Debra A. Harley

Predicting VR Acceptance Based on Race, Gender, Education, Work Status at Application, and Primary Source of Support at Application:

The relationship between vocational rehabilitation (VR) acceptance and race, gender, education, work status at application, and primary source of support at application was examined using a binary logistic regression. Based on the use of a stepwise entry method. race, primary source of support at application, and education were found to be statistically significant. Moreover, after all variables were entered into the binary logistic regression equation, the total amount of variance explained in the dependent variable by the independent variables was 5.3%. Compared to European Americans. African Americans were 2.12 times more likely to be accepted for VR services, when controlling for all other variables in the study. Compared to customers who reported only their own income at application, individuals who reported income from family and friends and other sources were negatively associated with VR acceptance, after controlling for all other variables in the study. Implications for VR counselors are discussed.

Racial and Disability Identity Implications for the Career Counseling of African Americans With Disabilities

Racial and disability identities are separate issues, yet they both contribute to the multiple social identities that influence career counseling outcomes for persons of color with disabilities. Few studies have examined the effects of racial and disability identity on the career outcomes of members of this group. This article discusses racial and disability identity as assets for career counseling of people of color with disabilities, whose career counseling outcomes are also mediated by the prevailing racial and disabilities disparities in career participation. Possibilities for further research on identities as resources for career counseling are also discussed.

Endorsement of Professional Multicultural Rehabilitation Competencies and Standards A Call to Action

This article proposes specific multicultural rehabilitation competencies and standards that define a professional culturally competent rehabilitation counselor. Cross-cultural skills are based on three characteristics across three dimensions: beliefs and attitudes, knowledge, and skills. Explanatory statements operationalizing each competency area are offered. In reinforcing the need and rationale for a multicultural perspective in rehabilitation counseling and rehabilitation education programs, the authors urgently appeal to the leadership of professional rehabilitation organizations to infuse multiculturalism throughout their organizations. Specific recommendations toward endorsement of the proposed competencies are set forth.

Ex-Post-Facto Analysis of Competitive Employment Outcomes for Individuals with Mental Retardation: National Perspective.

Disparities in proportions of competitive job placements and provision of vocational rehabilitation services by level of mental retardation were identified for 28,565 individuals. Chi-square results reveal that consumers with mild mental retardation are significantly more likely to achieve competitive jobs compared to those with more severe levels. Logistic regression indicated that the odds of achieving a competitive job for consumers receiving job placement services, business/vocational training, and counseling were nearly two times that of individuals not receiving such services. Findings suggest that a significantly lower proportion of these services were provided to consumers with severe/profound mental retardation. Implications of findings for service, research, and policy are discussed.

Rural African American clergy: Are they literate on late-life depression?

This exploratory study examined rural African American clergys knowledge of and experience in providing support to African American elders with late-life depression. Interviews were conducted with nine African American clergy who oversaw rural churches in central Kentucky. Jorm and colleagues provide a conceptual framework for mental health literacy to explore participants’ knowledge of late-life depression. Although few clergy had direct experience with counseling a depressed older adult, all the clergy were considered literate regarding late-life depression and its treatment. These findings have implications for social workers building collaborative community treatment relationships.

Improving Employment Outcomes for Chronic Alcoholics: Applying the Supported Employment Model

Alcohol use and alcoholism have massive and far-reaching effects on employment. The consequences of lost employment and reduced productivity as a result of alcohol use can be circumvented through the use of supported employment services. The purpose of this article is to present the implications of using the supported employment model to assist chronic alcoholics in their employment. Several components of supported employment (ecological assessment, job training, job sharing, and ongoing support) are presented as being beneficial to alcoholics in maintaining employment.

African American Clergy: What are Their Perceptions of Pastoral Care and Pastoral Counseling?

This qualitative study explores African American clergy’s perspectives on pastoral care and pastoral counseling. Interviews were conducted with 18 African American clergy of diverse ages, locales, and educational levels who were recruited from a southern state. Two major themes emerged from the data: (a) Shepherding the Flock and (b) Distinguishable Concepts with Different Meaning and Functions. Implications for social work practice and research are addressed.

Rural African American Clergy: An Exploration of Their Attitudes and Knowledge of Alzheimer's Disease

Rural African American clergys ability to recognize Alzheimers Disease (AD) and their capacity to provide support to elders with this illness has been neglected in the literature. Using a mental health literacy framework, the purpose of this research was to explore rural African American clergy knowledge and beliefs of AD. In-depth interviews were conducted with 9 African American clergy who oversaw churches in central Kentucky. Although few had direct experience with providing pastoral care to elders with AD, all clergy were literate and aware of the need for additional training. This study seeks to further clarify the role of African American clergy and their understanding of AD to inform the future development of appropriate interventions and establish better collaborative community treatment relationships.

Indigenous Healing Practices among Rural Elderly African Americans

Elderly African Americans residing in rural areas have practiced and continue to practice indigenous healing practices for various reasons. In addition to the belief in the value of such practices, many of these individuals practice indigenous healing because it is cost effective. In this article information is presented on the history of research on indigenous healing practices, theories and models of indigenous healing in the United States, cultural influence, and views of health care providers regarding such practices. This article concludes with a discussion of the relevance of indigenous healing practices across disciplines and approaches, and recommendations of using participatory research as a means to understand indigenous healing practices among elderly African Americans.

Applying Empowerment Evaluation as a Tool for Self-Improvement and Community Development with CULTURALLY Diverse Populations

Empowerment evaluation emphasizes the need to restructure evaluation to focus on community members as leaders and facilitators in organizing, planning, and developing processes of self-study. For culturally diverse populations it is necessary to foster a social and political environment that empowers diverse community identity and the participatory perspective. In this article the authors discuss the application of empowerment evaluation as a tool for self-improvement and community development with culturally diverse populations.