A Preliminary Investigation into the Reentry Experiences of Black Returning Citizens with Disabilities
Marcus Durya Weathers Jr.
This presentation seeks to explore the preliminary findings of a qualitative study focused on understanding how black returning citizens with disabilities experience successful reentry. This study uses interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA; Larkin et. al, 2021) and Disability Critical Race Theory (DisCrit; Annamma et. al, 2013) to uncover the structures that contribute to the unique reentry experiences of black returning citizens with disabilities. The implications of this study are to offer valuable insights to stakeholders, policymakers, researchers, practitioners, and students in helping professional fields that allow us to reimagine new possibilities to improve reentry outcomes through the centering of voices with lived experience in our research.
A review of mindfulness/ wellness techniques in individuals with traumatic brain injuries
Jacquelyn Brooks; Amanda Desnoyers, M.Ed., NCC, NCSC; Meghan DeBeukelear; Allison Putman
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) results in more than 586 hospitalizations per day per the CDC (2024). TBI can cause psychological effects such as an increase in depression and anxiety and a decrease in perceived quality of life, attentiveness, and locus of control. The research seeks to identify which mindfulness and well-being interventions are most effective in rehabilitation counseling settings. From the literature reviewed, Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) and techniques from this program, such as body scanning, breathing, and the incorporation of yoga, show a positive impact on individuals in the area of improved quality of life and attentiveness and mild improvement in depression and anxiety. The literature review results indicate the need for additional qualitative studies and randomized controlled trials.
Black of Collaboration: Perspectives from Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors
David G. Strauser, Ph.D.
Robust federal and state funding and legislative incentives exist to implement collaborative employment-focused transition services (WIOA, 2014; IDEA, 2004). However, there are challenges to collaboration between schools and the state-federal vocational rehabilitation system in providing employment-focused transition services to high school students with disabilities (Saleh et al., 2019). Research on interagency collaboration guided by collaboration theory may provide valuable data for designing and implementing high-quality collaborative transition services for high school students with disabilities (Thomson & Perry, 2006; Wood & Gray, 1991;). The current study heeded the call to action by interagency collaboration researchers (e.g., Fabian et al., 2016; Flowers et al., 2015; Saleh et al., 2019). These authors note the lack of empirical understanding of collaboration and the need to identify best practices, clarify collaboration as a theoretical and practical construct, and better understand system-level processes that promote high-quality collaboration.
Connecting with Clients with Intellectual Disabilities: Mental Health Counseling Approaches and Transferable Skills
Ashleigh Marie Johnson, NCC, M.Ed.; Dominic Cesar Augustin NCC, CRC, M. Ed.
This educational presentation is based on research that explains mental health concerns and treatment considerations for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Starting with a general overview, the presentation will include introduce a biopsychosocial view of intellectual and developmental disabilities, identify factors that impact mental health such as adverse childhood experiences, adverse interpersonal experiences, accessibility to mental health counseling, and highlights of practices that mental health counselors consider using when working with this population specifically. As a result of attending this presentation, members of The Association for Rehabilitation, Research, Policy and Education will have the opportunity to experience disability advocacy for people with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities from a mental health counseling perspective which includes discussion of therapeutic practices and an exploration of transferrable interpersonal skills that may be useful to incorporate in attendees’ respective fields of study and professions.
Disability Disclosure Profiles and Well-being among individuals with disabilities: A Latent Profile Analysis
Yongsu Song
Disability disclosure is one of the significant factors that form social interaction and facilitate societal inclusion for individuals with disabilities. It is a multifaced and ongoing decision-making process influenced by several factors. However, there is little research that identifies the pattern of disability disclosure. This current study aimed to identify patterns of disability disclosure experiences among individuals with disabilities using a latent profile analysis (LPA) and explore the relationship between these patterns and antecedent variables. Also, the study examined how these patterns predicted well-being. We analyzed responses from participants with disabilities (N=221) and employed LPA to uncover distinct disclosure profiles based on indicators (Internal motivation, external motivation, emotional state, and anticipated outcome) that come from the disability disclosure theory and disclosure process model. Then multinomial logistic regression was used to examine how antecedent variables predicted profiles. Lastly, the relationship between profiles and well-being was analyzed using categorical regression. LPA revealed three latent profiles: Disclosure-Hesitant, Disclosure-Developing, and Disclosure-Achievement. Over half of the participants were classified in the Disclosure-Developing group, while approximately a quarter were included in the Disclosure-Achievement group. Compared to the Disclosure-Developing group, a high level of severity significantly predicted the Disclosure-Hesitant group, and employment significantly predicted the Disclosure-Achievement group. Disclosure-Hesitant group significantly predicted low well-being compared to the Disclosure-Developing group. The identification of distinct patterns of disability disclosure experiences sheds new light on understanding the characteristics of disability disclosure and its relation to well-being. Consideration for tailored interventions to facilitate disability disclosure and promote well-being among individuals with disabilities.
Disability Pride, Self-Advocacy, and Career Adaptability in Autistic Young Adults: Online Intervention Study
Sara Park
This presentation showcases a novel internet-based Disability Pride intervention for young adults with ASD. This presentation also delineates preliminary results from a randomized controlled trial evaluating the efficacy and effectiveness of the intervention. In this randomized controlled trial, the researcher examined the potential of Disability Pride in mitigating stigma and fostering positive self-perception among young adults with autism. Importantly, the researcher investigated whether an intervention fostering Disability Pride, coupled with education on civic engagement and political advocacy skills, could empower these individuals to become effective self-advocates, particularly in employment settings. Additionally, the researcher investigated whether career self-advocacy skills translate into other adaptive career attitudes and behaviors.
Disability Secrecy, Disclosure, and Quality of Life: A Moderated Mediation Model
Yongsu Song; Eunjeong Ko; Jina Chun; Kyesha Isadore; Sang Qin
Disability secrecy and disclosure are related to quality of life among individuals with disabilities. This study examines how self efficacy related to disability secrecy and disclosure influence quality of life through the mediating role of self esteem , with external motivation as a moderator Moderated mediation effects were tested using PROCESS models 4 and 7 N = 221 ). Results showed that both secrecy self efficacy and disclosure self efficacy positively influenced quality of life through increased self esteem. Additionally, external motivation moderated the mediation effect, enhancing the effects of disclosure self efficacy in those with higher external motivation and heightening secrecy self efficacy in those with lower external motivations. These findings highlight the nuanced roles between disclosure and secrecy self efficacy, along with external motivation, in shaping well being outcomes.
Embracing Uncertainty: A Philosophical and Practical Rationale for Bayesian Approaches in Rehabilitation Counseling Research
Hannah Fry, Ph.D.
As a field that recognizes itself as a hidden gem, we try to establish rehabilitation counseling (RC) as a statistically rigorous science. Simultaneously, RC is fundamentally as much science as art. There is a uniquely human element about how we engage with people with CID. And being humans, we err. Come to this session to find out and discuss how this beginner understands the philosophical and practical alignment of Bayesian approaches to rehabilitation counseling so we can learn to be comfortable in the uncertainty of life, research, and statistics.
Engaging Veterans with Spinal Cord Injury in Vocational Rehabilitation: What Works, What Doesn’t in the Early Phase of Job Seeking
Bridget Corner, Ph.D.; Lisa A. Ottomanelli, Ph.D.; Areana Cruz, Ph.D.; Tammy Jorgensen Smith, Ph.D., CRC
The Evolving and Often Overlooked Potential of Self-Management in Rehabilitation: The Example of Multiple Sclerosis Self-Management
Malachy Bishop, Ph.D.
Self-management remains an important but underutilized assessment and planning framework in rehabilitation counseling and related professions. A comprehensive and holistic health, wellness, and self-advocacy framework, self-management has an important but underdeveloped role in assessment, health promotion, case and career planning, and employment support in rehabilitation. In this presentation we (1) define and examine self-management, (2) explore the continually evolving process of refining this fundamentally client-centered construct, and (3) explore its potential utility in rehabilitation. The development, in 2007, and subsequent revisions and refinements of the Multiple Sclerosis Self-Management Scale (MSSM) are an exemplar of the evolution of self-management. Developed based on a framework that emerged in research with individuals living with HIV and other chronic illnesses, the MSSM is the leading self-management assessment instrument in MS, providing a multidimensional and psychometrically sound assessment of self-management knowledge and engagement among adults with multiple sclerosis (MS). Since its original development the scale has been revised twice, translated into several languages, and used internationally in MS research and clinical trials. Based on a review of over 50 international published studies describing research using the MSSM, MSSM-R, and MSSM-2 with tens of thousands of individuals living with MS, we describe the influence and inclusion over time of the changing perspectives and experiences of individuals with disabilities and chronic illnesses. We examine how the resulting research has informed clinical and rehabilitation perspectives and practices, and understanding of the impacts of MS and responses of those living with MS. Finally, we describe effective integration of self-management scales and constructs in rehabilitation, and the broad utility of self-management in rehabilitation counseling.
Expanding Outcomes and Building Success in Employment Programs
Regina Kaiser
Work is an essential step on the pathway to recovery. Supported Employment Evidence-Based Practices promote the belief that everyone with mental or physical health challenges are capable of working competitively in the community. We will provide approaches to employment that can be used in a variety of settings to help individuals reach their dreams of employment; including the use of Peer Supports Specialists in community based employment programs.
Hopefulness and Perception of Barriers Among Job Seeking Veterans with SCI Prior to Initiation of Vocational Rehabilitation Interventions
Lisa A. Ottomanelli, Ph.D.; Hari Venkatachalam; Scott McDonald, Ph.D.; Tammy Jorgensen Smith, Ph.D., CRC ; Christina Dillahunt-Aspillaga, Ph.D., CRC; Peter Toyinbo, Ph.D.; Bridget Corner, Ph.D.; Areana Cruz, Ph.D.; Julie Cessna-Palas, Ph.D.; Lance L. Goetz
Intersectionality of Race and Disability through the Lens of Discrit Theory
Hannah Carter, MS, CRC, NCC, LAPC
This presentation examines the interplay of group dynamics, focusing on the intersectionality of race, chronic illness, and disabilities. Utilizing the theoretical exploration of Discrit (Crenshaw, 1995; Gillborn, 2015) and practical applications to use in educational or community settings, this session will provide insights into navigating complex dynamics and fostering inclusivity within diverse communities.
IPSE & VR: Collaboration for Competitive Integrated Employment (CIE)
Hannah Carignan
Inclusive Postsecondary Education (IPSE) programs provide students with Intellectual Disability (ID) access to college and career preparation. Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) supports individuals with disabilities in finding and maintaining Competitive Integrated Employment (CIE). A National Employment Partnerships Workgroup led by Virginia Commonwealth University brought workgroup members together from Vocational Rehabilitation (VR), Inclusive Postsecondary Education (IPSE) programs, Policy Experts, Business Partners, and Self Advocates to target employment access for students with ID. This session will focus on lessons learned from the National Employment Partnerships Workgroup to support state-level collaborations between VR and IPSE programs. Join us to learn more about current needs and solutions to partner for enhanced student employment outcomes.
Is it Working? Understanding the Supervisory Working Alliance and the Impacts of Differences in Supervision Expectations
Gizem Tekinarslan
The Supervisory Working Alliance (SWA) is central to effective supervision in rehabilitation counseling. A strong and positive working alliance evolves through the degree to which the supervisor and supervisee agree on supervision goals and have strong emotional bonds. The expectations regarding clinical supervision are also considered to impact the level of working alliance between supervisor and supervisee. This session delves into how differing supervision expectations between supervisors and supervisees impact the working alliance and supervisee satisfaction. Drawing from existing literature, the researchers examine the origins of these mismatched expectations and their effects on stakeholders, including supervisors, counselors, and clients in rehabilitation counseling agencies. The consequences of these mismatches weaken the commitment between supervisors and counselors, which ultimately affects clients' well-being and vocational outcomes.
Job Retention: Intersection of Visibility, Stigma and Ableism in Work Places
Aylin Celik Zencir
The literature extensively documents that societal perceptions, stigmatization, and stereotypes surrounding disability are closely related to the visibility of the condition. Individuals with visible disabilities tend to receive a degree of recognition from society regarding their accommodation needs, whereas individuals with invisible disabilities often face skepticism concerning the legitimacy of their disabilities and related accommodations. Consequently, those with invisible disabilities encounter distinct challenges due to the invalidation of their experiences. Prior research has shown that individuals with invisible disabilities are often reluctant to disclose their conditions due to concerns about stigmatization, further complicating access to necessary accommodations. Nevertheless, workplace accommodations are critical for fostering job satisfaction and may play a key role in sustaining employment. This research evaluated the relationship between visibility of disability on job retention as well as experience of different vocational barriers and the receipt of select vocational rehabilitation services. An evaluation of job retention of persons with disabilities was conducted using RSA 911 data. Findings and recommendations for serving persons with invisible disabilities are provided based on the analysis of RSA 911 data.
Maximizing Vocational Rehabilitation Outcomes: Leveraging High Quality Technical Assistance for Lasting Impact
Emily Brinck, Ph.D.
The Vocational Rehabilitation Technical Assistance Center for Quality Employment (VRTAC-QE) provides critical support in improving employment outcomes for individuals with disabilities, particularly through its strategic partnerships with vocational rehabilitation (VR) agencies and related stakeholders. In sharing lessons learned, we highlight the importance of tailored technical assistance (TA) that adapts to the specific needs and cultural nuances of each state VR agency. A one-size-fits-all approach is ineffective. Instead, success depends on understanding local challenges, engaging diverse communities, and building capacity at every organizational level. The focus on data-driven strategies reveals that sustained, evidence-based interventions are key to improving services and employment outcomes for individuals with disabilities.
Medicaid coverage for individuals re-entering society after incarceration
Patrina Wong
People with disabilities leaving carceral institutions and looking to re-enter society are thus subjected to a disadvantaged position from the start. The gap in Medicaid coverage, in addition to the potential health issues gained during incarceration, can very well become factors for recidivism and poor health outcomes. With new policies and changes being introduced, such as the Medicaid Reentry Act, one must stay abreast with current research to understand how we can best support this population. Thus, this poster aims to explore the vast issue of Medicaid coverage via a literature review with the following three questions in mind. First, what are the effects of the gaps in Medicaid coverage as the individual prepares to re-enter their community? Second, how might Medicaid coverage influence one's employment and rate of recidivism? Third, what role might rehabilitation counselors play in this process?
Person-Centered Survey Development Using Cognitive Interviewing: A Literature Review
Abbas Quamar, Ph.D., CRC; Elizabeth A. Boland, Ph.D., CRC
This study conducted an exploratory literature review to determine the significance of using cognitive interviewing for person-centered survey development in rehabilitation counseling. The databases PubMed, PsychInfo, and CINAHL were searched for retrieving articles from the last 20 years. A total of 17 studies were selected for full review. The results confirmed the crucial role of cognitive interviewing in synchronizing the intended purpose of a scale item, and participant comprehension of individual scale items. The results further confirmed the two most commonly used techniques for cognitive interviewing – concurrent probing and think-aloud interviewing. The results of this study have profound implications for survey development for assessing self-reported outcomes for people with disabilities in rehabilitation counseling.
Program Evaluation With a Capital E! Exploring the Importance and Best Practices
Stuart Rumrill, Ph.D., LPC, CRC
Evaluation is crucial to the success of any rehabilitation employment intervention, whether it involves an hour-long social skills training session for a small group of high school students with disabilities or a multi-year, multi-million dollar nationwide project. While there are universal guiding principles in evaluation efforts, the process is highly individualized and customizable. The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is leading the Illinois Subminimum Wage to Competitive Integrated Employment (SWTCIE) project, which aims to transition subminimum wage/14(c) workers with disabilities into competitive integrated employment (CIE). Join the SWTCIE evaluation team for an interactive discussion on the importance of evaluation, how to develop an evaluation framework and why it is essential, how to successfully align evaluation and implementation, how evaluation responsibilities and tasks can be distributed among team members, and how to translate and disseminate knowledge gained from evaluation activities.
Quality Indicators of Supported Employment for People with IDD
Whitney Ham, Ph.D. BCBA, M.S., CRC
Currently, supported employment is the most successful intervention to assist job seekers with IDD in gaining competitive integrated employment (CIE; Wehman, 2023). It is also the most used individual service provided to people with IDD receiving VR services. Despite the prevalence of SE service provision across the U.S., there is still no clear description of the indicators that would define high quality SE for individuals with IDD (Iwanga, et al., In Press). Further, in a national survey, we found that individuals with IDD, their parents or caretakers, teachers, job coaches, and educators view SE as a helpful and effective way to help job seekers with IDD gain CIE but that they could not obtain SE in their communities. Additionally, when they did get SE services, they were not delivered by trained service providers (Schall, et al., 2023). Thus, despite SE being an effective intervention designed to help people with IDD gain CIE, job seekers with IDD face a major systemic barrier getting quality SE services. During this session, we will report on research defining the essential quality indicators of SE as described by a nation-wide sample of job coaches, VR counselors, and job-seekers and employers with IDD.
Quality of Life and Psychiatric Disability: Insights and Recommendations for Rehabilitation Professionals
Rebecca Gonzalez, M.A.
The United States is currently experiencing a mental health crisis amidst long-standing barriers to medical care. Disparities to treatment predominantly exist among ethnic minorities and/or low-income individuals who are most likely to be afflicted with a psychiatric disability. It is imperative to further the literature regarding quality of life among those living with psychiatric disabilities to better understand what is occurring in this country with potential for generalizations to be made to other nations. Prospective studies have potential to be utilized for evidence-based medicine, tailored therapy interventions and guide the structures of rehabilitation/counseling university education programs. However, quality of life research is an area of literature lacking consistent definitions, lacking vital variables included within the design of studies, and contains cultural inconsistencies. The purpose intended of this manuscript is to synthesize relevant previous research, promote insight for rehabilitation professionals, and offer ideas for future avenues of investigation.
Quality of Life Profiles among individuals with disabilities: A Latent Profile Analysis
Yongsu Song
The quality of life (QoL) of individuals with disabilities involves a complex interaction between personal and environmental factors. Wright (1983) suggested several factors that affect the QoL of individuals with disabilities. However, there is little research that identifies the patterns QoL indicators among individuals with disabilities. This current study aimed to identify these patterns using a latent profile analysis (LPA) and to explore the relationship between these patterns and antecedent variables. Also, the study examined how these patterns predicted overall QoL. We analyzed responses from participants with disabilities (N=221) and employed LPA to uncover distinct QoL profiles based on indicators including self-esteem, perceived stress, social support, and community engagement. Then, multinomial logistic regression was used to examine how antecedent variables predicted profiles. Lastly, the relationship between profiles and QoL was analyzed using categorical regression. LPA revealed two latent profiles: Wellbeing-Challenged, and Wellbeing-Sustained. When we compared between the two profile groups, we found that unemployment significantly affects classification. Specifically, in the case of unemployment, the likelihood of being Wellbeing-Challenged compared to Wellbeing-Sustained is 4.58 times higher than in the case of employment. Wellbeing-Sustained group significantly predicted high overall QoL compared to the Wellbeing-Challenged group. The identification of distinct QoL patterns shed new light on the understanding of the characteristics of well-being of individuals with disabilities and its relation to personal and environmental factors. Consideration for tailored interventions to promote well-being among individuals with disabilities.
Student-Research Experiences on a Federally-Funded Project to Develop Transition-Specific Collaboration Competencies
Henry Cohn-Geltner, M.S.; Kathleen (Kat) Marie Oertle, PhD., CRC, LVRC-Utah
Graduate master’s students in rehabilitation counseling programs have opportunities for experience on research projects. However, the majority of students do not have in-depth engagement in applied research. Taking a research class is required but a thesis or creative project is typically not required. Highlighted in this presentation are student-researcher experiences on a federally funded 3-year project developing Collaborate for Change (C2) model and competencies for use in improving transition outcomes. Developed with 83 statewide transition leaders and field contacts from the Council of State Administrators of Vocational Rehabilitation (CSAVR) and the National Association of State Directors of Special Education (NASDSE), and the national Technical Assistance Centers, applicable stories will be shared from the student-researcher lens.
The Career Journey of People with Disabilities: Barriers and Resilience
Tolga Zencir
This qualitative study explores the career development experiences of employed people with disabilities, focusing on how they cope with stigmatization and the challenges related to their disability. The research explores both the positive and negative factors that influence their career resilience and ability to adapt throughout their professional journey. Utilizing semi-structured interviews, the current study examines the coping strategies these individuals employ to navigate workplace challenges, including self-stigma, physical and emotional limitations, and discrimination. Grounded in a framework based on disability acceptance, this research aims to uncover how self-efficacy, emotional empowerment, and career resilience contribute to their professional success and well-being. The results will be discussed based on literature. The findings will be contextualized within the broader literature on disability inclusion, providing insights into how individuals with disabilities build career resilience.
The Path from Autism Acceptance to Quality of Life
Kaiqi Zhou, Ph.D., CRC, LPC-IT; Jaeyoung (Jay) Kim, Ph.D., CRC
Autistic transition-age youths experienced unique psychosocial challenges in transitioning to postsecondary settings. These challenges may result from both the nature of ASD and the developmental tasks associated with this unique developmental stage. Given the challenges and barriers faced by this population, understanding the relationship among factors in this transition period and developing relevant interventions is crucial. The purpose of the study was to examine the relationships between autism acceptance and coping strategies and understand how they impact the quality of life (QOL) of this population.
The relationship between psychosocial adjustment to disability and engagement in vocational rehabilitation services among young adults with disabilities
Amaka Okori
The common perception of disability as a misfortune seems to be a giant hurdle for people with disabilities to cross. It is one thing to accept a disability and a greater step to adjust to the disability. Adjustment to a disability is crucial for people with disabilities to embrace life make a mark and move towards their self-esteem. Getting employed boosts, one’s confidence, and leads to a move toward autonomy, which provides the needed drive toward independence. This study explores the relationship between disability adjustment and engagement in vocational rehabilitation services among young adults with disabilities. The study also explored the role played by autonomy in the engagement of young adults with disabilities. Data was collected online through a survey of young adults with disabilities between 18 and 30 receiving VR services for less than a year regarding their engagement in vocational rehabilitation, their adjustment to disability, and several Self-Determination Theory-based measures. Findings, recommendations, and future research directions are provided.
Supervisors’ Perspectives on recruiting, hiring and onboarding people with disabilities
Ada Chen, Ph.D.; John O’Neill
The 2022 Kessler Foundation National Employment and Disability Survey - Supervisor Perspectives examines the evolving roles and attitudes of supervisors toward disability employment in the post-COVID-19 workforce. With responses from over 3,000 supervisors nationwide, the survey highlights key areas: workplace accommodations, the impact of remote work, and challenges in hiring and retaining employees with disabilities. Findings reveal increased accommodation requests, mixed perspectives on remote work, and a need for training to support disability inclusion. This presentation will discuss the survey’s implications for creating flexible work policies, providing supervisor training, and enhancing resources to improve retention and inclusion. By addressing these areas, organizations can foster an inclusive environment that benefits both employees with disabilities and the broader workforce.
SWTCIE Illinois Evaluation Framework: A Template for Program Evaluation of Rehabilitation Agencies
Stuart Rumrill, Ph.D., LPC, CRC; Bryan S. Austin, Ph.D., LPC (in Idaho), CRC, CVE; David G. Strauser, Ph.D.; Chun-Lung Lee, Ph.D.; John F. Kosciulek, Ph.D.
The Subminimum Wage to Competitive Integrated Employment (SWTCIE) Illinois project is a collaborative initiative aimed at transitioning subminimum-wage, 14(c)/sheltered workshop employees with disabilities into competitive integrated employment. SWTCIE Illinois operates on the belief that workers with disabilities deserve competitive wages and can work competitively with proper supports. This five-year project targets youth and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). A quality evaluation plan is critical to assess the success of such large interventions or innovative model demonstration projects. One year into the SWTCIE Illinois project, our evaluation team will present an overview of SWTCIE Illinois’ evaluation framework, key data findings, professional lessons learned, and how this framework can serve as a template for effective program evaluation of rehabilitation agencies.
University-sponsored experiences in employment of people with disabilities abroad
Paola Premuda-Conti, Ph.D., CRC, CVE; Runna Alghazo, Ph.D., CRC, LPC
Americans with disabilities who want to work can obtain services from established employment programs and work with rehabilitation counselors under protected legal status (Rubin, Roessler, & Rumrill, 2016). However, in many low or middle-income countries in the world, programs and laws to encourage employment of people with disabilities are non-existent or are in their infancy. This presentation will describe two successful university-led employment programs in Uruguay and in Saudi Arabia.
Using Work to Intervene on Youth Mental Health Disparities
Emily Brinck, Ph.D.
The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) (2024) estimates that 50% of lifetime Mental Health diagnoses show symptoms by age 14 and 75% by age 24. Adolescents and young adults with mental health conditions are particularly vulnerable to social exclusion, discrimination, stigma, educational difficulties, and risk-taking behaviors. In the U.S., mental health problems affect up to 50 percent of adolescents in their lifetime. As mental health interventions continue to be explored in all aspects, Rehabilitation Counseling can provide a unique angle to servicing clientele. This presentation will use Rehabilitation Service Administration-911 data to identify marginalized youth communities and analyze disparities across all youth populations. In addition, vocation will be used to explore the benefits it can provide to mitigate lifespan-related developmental concerns.
Utilizing MTurk to Test the Revised Developmental Work Personality Scale & Other Scales
Claire Stelter, Ph.D.; David R.. Strauser, Ph.D.; Chun-Lung Lee, Ph.D.; Deirdre O'Sullivan, Ph.D.; Michele Schutz, Ph.D.
An online survey tool, MTurk, will be used to determine how the new revised Developmental Work Personality scale relates to the original scale with respect to content validity and psychometrics (e.g., factor structure, latent factors). The new revised Developmental Work Personality Scale will be tested to determine how it relates to additional scales, such as the Illinois Work and Wellbeing Model (IWWM), the Revised Affirmative to Problem Parenting Scale (R-APPS), My Vocational Situation (MVS), Community Integration Measure (CIM), and more. With this project, we aim to determine if people who identify as having a disability score lower on the Developmental Work Personality Scale compared to those who do not identify as having a disability. We also aim to determine if the Developmental Work Personality Scale explains work adjustment behaviors among those with and without disabilities. Finally, we aim to determine if a model of 4th stage development, parenting practices, development work personality, and wellbeing can be developed.
Why Do We Need to Expand Our Focus? Stigma: Structural Barrier to Employment
Aylin Celik Zencir
The significance of employment is well established in the literature and is a critical indicator of community integration within the field of rehabilitation counseling. Although substantial efforts have been made to include individuals with disabilities in the workforce, the majority of these initiatives focus on providing job training or workplace support for them. However, less attention is given to the structural barriers that are the primary causes of both employment challenges and difficulties with job retention for individuals with disabilities. This session will offer an overview of the stigma and employment-related challenges that individuals with disabilities encounter in this context.