PLEASE NOTE: This schedule is being frequently updated; please check back for the final version. Concurrent sessions are open enrollment; no advance sign-up is required.

Preconference Workshop Schedule

Preconference access is included with your ARRPE Conference registration and no additional registration is required to attend.

At a Glance Conference Schedule      Day 2 Conference Schedule
 

Monday, Feb. 24

7-9 a.m. Conference Check-in

A breakfast buffet will be available from 7:30-8:30 a.m.

8:15-8:30 a.m. Opening Remarks  |  Location: Ballroom ABC

David R. Strauser, Ph.D., president, ARRPE Board of Directors

8:30-9:20 a.m. Keynote Address  |  Location: Ballroom ABC

Competitive Employment: If Not Now, When? If Not Us, Who?
Paul Wehman, Ph.D., Virginia Commonwealth University

Dr. Paul Wehman will discuss the current status on competitive integrated employment for individuals with the highest support needs and will review progress made, but also why we continue to remain stuck in helping significantly challenged people out of segregated setting and into real work for real pay.

9:30-10:20 a.m. Concurrent Sessions

• Moderated Session: Effective Support for College Students with Disabilities  |  Location: Ballroom DE
  • Mental Health Literacy, Stigma, and Help-Seeking Behavior Among Black Male College Students in Historically Black Universities
    Bryan Gere, Ph.D., MBA, CRC, LPGC; Nahal Salimi, Ph.D., CRC
    
    Previous studies indicate that mental health literacy (MHL) is low among college students (Goodfellow, 2021; Landgren, 2020; Rafal et al., 2018). Previous studies report that male college students score lower on mental health literacy than female college students (Gorczynski & Sims-Schouten, 2024). Mental health literacy is connected to mental health help-seeking behavior. Black male college students are shown to be at higher risk for mental health problems such as depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder, yet are less likely to seek help for these problems compared to other racial groups (Livingston et al., 2022). Challenges with mental health can lead to significant negative consequences, such as poor academic performance, social isolation, and even suicide attempts. Stigma has been identified as an important factor that can influence the help-seeking behavior of male college students (DeBate et al., 2018). Previous research has indicated that Black male college students in Predominantly White Institutions (PWIs) often struggle with seeking mental health compared to those in Historically Black Universities and Colleges (HBCUs). The purpose of the descriptive cross-sectional study was to investigate the relationships among MHL, stigma, and help-seeking behavior among Black males at HBCUs. The results indicate that having better mental health knowledge is linked to seeking help more often, stressing the need to enhance mental health understanding for better support-seeking. Seeking help was positively associated with reduced stigma. Implications for practitioners, policymakers, and administrators were discussed.
     
  • The Exploration of Campus Climate, Self-Advocacy, and Flourishing among College Students with Disabilities
    Dewi Qisti
    
    Despite the rising number of students with disabilities enrolling in college, the dropout rate in post-secondary education remains elevated. The experience of being on campus and interacting with other members of the campus community is influenced by the campus climate. Institutions of higher education must ensure that equal educational opportunities are afforded to all students and that they have a chance to reach their educational goals (Elvidge, 2003). This quantitative study aims to examine the impact of campus climate characteristics on the self-advocacy skills and overall flourishing of students with disabilities. This study recruited college students with disabilities in Midwest colleges. To be included in the study, participants are required to enroll full-time or part-time) in a college or university with the diagnosis of physical and/or mental disabilities.
     
• Disability Social Inclusion Model and Trauma-Informed Strategies for Refugee-Focused Rehabilitation Service Provision  |  Location: Percival
  Ngonidzashe Mpofu, Ph.D., CCMHC, CRC, NCC
   
• A Randomized Control Trial to Promote Success among Postsecondary Students with TBI  |  Location: Verelst
  Phillip Rumrill, Ph.D., CRC; Amy Rumrill, M.Ed., CRC; Aundrea Gee, M.Ed., CRC
  
  Americans with traumatic brain injuries (TBI) experience unique effects due to their disability which impacts employment and career development.  With more than 2.5 million Americans sustaining TBIs annually, the number of students with TBI enrolling in colleges and universities has increased significantly. Postsecondary education can improve employment outcomes for individuals with TBI. Project Next, a two-group randomized clinical trial, provides those postsecondary education students with TBI in the full treatment group with a customized vocational case management intervention that provides them with cognitive support technology, and other means of assistance as they work toward their degree and employment in their area of study. This presentation will describe the intervention in detail and comparison between the full treatment and the control groups.
   
• Agency in Defining Autism: A Hierarchical Regression Analysis  |  Location: Vernon
  Kaiqi Zhou, Ph.D., CRC, LPC-IT; Sara Park, M.S., CRC, LPC-IT; Sang Qin, Ph.D., CRC
  
  Societal changes shape how autistic young adults define autism, influencing their identity development and psychosocial adaptation. This study explored the effects of demographic factors, self-acceptance, and agency on self-efficacy and quality of life (QOL) among 204 autistic young adults (ages 18–26) recruited from Prolific and MTurk. Hierarchical regression analyses revealed that gender and self-acceptance significantly predicted self-efficacy and QOL. Additionally, actively redefining autism (agency) had a positive impact on both outcomes, even when controlling for demographics and self-acceptance. These findings are discussed within the context of autism and psychosocial literature, highlighting implications for practice and future research.
   
• A toolkit to help your agency with quality self-employment outcomes  |  Location: Sloane
  Michael Frain, Ph.D., CRC
  
  This presentation will guide participants through a toolkit created by rehabilitation professionals from many areas. The toolkit will discuss policy and procedures for agencies, as well as provide practical easy to use templates for state and agency use in self-employment plans. The presentation will be interactive with new ideas generated for the toolkit from attending.
   

10:20-10:35 a.m. Coffee Break


10:35-11:25 a.m. Concurrent Sessions

• Identification and Vocational Rehabilitation Needs of Persons in Custody  |  Location: Ballroom DE
  Timothy Tansey, Ph.D.; Jaeyoung Kim, Ph.D.; Brian Phillips, Ph.D.; Chelsea Brehmer, Ph.D.; Marcus Weathers; Emily Brinck, Ph.D.; Sara Park
  
  Although it is well-established that persons with disabilities are disproportionally represented in the criminal legal system, the incidence of disability among individuals in custody is poorly understood. For instance, among individuals in custody in facilities operated by the Federal Bureau of Prisons under the U.S. Department of Justice, current census indicates that less than 5% have a physical or cognitive disability and rates of persons with psychiatric disabilities are below expected levels within these institutions. This presentation provides an overview of the development and evaluation of two instruments for persons in custody in federal institutions. The first measure, the Disability Screener, is intended to be a rapid assessment of potential disability for use at entry into federal institutions. The second instrument seeks to identify vocational rehabilitation needs among persons with disability in custody. A sample of 620 individuals currently in custody, as well as 830 individuals in the community, comprised the validation sample. Both instruments and the subscales were subjected to exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis. Findings and recommendations are provided.
   
• Unveiling the Complexity: Intersectionality of Disability in Multicultural Rehabilitation  |  Location: Percival
  Chrisann Schiro-Geist, Ph.D.; Xinhua Yu, Ph.D.; Patrick Krolik, Ed.D.
  
  The research objective is to explore the intricate relationship between people with disability and various intersecting factors such as age, race, gender, and socioeconomic status. Drawing from Kimberlé Crenshaw's concept of intersectionality, we delve into the compounded challenges faced by individuals navigating the intersection of disability with other identity markers. Through a multidimensional approach, we aim to shed light on the unique experiences of marginalized groups, emphasizing the need for inclusive policies and interventions in multicultural rehabilitation. By examining the intersectionality of disabilities, we strive to contribute to a deeper understanding of social justice and equity in rehabilitation practices.
   
• Employer Perceptions: Practices that Sustain Competitive Employment for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities  |  Location: Verelst
  Robyn L. Lewis, Ph.D.
  
  Working in the typical labor force and earning a competitive wage is an outcome many individuals with intellectual disabilities (ID) want to achieve. However, paid employment has not always been an expected outcome, nor has there been an expectation for these employees to receive competitive wages. As the employment landscape for individuals with ID changes, research is necessary to find standard employment practices that foster successful, competitive, and integrated employment. Employers are critical participants and informants, and understanding their perspectives is necessary to improve practices that sustain successful employer/employee relationships with individuals with ID.
   
• Predictors of Rehabilitation Counselors’ Intention to Leave Their Current Employment  |  Location: Vernon
  James T. Herbert, Ph.D.
  
  Purposes of this study were to: (1) Identify the percent of former RSA Scholars who are currently employed; (2) Examine how the combination of organizational career support, supervisor support, hopeful career state, and work engagement predict counselor job satisfaction and intent to quit; and (3) Examine differences across the aforementioned variables as a function of counselor work setting (State vocational rehabilitation, non-profit rehabilitation and proprietary rehabilitation.
   
• A Case Study Responding to State VR Workforce Demands  |  Location: Sloane
  Steve, Zanskas, Ph.D., CRC, LPC (MI & WI)
  
  State vocational rehabilitation (SVR) programs have experienced a longstanding shortage of rehabilitation counselors. Extant research has primarily focused on recruiting and retaining rehabilitation counselors rather than the design of their educational preparation programs. Responding to Tennessee’s unique workforce demands, this case study describes the partnership between the state agency and a public university to redesign a master’s degree and implement a graduate program to assist the state in “growing its own" rehabilitation counselors.
   

11:35 a.m.-12:25 p.m. Concurrent Sessions

• Learn the impact of AI-powered outreach and intake on employment opportunities for people with disabilities  |  Location: Ballroom DE
  Andree Dolan
  
  Join us to explore the transformative impact of using new technology powered by generative AI to improve the career trajectories of individuals with disabilities. You’ll learn how Yolobe’s innovative community platform enhances access to opportunities for upskilling, jobs, and support services to improve employment outcomes. Participants will hear “lessons learned” from Yolobe’s partner Autism Alliance of Michigan, and their ambitious state-wide initiative to significantly impact collaboration among vocational rehabilitation providers, employers, education partners, and support services organizations.
   
• Investing in Professionals to Improve Transition Outcomes  |  Location: Percival
  Janice Marrero Irizarry; Kathleen Marie Oertle, PhD., CRC, LVRC-Utah
  
  In the United States, students and youth with disabilities have the right to transition education and services. Rehabilitation counselors are among the professionals mandated to assist in their transition preparation and planning for successful postsecondary outcomes (e.g., Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended in the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, 2014). This presentation features the results of a participatory, multiple year, and multilevel investigation of the impacts of advanced studies in transition and employment services. Learn from certificate graduates about the advantages of developing specialized knowledge and skills, networking and building relationships, and accessing state-of-the-art resources. Graduates will share specific examples of in-service applications that are indicative of the benefits.
   
• Exploring Demand-Side Perspectives in Hiring People with Psychiatric Disabilities  |  Location: Verelst
  Sang Qin, Ph.D.; Deyu Pan, Ph.D.; Eunjeong Ko; Yongsu Song; Muharrem Koc
   

  Individuals with (PD) experience profound employment disparities, with employment rates significantly lower (35-40%) than the general population (Luciano & Meara, 2014). Various social and environmental factors contribute to these challenges. Notably, on the demand side of the labor market, widespread misconceptions and assumptions about PD often lead to hiring challenges, thereby undermining the employment prospects of these individuals. This presentation will explore the impact of various dimensions on hiring decisions for individuals with PD and examine the interaction between participant background including company characteristics, endorsement for diversity, and attitudes towards disability disclosure and their responses. Qualitative findings further expanded our understanding of the results. Specific themes that emerged included communication style, communication content, hiring considerations, and aspects of disability disclosure. The presentation will explore the implications of the findings in terms of understanding employers perceptions of hiring candidates with PD. Additionally, it will provide insights for rehabilitation professionals on supporting their clients in achieving quality employment, particularly throughout the interview process.

• Suicide Prevention at HBCUs: Challenges Faced by Latino/Hispanic Educators  |  Location: Vernon
  Héctor José Velázquez-González, Ph.D., MSS, CRC, B-CTP-II
  
  This session explores suicide prevention efforts at HBCUs, and the unique challenges faced by Latino/Hispanic professors in these settings. The literature review will cover cultural, institutional, and structural barriers that impact effective suicide prevention among students, including stigma, resource limitations, and cultural competency gaps. Special attention will be given to the dual challenge of addressing mental health needs in a primarily African American student population while navigating cultural differences as a Latino/Hispanic educator. The session will also explore strategies for improving suicide prevention initiatives at HBCUs, promoting mental health awareness, and supporting diverse faculty members in their roles as educators and advocates.
   
• Shifting the Narrative: A research project promoting employment for SSI/SSDI applicants  |  Location: Sloane
  Peter Pike, Douglas Alves
  
  This presentation will focus on a random assignment research project (Securing Employment and Economic Keys to Stability - SEEKS) which tests an intervention designed to encourage Social Security disability applicants to pursue employment and/or stay in the workforce during the application. Informed by the Employment First framework and philosophy, we will present tools used in the study to minimize unconscious bias and promote prosperity. These tools address the high poverty and unemployment rates experienced by people with disabilities through shifting expectations. The intervention changes the narrative around disability benefits acquisition to one where disability benefits are presented as a way to achieve security and basic needs instead of it being the end goal.  Individuals are encouraged and supported to pursue/keep employment in addition to managing state and local benefits to maximize their income. The presentation will highlight the employment model and provide the following: talking points on applying for SSI/SSDI and staying in the workforce, a tool that supports benefits planning on State and Local benefits, tools for implementing this model in your community, and show the results of the randomized control trial.  
   

12:25-1:45 p.m. Lunch Break

2-2:50 p.m. Invited Speaker  |  Location: Ballroom ABC

Quality employment throughout the work lifecycle: Beyond short-term employment outcome
Jim S. Krause, Ph.D.; Clara E. Dismuke Greer, Ph.D.

The purpose of this presentation is to describe the underlying conceptual model for identifying important factors related to employment outcomes for people with severe physical disability. The model reflects work underlying current studies of employment outcomes among people with spinal cord injury (SCI), multiple sclerosis (MS), and stroke. Although the model has been developed with neurologic conditions, it is applicable to multiple types of disabling conditions. The essential components of the model are threefold: (1) identification of the role of control characteristics (characteristics that cannot be changed) and policy factors (those that can become the focus of intervention strategies); (2) three types of employment outcomes, including (a) employment rates, (B) quantitative work intensity indicators of quality employment such as hours working, years employed, and time to return to work, and (c) quality indicators that include, but are not restricted to, earnings, benefits, promotions, and recognition/awards; (3) facilitated outcomes of employment that include community participation, health, and longevity. The presentation will summarize research by the investigator team, drawing critical implications for vocational counselors and policymakers, particularly the necessity of measuring and targeting multiple types of quality outcomes that apply well beyond traditional 90 day or one year markers of success. We will describe how the model may serve as a blueprint for future research.
 

3-3:50 p.m. Concurrent Sessions

• Moderated Session: Bridging the Gaps for Underserved Groups (1)  |  Location: Ballroom DE
  • Vocational Rehabilitation Needs of Underserved Race and Ethnic Populations: Identification and Approaches
    Mark Tucker, Ph.D., CRC; Mari Guillermo, Ed.D., CRC; Letitia Vavasour, M.S., CRC
    
    State vocational rehabilitation agencies (SVRAs) are required to conduct periodic comprehensive statewide assessment of the vocational rehabilitation (VR) needs of individuals with disabilities, and address needs assessment findings in their State Plan documents. The Rehabilitation Act indicates that needs assessments should investigate the VR needs of persons with disabilities who are members of race or ethnic minority populations and individuals who have been underserved or unserved by VR programs. This presentation will identify VR needs of minoritized race and ethnic populations through content analysis of a collection of comprehensive statewide needs assessment documents issued by SVRAs. The findings will be paired with discussion of opportunities to address the identified needs, including implications for rehabilitation counselor educators and SVRAs.
     
  • Care Issues Related to Transgender and Gender Diverse Individuals with Dementia
    Ryan Avery Langston, B.S., M.A.; Kristina Henderson, Ph.D., CRC, LPC, CVE
    
    The objective of this review is to explore the health and social care needs of transgender and gender diverse (TGD) individuals with dementia. This growing population has historically been underrepresented and understudied, resulting in a gap in knowledge of their unique needs and appropriate care. While there are currently no widely accepted standards of care for TGD individuals with dementia, there are generally agreed upon guidelines which are recommended.
     
  • Rehabilitation Counseling with Members of the LGBTQ+ Community
    Marty Holin, Ph.D., LPCC; Aundrea Gee, M.Ed., CRC
    
    Working with LGBTQ+ clients who are often negotiating unique difficulties including oppression, discrimination, marginalization, confusion, acceptance, and gender identification while experiencing increased risk of suicide, substance abuse, and are ten times more likely to have experienced bullying. How can counselors help?
     
• Empowering Rehabilitation: Training Counselors with VR and AI Avatars in Employer Engagement for Disability Inclusion  |  Location: Percival
  Margaret K. Glenn
   

  This presentation explores the integration of virtual reality (VR) and artificial intelligence (AI) avatars in the training of rehabilitation counselors tasked with engaging employers to support job opportunities for youth and adults with disabilities. By simulating realistic workplace scenarios, the VR environment enables counselors to practice and refine their engagement strategies in a safe, immersive setting. AI avatars, representing diverse employer perspectives, provide real-time feedback and adaptive interactions, enhancing the learning experience. This innovative approach aims to improve counselors' communication skills, increase employer awareness, and ultimately foster inclusive hiring practices, thereby bridging the gap between job seekers with disabilities and potential employers. This method may significantly enhance training outcomes, equipping counselors with the tools needed to advocate effectively for individuals with disabilities in the job market. The AIR4VR Team will create an immersive experience for the audience using an employer AI avatar.

• Rehabilitation counselors culturally responsive training: Feelings, fears and wishes  |  Location: Verelst
  Alexandra Kriofske Mainella, Ph.D., CRC
  
  People from majority and minority racial groups report different experiences with multicultural content and discussion of race in their college courses.  Rehabilitation counselors in training require content on cultural responsiveness and therefore must experience this coursework and content in their programs. This qualitative comparative study includes 26 rehabilitation counselors in training and seeks to comparatively understand the experiences of white students and students of color in their training programs with a focus on multicultural counseling courses and content and their lived experience of fears, emotions and what they wish to see in their learning. Comparative data on the participants’ self-reported cultural responsiveness, self-compassion, humility and mindfulness will also be presented with implications for rehabilitation counselors in training and their educators.
   
• Four paws grounded in evidence: researching the service dog intervention  |  Location: Vernon
  K. Lynn Pierce, Ph.D., CRC, LPC, ACS
  
  The purpose of this qualitative Delphi study was to determine the recommendations experts have for consideration in the development of standards of care for service dog handlers. The conceptual framework was based on a biopsychosocial model of the service dog intervention and on the framework of phases of treatment a service dog handler is likely to experience.
   
• Needs Assessment Determining Competencies for Interprofessional, Intra University Training for Transition Professionals  |  Location: Sloane
  Tameika Minor, Ph.D.
  
  Transition age youth continue to receive ineffective transition planning services due to inadequate training and minimal interprofessional collaboration between rehabilitation counselors and other transition professionals. The overall objective of this project was to conduct a needs assessment to identify key competencies and skills needed to design a fully online, interdisciplinary, intra university curriculum for graduate students in rehabilitation counseling and special education programs, who are interested in working with transition age youth with disabilities. The Delphi method was used in this study to identify and assess critical knowledge and skills needed to develop an interprofessional, interuniversity curriculum for transition professionals at Rutgers University and California State University-San Bernardino. The researchers elicited knowledge and skills from six stakeholder groups including transition age youth and their families/supporters, vocational rehabilitation counselors, supported employment, and employers.
   

3-5 p.m. ARRPE Recruitment Events  |  Location: Ballroom ABC

A variety of recruiters will be onsite to share information on available faculty positions, postdoctoral fellowships and doctoral programs.

RECRUITERS/VENDORS: Applications are still being accepted! If you are interested in joining us as a recruiter, please contact ARRPE at admin@arrpe.net.
 

4-4:50 p.m. Concurrent Sessions

• Moderated Session: Integrating Trauma-Informed Approach in Rehabilitation Counseling Practices  |  Location: Ballroom DE
  • Infusing a Trauma Informed Care Approach through the Vocational Rehabilitation Process
    Sandy Conder, M.Ed., MRC, CRC; Christina Espinosa, MRC, CRC; Deborah Minton, M.Ed., CRC
    
    This presentation will discuss and define the term trauma, potential symptoms, and the need to talk about this topic when working with individuals with disabilities, according to the Substance Use Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). The presenters will provide relevant statistics for the commonality in our society today, how the prevalence rates of trauma are higher for people with disabilities, and how people with disabilities are disproportionately impacted by trauma. There will be a discussion on how trauma affects the brain and other possible effects it can have on a person. They will identify and discuss Trauma-informed care and Trauma specific services and the importance of recognizing the differences. They will review the six key principles of the Trauma Informed Care approach according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and how Trauma-informed approaches to care shift the focus from "What's wrong with the person" to "What happened to the person." They will also define and discuss Trauma Informed Care (TIC) and the importance for VR staff and Counselors to be knowledgeable about trauma and its wide range of effects. They will present a Trauma Informed Care approach and review some specific strategies that can be utilized throughout the Vocational Rehabilitation process. Finally, they will also provide resources such as trauma screening questionnaires, assessments, and Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE), along with information on Trauma Informed Care for further investigation of the approach and how to implement it.
     
  • Creating Inclusive Trauma-Informed Workplaces: Implications for Rehabilitation Practitioners
    Kristen Dahl, LPCC, MCHES; Lynn C. Koch, Ph.D., CRC
    
    The rehabilitation and organizational psychology literature documents that employees with disabilities often feel excluded and mistreated in their work environments (Koch et al., 2021; McMahon & McMahon, 2016; Strauser, 2013). Likewise, trauma literature indicates that the number of individuals who experience traumatic events in their lives is almost universal (SAMHSA, 2014). Work environments utilizing a trauma informed approach can reduce re-traumatization of individuals and trauma-related responses, creating more satisfying and productive workplace environments. This session will (a) explore implications for partnering with workplaces and employees with disabilities to create inclusive trauma-informed workplaces and (b) discuss the importance of a trauma informed approach and the benefits to organizations and workers with and without disabilities of increasing their understanding of characteristics of inclusive work environments and how to recognize and respond to trauma.
     
• Exercise as Medicine: Key Considerations in Psychophysical Activities for Youth with Autism  |  Location: Percival
  Jonathan Drummond, M.S., M.A., Ph.D. candidate, AES
  
  Research is expanding understanding of the psychophysical (PP) value of physical activity (PA) for youth with autism. Characteristics of optimally therapeutic PA for autistic youth needs significant research and refinement, but sequenced activities and “moving with thought” are emerging as promising qualities beyond established standards and known benefits of moderately vigorous PA. Emerging evidence suggests benefits are achieved, in part, by PA-driven improvements in executive function. We consider substantive holes in the research, data on both open PA (martial arts, climbing, exergaming, x-country running, obstacle course navigation, interactive ball play) and closed PA (dance/creative dramatics, yoga, solo ball play), and examine key characteristics and parameters associated with PP improvements. Recommendations for future research and adaptive PA are addressed.
   
• A Person-Centered Intervention for Connecting Students with Significant Support Needs to Employment  |  Location: Verelst
  Jessica Awsumb, Ph.D.; Leah Burgess, ACRE; Justine Hrvatin, M.S.Ed., M.A.T.
  
  In this presentation, presenters share the five phases of an intervention to connect students with significant support needs to paid employment. Phases include planning, piloting, implementation, evaluation, and dissemination. Participants will hear from two students and their employment team about their experiences working while still in high school. Second, they will provide a practical Employment Planning Meeting Tool that transition-related service providers can use to help plan employment-related support for students with significant support needs. We will discuss how this tool can define clear roles, expectations, and support for students with significant support needs during the job search.
   
• Subminimum Wage to Competitive Integrated Employment (SWTCIE) The Illinois Model  |  Location: Vernon
  Aletha Alexander, M.S.; Sharon Bergfeld, M.A., Christina Irland, M.A., Jim Knauf, Kyle Menke
  
  This presentation will provide an overview of the Illinois Sub-Minimum Wage to Competitive Integrated Employment (SWTCIE) Project. SWTCIE Illinois is a project administered by the Illinois Department of Human Services/Division of Rehabilitation Services and funded through the U.S. Department of Education Disability Innovation Fund. The project will address the need to expand opportunities for Illinoisans with disabilities to obtain high-quality competitive integrated employment that leads to economic security and assist and encourage employers in Illinois to fully include individuals with disabilities into their workforce. SWTCIE Illinois aims to achieve systems change across the State of Illinois by establishing the efficacy of a replicable and scalable model that increases opportunities for individuals with disabilities to transition from subminimum wage employment to competitive integrated employment and redirect to competitive integrated employment those individuals contemplating subminimum wage employment for the first time.
   
• Work-Specific Factors Influencing Employment Status Among Cancer Survivors: A Bayesian Analysis  |  Location: Sloane
  Hannah Fry, Ph.D.
  
  Cancer survivors, defined by the National Cancer Institute as individuals from diagnosis through the balance of life, often struggle with employment due to clinical, demographic, and psychosocial factors. Previous studies have identified various correlates of employment outcomes, including disease-specific factors, treatment-related factors, and mediator variables such as demographic characteristics, health status, and work-specific factors. The purpose of this study is to explore the influence of work-specific correlates on employment outcomes of cancer survivors.
   

5-6:30 p.m. Poster Reception  |  Location: Harborside Ballroom

Appetizers and bar available.

View the list of this year's posterS
 

AT A GLANCE FULL SCHEDULE        Day 2 Conference Schedule