Journal Article Details
Citation:
Cowan, R.J.; Rumrill, P.; Koc, M.; & Strauser, D.R. (2026). A Health, Function, and Career Development Framework for People with Learning Disabilities.
Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, 64
(3),
237-247.
Title:
A Health, Function, and Career Development Framework for People with Learning Disabilities
Authors:
Cowan, R.J.; Rumrill, P.; Koc, M.; & Strauser, D.R.
Year:
2026
Journal/Publication:
Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation
Publisher:
Sage Journals
DOI:
Full text:
Peer-reviewed?
Yes
NIDILRR-funded?
No
Structured abstract:
Background:
People with learning disabilities (LDs) are a large and growing segment of the American and global disability communities, but they tend to underutilize vocational rehabilitation (VR) services.
Purpose:
This article presents a contextual career development framework, the Illinois Work and Well-Being Model (IW2M), as an intervention schematic that can be applied to facilitate positive VR outcomes for people with LDs.
Data collection & analysis:
The framework encompasses the interaction of contextual and career development domains to improve participation in the areas of work, society, community, and home.
Findings:
A case study is used to illustrate how the framework can be used in VR assessment, case planning, and service delivery.
Conclusions:
VR professionals can use the health, function, and career development framework to provide responsive, goal-oriented, and customer-directed services that lead to a wide range of positive outcomes for VR participants with LD.
Interventions:
Vocational rehabilitation