitative research methodology, utilising a case study design focused on four inclusive primary schools. Data were collected through in-depth, semi-structured interviews to determine individual participants’ opinions and perceptions. Thematic qualitative data analysis was used to analyse the data inductively. Twelve teachers from four inclusive primary schools were purposively selected to participate in the study.
Results: The study identified several contributing factors to SCD, which can arise from various underlying causes, often related to neurological, developmental, genetic or environmental factors. Nevertheless, teachers firmly supported including learners with SCDs in inclusive classroom settings to ensure their full and equal participation alongside their peers.
Conclusion: This study argues that negative teacher perceptions in schools might negatively affect the teaching and learning environment, causing long-term consequences for learners who display SCDs and their capacity to meet academic objectives.
Contribution: The study may shed light on strategies to effectively curb SCDs posed by learners in inclusive primary classrooms. School Management Teams (SMTs), teachers, parents, and other relevant key players will benefit from the study’s outcomes to improve their knowledge and skills to support learners with SCDs. This study recommends integrating inclusive policy and legislation into the implementation of mediation strategies for addressing SCD in primary classrooms.
Vocational rehabilitation. Employment of people with disabilities, Communities. Classes. Races
S. Murali, Praveen Arahanthabailu, Rajeshkrishna P Bhandary
et al.
Severe and persistent mental illnesses often lead to long-term psychosocial disability, affecting work participation, recreation, relationships, and community integration. Vocational rehabilitation is recognized as a key pathway to recovery. This study explored the perspectives of mental health service providers and service receivers on facilitators of and barriers to vocational rehabilitation for people with mental illness in coastal Karnataka, India, through thematic analysis. A descriptive qualitative design was employed, and data were collected through in-depth interviews with people with mental illness, their caregivers, and employers. A focus group discussion with rehabilitation professionals was also conducted. The transcribed verbatims were thematically analyzed by trained qualitative researchers. Twenty-one participants provided insights into vocational rehabilitation experiences. Various themes emerged as facilitators and barriers. The findings highlight the role of supportive networks; clinical stability, such as compliance with medication, workplace accommodations, individual motivation, and acquired skills enabling vocational rehabilitation; and clinical vulnerabilities, such as cognitive deficits, stigma, systemic gaps, and high expectations, which remain significant barriers. Strengthening community-based and culturally tailored vocational rehabilitation models, enhancing employer sensitization, and expanding government support systems are critical to improving employment outcomes for people with mental illness in India.
Introduction The German vocational rehabilitation and participation system is highly complex due to fragmented legal responsibilities and institutional structures. To address this and improve labor market inclusion for people with severe disabilities, Single Contact Points for Employers [Einheitliche Ansprechstellen für Arbeitgeber (EAA)] were established in 2022. The EAA are legally mandated, provider-independent entities that support employers in hiring and retaining employees with disabilities. The article analyzes the network structure of the EAA within the vocational rehabilitation and participation system, how the structure is evaluated, and which partners are most relevant to the EAA. Methods A network analysis was conducted through egocentric network maps (N = 20) with EAA consultants, online surveys of EAA consultants (N = 18), and their key network partners (N = 123). Additionally, N = 7 guided expert interviews (5 with employers, 2 with EAA supervisors) and three focus groups of 3–6 people each (1 with EAA consultants, 1 with EAA supervisors, and 1 with network partners) were analyzed using qualitative content analysis to assess the structure and quality of cooperation. Results The EAA work closely with policy actors from the vocational rehabilitation and participation system who provide advice and services for participation in work, such as Integration Services, Employment Agencies, and Specialist Agencies. These collaborations are characterized by mutual information exchange and generally positive cooperation. Actors from the economy, civil society, and academic sector are underrepresented in the EAA's overall network. Employers’ associations were rarely named as key partners, and civil society organizations were absent. Discussion The EAA's strong integration into policy networks underscores their institutional relevance. However, their limited ties to economic and civil entities suggest a constrained capacity for innovation. This pattern reflects both the strengths of their legal mandate and the challenges of acting independently within a highly structured system. Expanding their relational scope could foster more holistic solutions for inclusive employment.
Linda S. Ehrlich-Jones, Deborah S Crown, Stephanie E. Tomazin
et al.
Abstract Purpose Describe the use and benefits of peer mentoring to inform development of a curriculum to train peer mentors on employment issues experienced by people with physical disabilities. Materials and Methods We conducted a systematic review by searching MEDLINE, the Cochrane Library, Embase, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Web of Science, and ProQuest dissertations and theses global. The PICO criteria were the population of adults with physical disabilities; interventions of employment-focused peer mentoring; comparison of usual care or no peer mentoring; and outcomes of employment, employment retention, and return to work. We assessed methodological quality using standardized checklists. Results We identified 3569 articles; eight met inclusion criteria. Three articles were randomized controlled trials. Five articles used quantitative design with standardized questionnaires, two studies were qualitative, and one article used mixed methods design. Three studies showed increased participation in school or work after peer mentoring. Four studies identified social and emotional benefits from peer mentoring. Conclusions There are considerable research opportunities in peer mentoring focused on employment for adults with physical disabilities. Best practices include a defined program utilizing a variety of delivery methods. Future research should focus on collecting data to develop a peer mentoring curriculum on employment for persons with physical disabilities. IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATION Peer mentors can share their lived experiences in managing physical, social, and psychological barriers in gaining and maintaining employment. Peer mentoring programs are most successful when rehabilitation professionals and peer mentors collaborate to provide structured program activities and interventions that are meaningful and engaging for participants. Rehabilitation professionals should consider peer mentoring as an important component to include in vocational rehabilitation plans, when providing services, and identifying resources to support employment goals for people with physical disabilities.
Anthony LoBianco, Chithra Adams, Calisa Fitzpatrick
Background Earlier research has focused on the immediate impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on persons with spinal cord injury (SCI). Objective The present study revisits lessons learned from the previous study and assesses the longer-term effects of the pandemic. Methods We used a community conversation method to inform our analysis. The themes examined include adapting to a “new normal” way of interacting with the world, employment, social isolation, and physical and mental health. Results We found that a person's ability to adapt to changing circumstances is a major predictor of how one will respond to the aftermath of a pandemic, and that this adaptability is heightened for persons with SCI. Conclusion Service providers, healthcare professionals, employers, and persons with SCI should be attuned to the impact of an individual's adaptation skills when dealing with long term societal social upheavals. This is particularly relevant for the SCI community, and continued inclusive research is necessary to understand these effects.
Khalid A Alshamrani, James E Graham, Marla C Roll
et al.
Background Virtual supported employment is an emerging service to support clients with disabilities search for, obtain, and maintain competitive integrated employment. This form of support remains relatively unexplored in the literature. Objective The purpose of the study was to explore perspectives and experiences of key supported employment stakeholders on transitioning to virtual supports and using technologies to support young adults with neurodevelopmental disabilities during and following the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods Semi-structured focus group interviews involved four supported employment stakeholder groups: policymakers and funders, community rehabilitation providers, employers, and young adults with neurodevelopmental disabilities. Sessions were videotaped and analyzed using thematic analysis. Results Supported employment stakeholders conveyed positive overall experiences in virtual supported employment during and following the pandemic, describing multiple encouraging opportunities for improving service accessibility, inclusivity, and efficiency. Nevertheless, obstacles with access to technology, the internet, and inadequate training may continue to limit such opportunities, highlighting areas for improvement. Conclusion Virtual supported employment offers a promising solution to address service accessibility barriers. The pandemic prompted new approaches to better support clients. This shift has revealed the need for ongoing training to explore technologies for supporting job seekers, as the use of virtual support continues to be provided beyond the pandemic.
Claudel R. Mwaka, Krista L. Best, Toufo A. A. Tcheutchoua
et al.
The <i>Réseau de transport de la Capitale</i> (RTC), Quebec City’s public transportation provider, has launched a training program to enhance skills and self-efficacy for using the bus, including training for people with disabilities: “<i>Service d’accompagnement en mobilité intégrée</i> (SAMI)”. This pre-post study with a convergent mixed approach aimed to evaluate the influence of the SAMI program (P-SAMI) on transportation self-efficacy, mobility and satisfaction with the bus use among people with disabilities. The study also explored people with disabilities’ experiences and perceptions with the P-SAMI and bus use. The P-SAMI was delivered, and questionnaires and semi-structured interviews were completed before and after P-SAMI. Paired <i>t</i>-tests, Wilcoxon tests, and deductive thematic analyses were performed. Thirty-three participants (53.7 ± 14.9 years-of-age) showed statistically significant gains in transportation self-efficacy (<i>p</i> < 0.01) and satisfaction with bus use (<i>p</i> < 0.01), with no statistically significant differences in mobility (<i>p</i> > 0.05). Qualitative findings confirmed enhanced transportation self-efficacy and satisfaction with bus use, with participants reporting using buses to carry out some daily activities. The P-SAMI shows promise for improving transportation self-efficacy and satisfaction with using the bus, with the potential to enhance participation in daily activities. Controlled trials should be conducted in the future to test the effectiveness of transportation training for people with disabilities.
Vocational rehabilitation. Employment of people with disabilities
Background: Special education teachers, especially those working with learners with autism spectrum disorders (ASD), often face significant stress and burnout, affecting their well-being. This study explores teacher well-being in special education, motivated by personal experiences as a novice teacher in a special educational needs school.
Objectives: The study aimed to provide special education teachers with an opportunity to collaboratively examine and address well-being challenges and opportunities within a professional learning community, focusing on belonging, competence, and autonomy in Learners with Special Educational Needs (LSEN) settings. Utilising a phenomenological research design, the study involved eight teachers working with learners with ASD.
Method: Data collection methods included observations, semi-structured interviews, and focus group discussions to comprehensively explore their lived experiences. The findings highlighted the profound impact of challenging experiences on teacher well-being and the lack of sufficient support structures. Participants emphasised the critical role of social support in enhancing teacher well-being.
Results: Participants defined well-being as emotional, physical, and holistic, including social and family aspects. While working with learners with ASD was meaningful, it also caused significant stress due to their complex needs. Daily challenges shaped teachers’ professional identity and competence. Connections with colleagues were valued, but a lack of institutional support and a restrictive school culture hindered well-being. When given autonomy, participants creatively co-developed well-being interventions, though support from management was essential for implementation.
Conclusion: This research highlights the essential role of fostering a sense of belonging and connection within professional learning communities for special education teachers. It calls for increased accountability in developing well-being support structures and comprehensive training programmes tailored to the needs of novice educators in special education. By nurturing connections, fostering competence, and ensuring autonomy, the well-being of special education teachers, particularly those working with learners on the autism spectrum, can be significantly improved.
Contribution: This study contributes to enhancing well-being support structures and training programmes for special education professionals.
Vocational rehabilitation. Employment of people with disabilities, Communities. Classes. Races
The purpose of this study is to analyze the factors contributing to early aging, characterized by the decline in physical and mental functions, in individuals with developmental disabilities. Using raw data from the “Survey on the Work and Life of People with Developmental Disabilities,” random forest and logistic regression analyses were employed to identify factors influencing early aging. The findings are categorized into five key factors as follows: First, sociodemographic factors, including ‘participant age’ and ‘monthly household income,’ were found to be significant. Second, physical and biological factors, such as ‘job capability’ and ‘activities of daily living (ADL),’ emerged as key variables. Third, cognitive and adaptive behavior factors identified ‘understanding the meaning of work and income’ as a significant predictor. Fourth, psychological and emotional factors included ‘current or future employment intention.’. Lastly, environmental and service accessibility factors highlighted ‘primary caregiver (mother)’ and ‘recent experiences in cultural activities such as cinemas, concerts, museums, or theme parks’ as important variables. Notably, variables related to employment, such as ‘monthly household income,’ ‘job capability,’ ‘understanding the meaning of work and income,’ and ‘current or future employment intention,’ were shown to have significant statistical associations with early aging. These findings underscore the critical importance of vocational rehabilitation in promoting healthy aging for individuals with developmental disabilities. Therefore, systematic vocational rehabilitation programs and supportive policies to sustain and expand employment opportunities for this population are essential.
IMPORTANCE Understanding the diverse vocational functioning profiles of individuals with disabilities is crucial for effective, person-centered practice in vocational rehabilitation. OBJECTIVE To identify latent profiles of vocational functioning on the basis of Work Rehabilitation Questionnaire (WORQ) scores of individuals with disabilities in Turkey and to investigate demographic predictors of profile membership. DESIGN Cross-sectional study using online survey methods. SETTING Online data collection. PARTICIPANTS A total of 522 adults (67.8% male), ages 18-64 yr, literate, and possessing a health report confirming a disability rating of more than 40% were recruited. OUTCOMES AND MEASURES Latent profile analysis was used to identify distinct vocational functioning profiles. Multinomial logistic regression examined predictors of profile membership. Latent profiles were derived from participant scores on the WORQ subdomains: Emotion, Cognition, Dexterity, and Mobility. Predictors included gender, education, and work experience. RESULTS Three distinct latent profiles were identified: Class 1 (n = 199), with the lowest scores across all subdomains; Class 2 (n = 83), with higher Emotion and Cognition scores but lower Dexterity and Mobility scores; and Class 3 (n = 240), with higher Dexterity and Mobility scores but lower Emotion and Cognition scores. Prior work experience significantly predicted membership likelihood between profiles (p = .031). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE Individuals with disabilities exhibit distinct vocational functioning profiles, highlighting significant heterogeneity beyond diagnostic labels. These findings underscore the need for individualized assessment and intervention in vocational rehabilitation, tailoring approaches to profile characteristics. The profiles can guide goal setting and intervention planning, although further research is needed to explore links with specific diagnoses and employment outcomes. Plain-Language Summary: Understanding the different work-related strengths and challenges people with disabilities face is important to help them succeed in employment. This study identified three common patterns, or profiles, of individuals with disabilities on the basis of their self-reported emotional, thinking, physical movement, and fine motor skills related to work. One group had lower scores overall, another had stronger emotional and thinking skills but weaker physical skills, and the third had stronger physical skills but weaker emotional and thinking skills. Knowing these profiles can help occupational therapists tailor vocational rehabilitation programs to better meet each person's specific needs, focusing on the areas in which they need the most support to find and keep meaningful work.
Muhammad Sufiyan Minhas, Sana Khan, Mahrukh Majid
et al.
Background: Idiopathic carpal tunnel syndrome is a carpal tunnel median nerve neuropathy. CTS is the most typical type of peripheral neuropathy
Objective: To determine the effects of carpal bones mobilization and tendon gliding exercise on patients with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.
Methodology: This was a quasi-experimental study. Data was collected from Faisal Hospital and Civil Hospital Faisalabad from April 2022 to August 2022. The total sample size was 32 and calculated from the open epi tool. Patients were recruited in this study by considering the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Patients were divided into two groups. The patients in group A were treated by carpal bone mobilization, and those in group B were treated by tendon gliding exercise. Throughout the course of four weeks, the intervention was carried out three times per week. The outcome measure tools of this study were the Numeric Pain Rating Scale and the Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire. The data was analyzed using SPSS version 23.
Results: There was a significant difference in reduction of pain intensity, symptom severity and improvement in functional ability between two groups i.e. Carpal Bone Mobilization and Tendon Gliding at end of four weeks (P<0.002) (P<0.000) (P<0.001). There was more reduction in pain (P<0.002), and symptom severity (P<0.000) and improvement in functional ability (P<0.001) in Tendon Gliding group at end of 4 weeks
Conclusion: Tendon gliding exercises were most effective in reducing pain, range of motion, and neck function as compared to nerve mobilization in patients with carpal tunnel syndrome.
Vocational rehabilitation. Employment of people with disabilities, Therapeutics. Psychotherapy
Sasavona R. Mashamba, Saajida Mahomed, Jacqueline M. van Wyk
Background: Despite the widespread prevalence of spina bifida and its impact on individual learners, there is limited information on how infection control is managed in the school environment.
Objective: This scoping review was conducted to map the evidence on infection control programmes at schools for learners with spina bifida (LSB) globally.
Methods: This review followed the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology for the scoping review. A database search was conducted on an internet browser search on MEDLINE, PUBMED, EBSCOhost, Google Scholar, ERIC and Google search engines.
Results: A total of five articles met the inclusion criteria. Most of the schools in the study did not have special facilities or running water to accommodate basic infection control procedures.
Conclusion: Collaboration between policymakers, specialists of spina bifida and infection control in the health sector, the Association of Spina Bifida, specialists in spina bifida under the Department of Education and researchers is needed to improve the lives of LSB through infection control.
Contribution: The study will contribute to the improvement of training of staff working with LSB and the need for more research.
Vocational rehabilitation. Employment of people with disabilities, Communities. Classes. Races
Naser Havaei, Babak Kashefimehr, Meral Huri̇
et al.
Objectives: Short child occupational profile (SCOPE) screening tool is used to assess different factors of functional abilities and record the progress levels of individuals in occupational therapy interventions. This study aimed to validate a Persian version of the SCOPE test.
Methods: This methodological research was conducted in two stages, including translation and psychometric properties. A total of 182 people aged 3-21 years were recruited using the convenience sampling method for the second stage.
Results: The results of the content validity of the questionnaire were in acceptable ranges. The total intra-class correlation coefficient and total Cronbach's α were 0.97 and 0.93, respectively. The results of the discriminant validity between the normal and disabled groups showed significant differences between the normal and disabled groups in all items of the questionnaire.
Discussion: The findings demonstrated that the Persian version of the SCOPE questionnaire could be used as a valid and reliable tool.
Medicine, Vocational rehabilitation. Employment of people with disabilities
Background: Children with hearing impairment have difficulties affecting their ability to understand speech and general communication development. It is essential to understand the background of the factors affecting young children's speech intelligibility in the Pakistani setting.
Objective: To explore the factors affecting speech intelligibility among children with hearing impairment.
Methods: A total of n=107 individuals were selected for the 6-month study at GMT clinic, Siemens Hearing Clinic, Hearing and Speech Care Clinic, and RHS in Islamabad using non-probability convenience sampling. Children between the ages of 6 and 12 who had mild to profound sensorineural hearing loss and could express themselves at the phrase level met the inclusion criteria. Speech-impairing conditions and progressive or conductive hearing loss were included in the exclusion criteria. Using the Assessing Intelligibility Worksheet, data was collected, in which 17 utterances with 57 words spoken by the therapist participants were repeated and the responses were noted by the therapist. Multiple linear regression, descriptive statistics, and percentage distribution were all analyzed using SPSS 21.
Results: A multiple regression model was run to predict intelligibility utterance from age, gender, type of hearing aid, technology of hearing aid, degrees of hearing loss, and talkativeness. This model significantly predicted speech intelligibility of hearing aid users {F (8, 98) = 42.905, p<0.001}. All variables cause 77.8% (Adj. R2=.778) variance in speech intelligibility of hearing aid users.
Conclusion: The study concludes that there is a considerable impact of gender, the technology of hearing aids, degree of hearing loss, and talkativeness level on speech intelligibility while no significant impact of types of hearing aids concerning Behind the ear and receiver in the canal on children's speech intelligibility.
Vocational rehabilitation. Employment of people with disabilities
Over two decades of research shows strong positive relationships are a consistently powerful indicator of wellbeing and resilience. However, the U.S. Surgeon General notes that loneliness and isolation is an epidemic in the U.S., and that it is exacerbated for individuals with physical and mental disabilities as well as those with isolating economic or environmental situations. A recent review shows that many autistic adults in particular face challenges in finding the connections they want and need. They also often have compounding mental health conditions, such as depression and mental illness, lower incomes, isolating home environments due to a lack of resources, and significantly higher incidence of suicide deaths compared to non-autistic adults. However, there is still very little research on autistic adults, especially research that focuses on their wellbeing and that brings in their first-hand perspective.
The current Autism After 21 Utah (AA21 Utah) study addresses these gaps and reveals some positive news about Utah’s readiness to build more neuro-inclusive communities to facilitate friendship and belonging, as well as some challenges that autistic adults are currently struggling with in social relationships and finding resources. The researchers surveyed 133 autistic adults, family members, and community leaders across Utah regarding needs and barriers to greater community inclusion. Twenty-four participants also volunteered to be interviewed for more in-depth perspectives; eight of the interviewees and half of the survey respondents were self-advocates. Friendship and belonging were ranked as the second-greatest unmet need for community inclusion among autistic adults and their families. Forty-three percent of participants indicated that friendship and belonging were lacking from their lives. The AA21 Utah study advocates for a community-based approach to inclusion and suggests strategies for improving autistic adults’ access to friendship and belonging. Further research is needed to determine the best methods for ensuring social belonging and friendship for autistic adults and individuals with I/DD. The AA21 Utah study researchers plan to address these methods in upcoming phases of the project.
Vocational rehabilitation. Employment of people with disabilities, Special aspects of education
Purpose The purpose of this study is to examine the effect of the Estonian active labor market reform in 2016, which introduced a new policy concerning vocational rehabilitation services. As a research question, we investigate how such services may have affected the employment outcomes of people with mental and/or physical impairments. Methods Our sample includes 9244 people from 2016 to 2020, with a mean age of 46 years. Due to multiple entries to the services, we have more than 11,000 cases with over 100,000 monthly observations. We use propensity score matching in combination with fixed effects panel regressions to analyze how the completion of the scheduled rehabilitation plan affected monthly employment duration. Results Our findings indicate that completing the rehabilitation service results on average in 2.6 months longer post-rehabilitation employment, compared to matched individuals who discontinued the service. This effect was larger when already employed and male participants entered the service, while weaker effects were observed in the case of individuals with only mental disabilities. Conclusions Overall, we conclude that while completing the scheduled rehabilitation plan has a positive effect on employment outcomes, still maintaining employment status seems to remain a challenge, based on the relatively modest effect sizes. Thus, we question the economic arguments behind the reform.
Faiz Alotaibi, Mrim M. Alnfiai, Fahd N. Al-Wesabi
et al.
In recent times, mobile communications and Internet of Things (IoT) techniques have been technologically advanced to gather environmental and human data for many applications and intelligent services. Remote monitoring of disabled and older people living in smart homes is very difficult. Human activity recognition (HAR) is an active research area for classifying human movement and application in many regions like rehabilitation, healthcare systems, medical diagnosis, surveillance from smart homes, and elderly care. HAR data are gathered in wearable devices that contain many kinds of sensors or with the mobile sensor aid. Lately, deep learning (DL) algorithm has shown remarkable performance in classifying human activity on HAR information. This paper presents a new Arithmetic Optimization Algorithm with LSTM Autoencoder (AOA-LSTMAE) for HAR technique in the IoT environment. In the presented AOA-LSTMAE technique, the major intention is to recognize several types of human activities in the IoT environment. To accomplish this, the AOA-LSTMAE technique mainly derives the P-ResNet model for feature extraction. In addition, the AOA-LSTMAE technique utilizes the LSTMAE classification model for the recognition of different activities. For improving the recognition efficacy of the LSTMAE model, AOA is used as a hyperparameter optimization system. The simulation validation of the AOA-LSTMAE technique is tested on benchmark activity recognition data. The simulation results of the AOA-LSTMAE technique and compared methods stated the improvement of the proposed model with an accuracy of 99.12% over other recent algorithms.
Vocational rehabilitation. Employment of people with disabilities
Background: Identity construction is an integral developmental task for adolescents and young adults (AYA). The intersection of deaf identity and disabling hearing loss (DHL) adds a layer to the complex process of identity construction.
Aim: This literature review highlights the self-ascribed deaf identities of AYA and seeks to understand how AYA with DHL forge these identities. Knowledge areas for prospective research and practice are uncovered.
Method: A traditional literature review of qualitative empirical evidence on AYA’s accounts of their deaf identity construction was conducted on seminal literature and peer-reviewed journals in psychology, disability studies and deaf studies.
Results: The emerging self-ascribed deaf identities of AYA are diverse. The identities include Deaf, hearing, hard-of-hearing (HOH), bicultural HOH, identities that detach from disability, bicultural DeaF, unresolved and fluid identities. Complex trade-offs exist where the construction of certain identities forgoes certain reasonable accommodations, interventions or relations that are critical for personal development and wellbeing.
Conclusion: Current literature orients deaf identity formation around hearing status and Deaf-hearing communal dynamics. In-depth research comprising facets of AYA’s personal, enacted and relational identities is required to conscientise rehabilitation professionals about the nuances of deaf identity issues and how to develop interventions that are supportive and responsive to the clinical and psychosocial challenges of AYA with DHL.
Contribution: This paper deviates from the d/Deaf identity dichotomy, revealing a spectrum of deaf identities that AYA forge. The rationales of AYA’s deaf identities, underlying processes and possible vulnerable identities are unpacked. Recommendations for prospective research pertaining to identity construction among deaf AYA are made.
Vocational rehabilitation. Employment of people with disabilities, Communities. Classes. Races
Blanca de Dios Perez, Kathryn Radford, R. das Nair
BACKGROUND: Supporting people with multiple sclerosis (MS) at work can be challenging due to the unpredictable nature and myriad of disease-related symptoms, and issues related to the work environment. OBJECTIVE: To explore, amongst people with MS in employment, their experiences of and need for vocational rehabilitation (VR), and perceived barriers and facilitators to implementing VR. METHODS: We conducted 20 semi-structured interviews with people with MS, employers, and healthcare professionals. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, and analysed using the framework method. RESULTS: We identified nine themes reflecting the main MS symptoms (e.g. cognition, fatigue), and environmental factors such as support provided at work (e.g. change of working hours) and workplace characteristics. Providing support tailored to the individual’s needs and early intervention were seen as important attributes for the intervention. The barriers identified referred to lack of resources and confidentiality issues; however, having flexibility in the content and delivery of the intervention were seen as facilitators. CONCLUSION: The impact of environmental factors (e.g. attitudes towards disability) on employment difficulties is equal to or greater than disease-related factors. Environmental changes in the attitudes of co-workers and workplace flexibility can enable people with MS to remain in work for longer.
This 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. Data 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. The 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. In 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.