Robert Gervey

Introduction to Demand-Side Factors Related to Employment of People with Disabilities

Introduction Demand-side employment research can play an important role in advancing the knowledge base of occupational rehabilitation. Research contributes to theory building and provides the foundation for empirically supported interventions that can improve the return-to-work success of injured workers and/or the overall labor force participation rate of people with disabilities. Methods In this article, we present our rationale for developing this special section on demand-side factors related to employment of people with chronic illness and disability. We discuss the important relationship between employer practice factors and hiring and retention of people with chronic illness and disability. We highlight in this paper some of the exciting new findings reported in the articles contained in this special section as well as some recent demand-side employment and disability research. Conclusion We intend for this special section to stimulate thinking and discussion about Incorporating demand-side strategies in vocational rehabilitation and return-to-work interventions for people with disabilities and work injuries.

Analyzing Vocational Outcomes of Individuals With Psychiatric Disabilities Who Received State Vocational Rehabilitation Services: a Data Mining Approach

This study examines factors affecting vocational outcomes in the vocational rehabilitation process for individuals experiencing psychiatric disabilities who had received state vocational rehabilitation (VR) services. A data mining approach was used to analyze the Rehabilitation Services Administration FY 2001 Case Service Report (RSA-911). Receiving job placement services was found to be the most important variable differentiating individuals who were working from those who were not working. Results regarding vocational outcomes suggest a positive effect for persons receiving job placement services.

Rehabilitation readiness: A construct validity study of the University of Rhode Island Change Assessment for Vocational Counseling (URICA-VC) scale for persons with mental illness

Purpose/objectives: The study aims to confirm the factorial structure of the URICA-Vocational Counseling (URICA- VC), a scale that has been specifically designed for use in vocational rehabilitation programs. Furthermore, the study explores the clinical utility of the URICA-VC readiness construct within a sample of individuals with psychiatric disabilities seeking competitive employment. Research method/design: Using a sample of 296 individuals with psychiatric disabilities pooled from three separate programs, the author examined the construct validity of the scale using factorial structural analysis, discriminative validity and predictive validity tests. Results: The results confirm the URICA-VC three-factor solution. These three factors discriminate between individuals with varying levels of interest and involvement in vocational rehabilitation services. However, predictive validity is mixed. Conclusion/implications: The use of the URICA-VC for clinical decision-making and research purposes should be carefully considered given the degree of false negatives and positives generated by stage of change categories.