Jennifer Christianson-Barker, Alex Franzius, Rachel Mills
et al.
Background Inclusive employment offers advantages for both employers and individuals with intellectual disabilities. However, high unemployment rates persist for people with intellectual disabilities, underscoring the need for alternative approaches. Customized employment (CE) has emerged as a promising strategy by tailoring job opportunities to align with individual strengths and employer requirements. Objective This review answers the question, “What does the literature say about the use of customized employment practices to facilitate paid employment for people with intellectual disabilities?” Methods We conducted a scoping review of the literature. Eight databases were searched, including APA PsycInfo, Medline, CINAHL, Scopus, Web of Science, Business Source Ultimate, Social Services Abstracts and Social Science Abstracts. Results Fifty-seven articles were deemed relevant to the research question, revealing clear trends and key characteristics of CE. The literature suggests that CE can lead to improved employment outcomes, greater self-determination and independence, and increased employer satisfaction. However, lack of evaluative measures has led to inconsistencies in delivery and quality of support. CE practices may demand more time and higher costs compared to other types of supported employment. Conclusions When implemented effectively, CE practices can be a valuable method for supporting individuals with intellectual disabilities in securing inclusive employment.
People with psychiatric disabilities represent a significant percentage of the individuals served by rehabilitation programs. Research has shown that most individuals with psychiatric disabilities are interested in employment but vocational providers may lack the knowledge, skills, and abilities to assist this population (Henry & Lucca, 2004; Medar et al., 2017), and this paper may provide valuable considerations to Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors to increase positive outcomes such as securing and maintaining employment. According to Substance Abuse and Mental Health Service Administration (SAMSHA, 2012) unemployment of people with psychiatric disabilities is around 60-90%, work has always been an integrating force, although many people with psychiatric disabilities are unemployed. This article will provide information which will contribute to a better understanding of psychiatric disabilities and the employment and career counseling strategies that have proven successful.
Olivia Emelie Engström, Hisayo Katsui, Lieketseng Ned
People who sustain traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) often experience unmet rehabilitation needs. The aim of our research was to explore how the invisible aspects of traumatic brain injury affect the experiences of survivors of TBI in accessing the necessary medical, social, and financial assistance. Using Giorgi’s descriptive phenomenological inquiry, we purposefully sampled 11 participants who had experienced TBI when aged 13–27 for interviews. The time since their injuries ranged from 7 to 37 years. Three key themes emerged: (1) lack of knowledge and guidance in medical services, (2) lack of social service assistance, and (3) battles with insurance companies. Our findings show that, due to the hidden nature of TBI-related disabilities and a general lack of societal knowledge about TBI outcomes, survivors face significant difficulties in accessing essential medical, social, and financial services. This study underscores the critical need to address the challenges faced by youth survivors of TBI, as their injuries occur during a pivotal developmental phase when they are developing psychosocial skills, pursuing education, and transitioning into the workforce. Delays or lack of proper medical, social, and financial support hinder rehabilitation and the successful reintegration of these youth into society.
Vocational rehabilitation. Employment of people with disabilities
Ali Mufraih Albarrati, Siddig Ibrahim Abdelwahab, Rakan Nazer
This study employed bibliometric analysis using the Scopus database to evaluate Saudi disability research (SDR). From an initial dataset of 17,102 documents (0.54% of global output), the scope was refined to 13,246 data-driven publications for detailed examination. Trends, themes, and collaborations were analyzed using R packages and VOSviewer. Metrics such as citations, total link strength (TLS), and thematic mapping were used to identify key contributors, emerging topics, and international partnerships. Saudi authors demonstrated strong international collaboration, with 59.53% of publications involving co-authorships, particularly with the United States, Egypt, and India. Prolific contributors include Alkuraya, F.S. and leading institutions such as King Saud University. Key motor themes include “quality of life” and “Alzheimer’s disease,” while emerging themes such as “deep learning” and “molecular docking” reflect a shift toward advanced technologies. Machine learning is a trending topic applied in early diagnosis, drug discovery, and rehabilitation of conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease, autism, and epilepsy. These findings underscore the evolving priorities and global relevance of SDR.
Vocational rehabilitation. Employment of people with disabilities
This study aimed to explore the experiences of social rehabilitation teachers in residential facilities for the persons with disabilities in supporting their employment, analyze their practical roles and the constraints they face, and suggest future directions for residential facility-based vocational rehabilitation practices. For this, six social rehabilitation teachers with experience performing social rehabilitation work in residential facilities for the persons with disabilities were selected through a deliberate sampling method, and non-face-to-face video individual in-depth interviews were conducted using a semi-structured questionnaire. The collected data were analyzed through the process of conceptualization, subcategorization, and supercategorization. The research results were as follows: First, social rehabilitation teachers were performing complex and multi-layered tasks such as establishing individual support plans, admission/discharge and daily management, support for career life and independence, supervision of life rehabilitation teachers, and community linkage, beyond the role of simple job linkers. Second, in the midst of the low job competency and poor training conditions of residential facilities, social rehabilitation teachers were struggling for employment of users and cooperate with external organizations. Third, due to structural constraints such as the lack of job training space within the residential facilities themselves, difficulty in continuing training due to aging and repetitive lifestyle habits, high employment standards, and low community acceptance, job linkage was not smoothly achieved, and as a result, the work burden and burnout of social rehabilitation teachers were increasing. Fourth, in order to activate the job support work of social rehabilitation teachers in residential facilities, it was found that institutional clarification of the job identity and role of social rehabilitation teachers, differentiation of staff placement criteria according to the degree of disability of users, development of low-intensity job training programs, and establishment of a community-centered network were required. In conclusion, the significance of this study was to explore ways to activate the role of social rehabilitation teachers in charge of employment support for people with disabilities in a special environment such as a residential facility for the persons with disabilities and to find practical implications.
Abstract Purpose Stable employment is essential for the health, psychosocial, and financial well-being of people with physical disabilities (PwPD). Unfortunately, the low employment rate for PwPD in the U.S. exposes them to adverse effects of unemployment, including depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, and physical pain. Helping PwPD find gainful employment will improve their general health and well-being. However, few empirical studies examine factors affecting the employment outcomes of PwPD. This study aims to examine the relationship between demographic covariates, vocational rehabilitation (VR) services, and employment outcomes of PwPD. Materials and Methods This secondary data analysis study includes 17,598 PwPD from the U.S. Department of Education’s Rehabilitation Services Administration’s Case Service Report (RSA-911) dataset. Our analysical approach was hierarchical logistic regression analysis. Results For VR services, workplace support, technology support, job placement assistance, and VR counseling significantly contribute to predicting employment outcomes for PwPD. Even after entering VR services, the demographic variables (age, race, education, referral sources, low-income, long-term unemployment, and disability significancy) were still significant predictors of employment. Conclusions Findings from this study can be used by state VR counselors and other disability service providers to plan and select effective employment-related interventions to improve the employment outcomes of PwPD. IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATION The alarmingly low employment rate among PwPD significantly impacts their psychological, financial, social, and overall health well-being in the U.S. Vocational rehabilitation services, including workplace support, technology assistance, VR counseling, and job placement support, are pivotal in facilitating employment for PwPD. PwPD who received workplace support exhibited nearly six times higher odds of attaining employment compared to those without such assistance. PwPD who received technology support experienced four times higher odds of achieving employment in contrast to those without technology assistance.
BACKGROUND: Employing qualified individuals with disabilities can improve organizational competitiveness and promote diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies. However, research on disability inclusion policy and practices among employers committed to hiring people with disabilities is limited. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate efforts of Fortune 500 companies to include disability in their DEI policy and examine the effect of disability inclusion policy and practices on employment of people with disabilities METHODS: Four hundred sixty-six human resource and project managers with hiring authority participated in the present study. The Disability Inclusion Profiler-23 (DIP-23) was used to assess the perceived importance and implementation level of disability inclusion policy and practices in Fortune 500 and non-Fortune 500 companies. Two-sample independent t-tests were used to compare disability-employment rates and disability inclusion scores between Fortune 500 and non-Fortune 500 groups. Parallel mediation analysis was conducted to examine the extent to which executive level and mid-manager level DIP scores mediated the relationship between Fortune 500 companies and disability employment rates. RESULTS: Fortune 500 companies demonstrated higher disability employment rates and better disability inclusion policies and practices compared to non-Fortune 500 companies. CONCLUSION: State vocational rehabilitation agencies and other disability service providers should engage Fortune 500 executives to bolster disability inclusion efforts. Collaboration between vocational rehabilitation professionals and mid-level managers can enhance DIP policy implementation, thereby improving employment opportunities for people with disabilities.
Nabil Almalki, Mrim M. Alnfiai, Fahd N. Al-Wesabi
et al.
Internet of Things (IoT)-based human action recognition (HAR) has made a significant contribution to scientific studies. Furthermore, hand gesture recognition is a subsection of HAR, and plays a vital role in interacting with deaf people. It is the automatic detection of the actions of one or many subjects using a series of observations. Convolutional neural network structures are often utilized for finding human activities. With this intention, this study presents a new bat optimization algorithm with an ensemble voting classifier for human activity recognition (BOA-EVCHAR) technique to help disabled persons in the IoT environment. The BOA-EVCHAR technique makes use of the ensemble classification concept to recognize human activities proficiently in the IoT environment. In the presented BOA-EVCHAR approach, data preprocessing is generally achieved at the beginning level. For the identification and classification of human activities, an ensemble of two classifiers namely long short-term memory (LSTM) and deep belief network (DBN) models is utilized. Finally, the BOA is used to optimally select the hyperparameter values of the LSTM and DBN models. To elicit the enhanced performances of the BOA-EVCHAR technique, a series of experimentation analyses were performed. The extensive results of the BOA-EVCHAR technique show a superior value of 99.31% on the HAR process.
Vocational rehabilitation. Employment of people with disabilities
Background: Lateral epicondylitis, commonly known as tennis elbow, is characterized by pain and functional limitations at the elbow due to overuse. This study focuses on evaluating the effects of Tyler twist wrist extensor-strengthening exercises, aiming to provide insights into an effective intervention for this condition.
Objective: This study aimed to determine the effects of Tyler twist wrist extensor strengthening exercises on pain, disability, and grip strength in patients with lateral epicondylitis.
Methodology: A randomized controlled trial was conducted at Cina Medical Center Rawalpindi from February 2022 to January 2023. Fifty-two participants meeting the inclusion criteria were assigned to either Group A or Group B. Group A received eccentric Tyler twist exercises in addition to conventional physiotherapy, while Group B received conventional physiotherapy alone. Pain, functional disability, and grip strength were assessed at baseline, the second week, and the fourth week. Data was analyzed with SPSS version 25. Demographics and descriptive data is presented in form of percentages, frequencies and mean + SD. Normality of the data is determined via Shapiro Wilk Test. We applied mixed-way ANOVA to find the interaction between two groups.
Results: Within-group analysis demonstrated a significant improvement in pain, functional disability, and grip strength for both groups (p-value < 0.01). Between-group analysis revealed a significant difference in pain, functional disability, and grip strength.
Conclusion: The addition of eccentric Tyler twist exercises to conventional therapy showed a statistically significant difference in terms of pain, functional disability, and grip strength in patients with lateral epicondylitis.
Keywords: Extensor Carpi Radialis Brevis, Lateral Epicondylitis.
Vocational rehabilitation. Employment of people with disabilities, Therapeutics. Psychotherapy
A 12-year-old female patient, with large nasal bridge, mongoloid slants, clinodactyly, saddle gap of toes, slanting palpebral fissures, and a flat facies with ocular hypertelorism was reported. The patient’s medical history showed intellectual impairment, hypothyroidism, and allergy to penicillin and cow milk. Intraoral examination revealed that there was severe crowding, with Angles class I Dewey’s modification type I. A radiographic examination showed that the root of tooth 44 has sharp dilaceration toward the mesial in the apical third. Impacted canines were measured approximately 17.5 mm from the cusp till root apex. Treatment plan included prescription for pain relief. Oral prophylaxis was followed by root canal treatment and full coverage restoration. Induced eruption was planned. This case report provides insight into various oral conditions associated with Down syndrome (DS). The treatment was challenging and it needed a comprehensive approach with a preventive dentistry practice and regular screening. Dental practitioners should be aware of DS and its effect on oral health with the main focus on an effective treatment plan.
Vocational rehabilitation. Employment of people with disabilities
BACKGROUND: State vocational rehabilitation (VR) agencies play a critical role in helping people with disabilities gain employment; however, self-employment remains an infrequent outcome for VR participants even though self-employment rates are disproportionately higher for people with disabilities than the general population. OBJECTIVE: The study provides a broad review and analysis of state VR self-employment policies to identify barriers that impede equitable access to self-employment services and provide recommendations on how to address these nationally. METHODS: The policy analysis included reviewing 73 VR state and territory agency’s policies across the country, using data from the RSA-911 self-employment data and other sources about the self-employment process through VR agencies. RESULTS: Currently less than 2% of VR participants exit into self-employment nationwide. Three policy areas that could increase outcomes for self-employment are self-employment assessments, market analysis or business planning requirements, and self-employment funding and financing guidelines. CONCLUSION: Policymakers need to explore new opportunities to address unintended barriers and increase equitable access to self-employment such as replacing trait focused self-employment assessments, providing technical assistance from the beginning of the self-employment process, and develop funding policies that better align with those for wage employment services.
Background: Understanding students' perception of the educational environment and their cognitive load in this context is crucial for optimizing the effectiveness of e-learning platforms. Objective: To compare educational environment perception and cognitive load in under-graduates Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) and post-graduate Master in Science of Physical Therapy (MSPT) students having online learning experiences. Methodology: In this comparative cross-sectional study, data was collected through non-probability convenient sampling from n=274 under-graduates DPT (n=225) and post-graduates MSPT(n=49) students of either gender having one-semester experience of online learning, Dundee Ready Education Environment Measure (DREEM) for measuring educational environmental perception and Rating Scale of Mental Effort (RSME) for measurement of cognitive load. Online self-structured was developed questionnaire and shared through communication media platform and data analysis was made through SPSS version 28. Results: There were n=225 under-graduates (DPT) and n=49 post-graduates (MSPT) students in which, there were n=208 females and n=66 males. The overall DREEM score showed that MSPT students are more significantly positive (p<0.001, Cohen’s d=1.01) than DPT students regarding the perception of the educational environment with a large effect size. While there was no significant difference (p=0.114) between MSP and DPT students regarding cognitive load. Conclusion: Post-graduates (MSPT) students have better educational environmental perception than undergraduate (DPT) students but there was no significant difference in cognitive load in undergraduate (DPT) and post-graduates (MSPT) students. Keywords: cognition; cognitive load; mental effort; e-learning; physiotherapist.
Vocational rehabilitation. Employment of people with disabilities
Objectives: This study aimed to detect the relationship between body mass index (BMI), selective voluntary motor control (SVMC), and functional independence in children with spastic diplegic cerebral palsy (CP) with levels II and III of gross motor function classification system.
Methods: A total of eighty-four children with spastic diplegic CP, aged 6-9 years with a mean age of 7.09±0.68 participated in this correlational study. BMI, selective control assessment of the lower extremity (SCALE), and pediatric functional independence measure (WEE FIM) were used for the assessment of BMI, SVMC, and functional independence, respectively.
Results: The results demonstrated the presence of a positive strong significant correlation between SCALE and WEE FIM, a negative strong significant correlation between WEE FIM and BMI, and a negative moderate significant correlation between BMI and SCALE.
Discussion: Functional independence is significantly correlated with BMI and SVMC in children with spastic diplegic CP. This study provides original evidence that BMI and SVMC are major factors that influence functional independence in these children. So, they are highly recommended to be part of the evaluation of their functional independence in clinical settings and research.
Medicine, Vocational rehabilitation. Employment of people with disabilities
Muhammad Salman, Salah Uddin Khan, Mansour Shrahili
Rotator cuff (RC) tendinopathy is the most debilitating musculoskeletal condition in general population and is considered to be the third commonly encountered musculoskeltal (MSK) disorder. After getting approval from ethical review committee (ERC) of Rawal Institute of Health Sciences, this Randomized control trail was initiated at Rawal General & Dental Hospital. The duration of this study was 6 months from March 10, 2023 to August 09, 2023. Forty patients of both genders between the age of 25 and 50 years who were suffering from RC tendinopathy were included in this study. Those who had any kind of cardiac complications, neurological disorders, or diabetes mellitus were excluded from this study. Two equal groups ( n = 20 each) were formed. Group A was given kinesio tape (KT) and group B was treated with dry needling (DN). Totally six sessions of each intervention were given to each patient at the rate of two sessions per week along with 10 min of interferential therapy and 10 min of moist packs to each patient. Statistical package for social science (SPSS) version 21 and Microsoft excel were used for the analysis of data. The mean ± standard deviation (SD) of age in group A was 35.30±8.07 and in group B it was 31.51 ± 2.46. The median and interquartile range (IQR) of SF-36 [quality of life (QoL)] at the baseline was 37.64 (1.75) in group A and 37.38 (1.31) in group B, respectively. Md (IQR) postinterventional improved with 91.31 (8.20) in group A, and in group B it was 90.37 (15.78) with P < 0.05. Within-group analysis showed a significant difference ( P < 0.05) in each group. Between-group analysis depicted a significant difference ( P < 0.05) on the Pain Numeric Scale score and an insignificant difference ( P > 0.05) on the basis of QoL (SF-36). It was revealed that KT is more effective in the reduction of disability in terms of pain as compared to DN whereas both interventions are equally effective in improving the QoL in RC tendinopathy.
Vocational rehabilitation. Employment of people with disabilities
The disabled population continues to increase, the proportion of elderly people with disabilities and single-person households is increasing, and the proportion of significant disabilities such as autism and mental disorders continues to increase by type of disability. In particular, the significantly disabled are experiencing greater difficulties in employment, so we tried to find ways to revitalize employment for the significantly disabled. To this end, the Ministry of Health and Welfare-centered projects and previous studies that provide vocational support and vocational rehabilitation services for the significantly disabled were analyzed to identify problems and suggest ways to revitalize employment for the significantly disabled. First, efficient service provision and service quality improvement through the linkage of job projects, Second, training of professional manpower and supporting manpower to expand employment and support after employment for persons with significant disabilities, Third, support for additional benefits for people with disabilities using vocational rehabilitation facilities.
Mohamed Abushaira, Mohamed Hamdan:, Hassan Alqarni
et al.
Background: Quality standards for vocational rehabilitation programs (QSVRs) are essential for all Vocational Rehabilitation Programs (VRPs) [1]. Objectives: This study aims to identify the most significant quality standards for vocational rehabilitation programs (QSVRPs) in Saudi Arabia from the perspective of the study participants. It also intends to assess the applicability of these standards. Additionally, the study seeks to examine potential statistical differences in participant responses based on gender, educational level, and workplace. Methodology: The study employed a descriptive analytical approach, involving the development and administration of a questionnaire to a sample of 31 VRP workers. Results: The study's findings indicate that the most important standards within QSVRPs are evaluation, guidance and counseling, preparation, training, employment, and follow-up. Furthermore, the study reveals that there are no statistically significant differences in the evaluation of the importance of QSVRPs among the participants, regardless of their gender, educational level, or place of work. The applicability of these QSVRPs was rated as "high," with no statistically significant differences in participant evaluations based on the study's variables.
BACKGROUND: Vocational rehabilitation (VR) aims to help people with disabilities to return to the labour market. Though, there is not much evidence on its effectiveness. OBJECTIVES: We explore the effect of vocational training programmes in VR and the VR status itself on employment outcomes. METHODS: Using two samples from administrative data by the German Federal Employment Agency, we applied propensity score matching. We followed rehabilitants commencing VR in 2009/2010 (N = 7,905) for four years (comparison I) and general training participants with and without VR status completing training in 2012/2013 (N = 21,020) for one year (comparison II). For harmonisation purposes, we only considered individuals aged between 25 and 40 and excluded those in employment at the beginning of VR or training. RESULTS: Concerning the effect of training in VR (comparison I), we observe a lock-in effect during training (p < 0.001) due to an involvement in VR; after training, participants are more likely to obtain unsubsidised employment (0.05, p < 0.05) than non-participants, but there is no statistically significant income difference after four years. Regarding the effect of the VR status (comparison II), rehabilitants are more likely to take up (un-)subsidised employment (0.04, p < 0.01; 0.02, p < 0.001) after training, exhibit longer employment durations (19 days, p < 0.001) and achieve higher average incomes (2,414 euro/year, p < 0.001) compared to non-rehabilitants. CONCLUSIONS: Training participation helps to improve employment participation of rehabilitants. However, a longer observation period is recommended. Furthermore, the VR status itself leads to more sustainable and better-paid employment. This is due to more comprehensive support and longer-term subsidised employment opportunities.
Background: Persons with disabilities living in rural areas are marginalised and excluded in most developmental initiatives in South Africa. They face many economic, political and social problems; hence, improving their quality of life is a daunting and challenging task which needs interventions from both the state and non-governmental stakeholders.
Objectives: This study aimed to examine the role played by community gardens in rural Limpopo province in uplifting the lives of persons living with disabilities as well as their communities as a whole. Its main objectives were to assess the social and economic benefits they have provided to this group of people.
Method: A qualitative research design was used for this study. Twenty-one participants were identified through purposive sampling. They were made up of people with disabilities, officials from Departments of Agriculture and Social Development. Face-to-face interviews were used to collect data which was analysed thematically.
Results: Key results were that community gardens have contributed to the economic and social well-being of persons with disabilities. They have assisted them with income to supplement their social grants. They also created jobs for their members and contributed to improved livelihoods of their families.
Conclusion: The study demonstrated that people with disabilities are capable people who, if given the necessary support, can transform their livelihoods both socially and economically. The study recommends that a disability access audit be conducted to resolve the accessibility challenges of the garden.
Vocational rehabilitation. Employment of people with disabilities, Communities. Classes. Races
Objectives: Parents of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have valuable experiences of the possible developmental problems and other issues of their children as the primary caregivers. The present study aimed to obtain proper information by considering these experiences using a qualitative approach to explain the parents’ perception of problems in their children with ASD.
Methods: This study with a qualitative design was performed on 35 parents of children with ASD (33 mothers and 2 fathers) who were selected via purposive sampling. The study data were collected using semi-structured interviews, and all sessions were recorded and immediately transcribed verbatim. We followed the Graneheim and Lundman (2003) content analysis approach (a step-by-step extraction of meaning unit, initial codes, subtheme, and theme).
Results: We extracted 5 main themes of developmental, language comprehension and expression, social communication, behavioral, and general health problems. Each of these mentioned themes has several subthemes.
Discussion: According to the results, the parents’ perceptions and experiences of their ASD children’s problems were similar to the findings reported by experts in a few related studies. Given the lived experiences of the parents of children with ASD, they could help enrich the references regarding the problems of children with ASD. Such data should be considered during the assessment and intervention for this group of children.
Medicine, Vocational rehabilitation. Employment of people with disabilities
Background: The coordinated and combined movement of 2 parts gleno-humeral to 1 part of scapulo-thoracic movement adds to normal shoulder elevation range. It was later accepted as 2:1 ratio between Gleno-humeral elevation and scapulo-thoracic upward rotation and this kinematics interaction is known as “scapulo-humeral rhythm”. Along with many other techniques to improve shoulder range of motion the scapulothoracic mobilizations are helpful specially in improving external rotation of shoulder.
Objective: To determine the effectiveness of scapular mobilizations in improving external rotation range of motion (ROM) in frozen shoulder
Methods: It is a cross sectional study conducted in physiotherapy department- Ittefaq hospital, Lahore which was carried out over a period of 6 months from approval of synopsis. 51 patients of age 35 to 65 years with symptoms of frozen shoulder from at least 3-4 months were included in this study. Patients with any surgical history, trauma or psychological conditions were excluded from the study. A semi structured questionnaire was administered and pre-treatment and post treatment were recorded and documented by the physical therapist.
Results: The results show that external rotation (ER) after scapulothoracic mobilizations improved, with mean value before treatment recorded to be 43.4314 degrees with S.D 11.067 degrees and 83.6863 degrees with S.D 12.394 degrees post treatment. Wilcoxen Sign Rank test showed significant different between the two measurements.
Conclusion: Patients had their external rotation range of motion improved after sessions of scapulothoracic mobilizations sessions provided by the physical therapist, thereby improving the functional outcomes of patients.
Keywords: External rotation; Frozen shoulder, Scapulothoracic mobilization
Vocational rehabilitation. Employment of people with disabilities, Therapeutics. Psychotherapy