Showing papers in "Journal of applied rehabilitation counseling in 1999"
TL;DR: In this paper, a quantitative, correlation research design was used to determine if there was a relatlonship among the variables (derived primarily from Rogers' diffusion of innovations theory), and discontinuanca of assistive technology.
Abstract: Assistive technology devices increase the capacity of individuals with disabilities to live independent, productive lives. There are, howeever many individuals with disabilities who are dissa,tisfied with their assistive technology and dlscontinue use of it. Empirical research documenting factors related to assistive technology discontinuance from consumers' perspectives iS limited. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine the factors that are associated with discontinuance of asslstlve technology by Individuals with dlsabilities. A quantitative, correlation research design was used to determine if there was a relatlonship among the variables (derived primarily from Rogers' diffusion of innovations theory), and discontinuanca of assistive technology. Results demonstrated that the variables of relative advantage and consumer involvement had a significant effect on predicting discontinuance of assistive technology.
31 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors used a Chi-square test of independence as the test statistic to examine whether Americans and European Americans disability would differ in vocational rehabilitation (VR) acceptance.
Abstract: The purpose of this study was to examine whether Americans and European Americans disability would differ in vocational rehabilitation (VR) acceptance. The author used a Chi-square test of independence as the test statistic. Because the majority of previous studies of VR acceptance fail to use a relational statistic to test the practical significance among explanatory and criterion variables, the phi coefficient was utilized. Relational statistics are important because it shows how variables relate, either negatively or positively. Using this methodology, there was no statistically significant difference between African Americans and European Americans. Moreover, the strength of the association between variables proved slight, even in the presence of a relatively large sample. The author concludes by discussing limitations and future research.
29 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the factors which impact families with an adult son or daughter with mental retardation can be analyzed within the theoretical context of the Resiliency Model of Family Stress, Adjustment, and Adaptation.
Abstract: Families are a powerful influence in the lives of an adult son or daughter with mental retardation. The increasing life expectancy of individuals with mental retardation suggests that it is likely that families will provide care for their children for many decades. The factors which impact families with an adult son or daughter with mental retardation can be analyzed within the theoretical context of the Resiliency Model of Family Stress, Adjustment, and Adaptation. The responses of 71 parents of adult children with mental retardation were measured on the dimensions of maladaptive behavior of the adult with mental retardation, family sense of coherence, family social support, family adaptability, family cohesion, and family adaptation. Results of stepwise regression analysis indicate that family sense of coherence and family cohesion made a significant contribution to family adaptation. Family adaptability, social support, and maladaptive behavior did not make a meaningful contribution to family adaptation. Practice implications for rehabilitation counselors are discussed.
21 citations
TL;DR: The authors found that counselors with and without training in substance abuse issues reported significantly more positive attitudes than their non-trained counterparts in only two areas, however, the attitudes of all counselors were found to be somewhat negative.
Abstract: This research was initiated to determine if differences exist in the attitudes of vocational rehabilitation counselors toward substance abusing clients. Using the Substance Abuse Attitude Survey (SMS), ninety-one vocational rehabilitation counselors were surveyed regarding their beliefs and attitudes toward substance abuse and substance abusers. Results comparing those counselors with and without training in substance abuse issues found those with trainning reported significantly more positive attitudes than their non-trained counterparts in only two areas. However, the attitudes of all counselors were found to be somewhat negative.
19 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors examined the experience of loneliness and social isolation for young adults who are deaf and found that these factors play a significant role in job retention and effective workplace functioning for individuals who were deaf or who had special communication needs.
Abstract: This study is a first attempt to examine the experience of loneliness and social isolation for young adults who are deaf. It was hypothesized that these factors play a significant role in job retention and effective workplace functioning for individuals who are deaf or who have special communication needs and that social integration difficulties could result in poor vocational and psychological outcomes. This study found that communication barriers in the workplace create social difficulties and affect the performance of people who are deaf. Strategies utilized for coping with isolation and for improving integration into the workplace are described and recommendations for future research and intervention with deaf youth are offered.
19 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the Acceptance of Disability Scale (Linkowski, 1971) was used to measure the level of adjustment to disability, and the results indicated that there was a significant gender difference in acceptance of disability.
Abstract: This study investigated gender differences in acceptance of disability. Fifty-seven vocational rehabilitation consumers participated in the study. The Acceptance of Disability scale (Linkowski, 1971) was used to measure the level of adjustment to disability. The results indicated that there was a significant gender difference in acceptance of disability. Female participants appeared to have lower level of acceptance compared with males. The implications of the findings for rehabilitation counselors and researchers were discussed.
16 citations
TL;DR: This paper examined whether African Americans and European Americans with disbilities would differ in hourly wages and hours worked after being closed successfully and found that African Americans tend to earn less than their European American counterparts after successful closures.
Abstract: The purpose of this study was to examine whether African Americans and European Americans with disbilities would differ in hourly wages and hours worked after being closed successfully. The t-test and point biserial correlation was used to determine whether the means of hours worked and hourly wages differed significantly between African Amencans and European Americans. A statistically significant difference emerged between the two group on hourly wages after the successful completion of the rehabilitation process; however, hours worked at close were not statistically significant. Average weekly hours, average wages per hour, and race proved to be only negligibly associated and statistically significant. African Americans tend to earn less than their European American counterparts after successful closures. Future research considerations are discussed.
14 citations
TL;DR: The hypothesis that the organizational workforce's perception of persons with disabilities as a minority group will change societal attitudes resulting in a more progressive public policy is supported.
Abstract: The Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) are evidence of the progress, in relation to civil rights, made in the disability public policy arena. Similarly, much progress has been made in changing negative attitudes that sometimes prevail in the organizational workforce. Although much progress has been made for persons with disabilities, there remains much work to be accomplished. An abundance of concerns have recently surfaced regarding whether the previously noted legislation effectively address the rights of persons with disabilities in the organizational workforce. In light of recent concerns, the authors advocate the minority group model as a catalyst for creating public policy that will effectively address the rights of persons with disabilities. Thus, the purpose of this paper is to support the hypothesis that the organizational workforce's perception of persons with disabilities as a minority group will change societal attitudes resulting in a more progressive public policy.
13 citations
TL;DR: This article explored the hypothesis that African Americans, in comparison to Whites, hold more positive attitudes toward persons with disabilities in social situations, and differences according to the gender of the college student participants were explored.
Abstract: A small number of studies have yielded inconclusive results when examining the assertion that ethnic minorities have greater acceptance of persons with disabilities because of shared minority group status. The purpose of this study was to explore the hypothesis that African Americans, in comparison to Whites, hold more positive attitudes toward persons with disabilities in social situations. Also, differences according to the gender of the college student participants were explored. Implications for rehabilitation counseling are provided.
9 citations
TL;DR: This paper reviews AODA as a disability, discusses the need for legislative protection of this population, and isolates specific issues which exist when interpreting and applying rehabilitation legislation in the case of persons with A ODA disabilities.
Abstract: Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse (AODA) may present special challenges for rehabilitation counselors whether they are dealing with this problem as a primary or secondary disability. While rehabilitation counselors may be familiar with the legislative implications for other disability groups, alcohol and other drug abuse is a “special case” among the larger group of persons with disabilities due to the complexities surrounding interpretation of rehabilitation legislation. This paper reviews AODA as a disability, discusses the need for legislative protection of this population, and isolates specific issues which exist when interpreting and applying rehabilitation legislation in the case of persons with AODA disabilities.
8 citations
TL;DR: The differing views regarding dual disorders treatment are presented, as well as the models used in chemical dependency, psychiatric, and integrated treatment settings, and implications for rehabilitation counseling and future research needs are addressed.
Abstract: Persons with dual disorders of psychiatric illness and substance dependence represent a significant portion of clients in mental health, chemical dependency, and/or other rehabilitation programs. Several psychiatric disorders are commonly found in persons with coexisting substance dependence disorders, including anxiety and mood disorders, psychotic disorders, and personality disorders. In this paper, dual disorder classifications are discussed as well as information on the prevalence of each disorder. The differing views regarding dual disorders treatment are presented, as well as the models used in chemical dependency, psychiatric, and integrated treatment settings. Implications for rehabilitation counseling and future research needs are also addressed.
TL;DR: The DSM-IV is the most widely used source of diagnostic information pertaining to psychiatric disorders as mentioned in this paper, and it has been extensively used in the field of rehabilitation counseling, including conceptual structure for determining rehabilitation eligibility and needs.
Abstract: The DSM-IV is the most widely used source of diagnostic information pertaining to psychiatric disorders. The value of the DSM-IV in diagnosis, case management, and counselor education has been thoroughly documented. Despite the fact that psychiatric disabilities are represented in the field of vocational rehabilitation in growing numbers, applications of the DSM-IV in rehabilitation counseling have been slow to develop. This article illustrates important potential contributions of the DSM-IV in rehabilitation counseling, including conceptual structure for determining rehabilitation eligibility and needs, information necessary for diagnosis of co-existing disabilities, and insights into the developmental needs of consumers.
TL;DR: The results confirmed the importance of assessing stress levels in both members of the marital system when considering HRQL in individuals undergoing heart transplantation, particularly during the pre transplantation phase.
Abstract: Levels of stress in individuals who have undergone heart transplantation and their spouses, and their combined effects on health-related quality of life (HRQL) were examined prospectively in 34 couples pre and post transplantation. Both members of the couple reported normative stress levels pre and post transplantation. Spousal stress levels, as well as candidate stress levels predicted Psychosocial HRQL functioning in the candidate member of the couple atone month pre transplantation, accounting for 58% of the variance. Stress levels of the recipient continued to be associated with psychosocial functioning post transplantation. Our results confirmed the importance of assessing stress levels in both members of the marital system when considering HRQL in individuals undergoing heart transplantation, particularly during the pre transplantation phase. Clinical implications for the rehabilitation counselor are discussed.
TL;DR: Issues relevant when dealing with adolescents and informed medical consent are addressed, including legal, ethical, and familial implications.
Abstract: Many adolescents reach full cognitive development by age 15. Age 18, however, has been designated the age when adolescents may give consent to medical treatment. When the reasoning ability of the adolescent has reached maturation, but the law does not afford the adolescent the ability to utilize his or her reasoning ability, conflicts may arise. Parents may wish one set of treatments for their child and the child may wish for a different type of treatment. When the adolescent is the client of a rehabilitation counselor or healthcare professional, ethical dilemmas may also arise. Supporting the adolescent will support his or her autonomy, however, it may concurrently stifle beneficence or nonmaleficence. This paper addresses issues relevant when dealing with adolescents and informed medical consent. These issues include legal, ethical, and familial implications. Guidelines to assist rehabilitation counselors are also offered.
TL;DR: A review of the brief therapy literature is discussed with an emphasis on how this form of counseling is appropriate to assist individuals with disabilities progress in the areas of disability minimization, skill acquisition, environment manipulation, and the achievement of life goals.
Abstract: This paper discusses the use of brief therapy principles in rehabilitation counseling. Rehabilitation counseling currently lacks a universal method of service delivery, due to the extreme diversity of consumers served, and the settings in which they are served. The basic principles that are common to all forms of brief therapy (specific problem focus, time limits, and task performance) offer a method of counseling that is applicable to all consumers in most settings. A review of the brief therapy literature is discussed with an emphasis on how this form of counseling is appropriate to assist individuals with disabilities progress in the areas of disability minimization, skill acquisition, environment manipulation, and the achievement of life goals.
TL;DR: In this article, a holistic multicultural counseling approach, using a case illustration, was proposed to teach rehabilitation counselors to recognize and appreciate both the individual uniqueness and human commonalities among persons with disabilities.
Abstract: This article proposes a holistic multicultural counseling approach, using a case illustration, that teaches rehabilitation counselors to recognize and appreciate both the individual uniqueness and human commonalities among persons with disabilities. This approach includes, but is not limited to: racial/ethnic identity, religious affiliation, gender, disability and socioeconomic status. A key supposition underlying the proposed approach is that effective counseling is individualized and an emphasis should be on understanding what is useful or meaningful to the client as a person, rather than viewing the person only as a representative of a certain racial/ethnic/cultural group.
Abstract: This study investigated perceptions of nine people with cerebral palsy about relationships in their families, schools, and rehabilitation counseling. One participant was Hispanic, all others were Anglo-American. Audio-taped interviews were transcribed and analyzed using qualitative research methodology. Findings indicated that feelings of belonging were a major theme for all participants across the contexts of family, school, and rehabilitation counseling. Aspects of belonging within each context, implications for rehabilitation counseling service provision, and suggestions for future research are discussed.
TL;DR: The purpose of this study was to explore dimensions of quality of life perceived by Chinese Americans with disabilities with reference to improve vocational rehabilitation services to this group and implications for rehabilitation counselors and researchers are discussed.
Abstract: The purpose of this study was to explore dimensions of quality of life (QOL) perceived by Chinese Americans with disabilities with reference to improve vocational rehabilitation services to this group. Forty-three Chinese Americans/immigrants with physical disabilities participated in the study. A focus group technique was used to collect data. The participants identified the following nine dimensions of QOL: (1) contributing to society; (2) self-reliance; (3) enjoying the same rights as others; (4) not having to worry about food, clothing, housing, and transportation; (5) physical health; (6) emotional health; (7) relationships; (8) individual safety; and (9) stability and prosperity of the nation. Participants also defined six problems that prevented them from living a good life. Implications of the results for rehabilitation counselors and researchers are discussed in light of the impact of Chinese culture and immigration on the QOL of Chinese Americans/immigrants with disabilities.
TL;DR: In this paper, a job task analysis was conducted to assist the first and only rehabilitation counseling program in Thailand in curriculum and instructional planning, a sample consisted of 71 directors of agencies, schools and hospitals which provided services to children and adults with disabling conditions.
Abstract: In order to assist the first and only rehabilitation counseling program in Thailand in curriculum and instructional planning, a job task analysis was conducted. The sample consisted of 71 directors of agencies, schools and hospitals which provided services to children and adults with disabling conditions. The results of the study were consistent with previous research on the roles and functions of the rehabilitation counselor, and supported the counselor-coordinator model.
TL;DR: The findings of this study indicate that female substance users in treatment face multiple challenges in addition to those associated with efficacious treatment outcomes, including parenting, assuming head-of-household roles and responsibilities, and physical and/or mental health issues.
Abstract: The primary purpose of this study was to identify characteristics of substance-using females engaged in chemical dependency treatment programs. A sample of 104 women involved in six treatment programs completed the “Participants' Background Information Survey” developed by the researchers and the “Revised Beck Depression Inventory” (Beck & Steer, 1993). The findings of this study indicate that female substance users in treatment face multiple challenges in addition to those associated with efficacious treatment outcomes, including parenting, assuming head-of-household roles and responsibilities, and physical and/or mental health issues. Implications of this study include the need for chemical dependency programs to develop collaborative relationships with other community agencies: vocational rehabilitation, children's services, early intervention, and mental health. Suggestions for prevention and intervention are discussed, as well as areas of further research.
TL;DR: The Occupational Information Network (O*NET) has been used for job analysis and vocational evaluation in this article, and potential uses and shortcomings of O*NET have been discussed.
Abstract: Functional Job Analysis will continue to be the preferred method for accurate, reliable, and legally defensible determination of job duties. With the implementation of the Occupational Information Network (O*NET), job-related functions to be evaluated will expand and the potential applications and problems, both practical and research, will increase. The O*NET system is described, as are potential uses and shortcomings of O*NET, as well as the importance of O*NET to job analysis and vocational evaluation.
TL;DR: Common symptoms, functional limitations and vocational impediments of people with FMS are examined and rehabilitation counseling issues, including vocational assessment and planning issues, are discussed and suggestions about appropriate rehabilitation techniques and services are offered.
Abstract: Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) is a poorly understood physical syndrome that affects a significant number of Americans of working age. FMS is related to a variety of psychosocial and vocational problems. Rehabilitation counselors need additional information to work effectively with people with FMS. This paper examines common symptoms, functional limitations and vocational impediments of people with FMS. It then discusses rehabilitation counseling issues, including vocational assessment and planning issues, and offers suggestions about appropriate rehabilitation techniques and services.
TL;DR: This paper presents a framework for assessing and understanding clients, and for helping with goal setting and decision making that utilizes the Adlerian constructs of lifestyle and the life tasks to help the client and counselor work together to develop successful rehabilitation plans.
Abstract: There is currently a recognized trend in the provision of vocational rehabilitation services toward more direct client involvement in rehabilitation planning and services. As a result of this trend there is a need for specific and practical counseling approaches for increasing client participation in the rehabilitation process. Further, counselors often encounter clients who, for various reasons, do not have a vocational or rehabilitation goal in mind. In these instances, it can be challenging for counselors to balance guiding the client's goal development with client autonomy. This paper presents a framework for assessing and understanding clients, and for helping with goal setting and decision making. The assessment utilizes the Adlerian constructs of lifestyle and the life tasks to help the client and counselor work together to develop successful rehabilitation plans.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors sought to gain insight into the behaviors and perspectives of exemplary rehabilitation counselors and how they interpret best practices in the private sector using a semi-structured, conversational approach.
Abstract: This study sought to gain insight into the behaviors and perspectives of exemplary rehabilitation counselors and how they interpret best practices in the private sector. Twenty rehabilitation counselors nominated as exemplary were interviewed using a semi-structured, conversational approach. A qualitative approach for identifying thematic lines was used to analyze the data. Results and findings from this qualitative design are discussed and implications identified for the major theme of professional maturity. Two sub-themes were additionally identified (1) a belief in fair and equitable treatment of clients and (2) understanding the limitations of the roles and responsibilities of a private rehabilitation counselor. The client-counselor relationship was also emphasized as important to rehabilitation counseling practice in the private sector.