Article Details

Article Details

Citation:  Bishop, M., Lee, D., Zhou, K., Iwanaga, K., Chan, F. & Tansey, T. (2022). Identifying vocational rehabilitation outreach and service training priorities: A national survey from diverse perspectives. Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, 56 (3), 237-242.
Title:  Identifying vocational rehabilitation outreach and service training priorities: A national survey from diverse perspectives
Authors:  Bishop, M., Lee, D., Zhou, K., Iwanaga, K., Chan, F. & Tansey, T.
Year:  2022
Journal/Publication:  Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation
Publisher:  IOS Press
DOI:  https://doi.org/10.3233/JVR-221188
Full text:  https://content.iospress.com/articles/journal-of-vocational-rehabil...   
Peer-reviewed?  Yes
NIDILRR-funded?  Yes

Structured abstract:

Background:  This article summarizes the results of a needs assessment survey project presented at the 2021 National APSE Virtual Conference. This research was conducted by the Vocational Rehabilitation Technical Assistance Center for Quality Employment (VRTAC-QE), a Technical Assistance Center funded by the Rehabilitation Services Administration, U.S. Department of Education.
Purpose:  The purpose of the survey was to determine technical assistance and training needs of state VR counselors in four practice domains: (a) outreach services, (b) pre-employment transition services, (c) vocational rehabilitation services, and (d) employment services.
Data collection and analysis:  A national survey was conducted among 229 state vocational rehabilitation agency (SVRA) professionals, including directors, staff, and VR counselors, and 92 professionals in community-based rehabilitation agencies (CBRA), allowing a comparison of the relative importance ratings of the two groups.
Findings:  The ratings of both SVRA and CBRA professionals were generally aligned, but with some significant differences, as discussed in more detail in Tansey et al. (in press).
Conclusions:  The priorities identified through this survey will support the development and implementation of technical assistance activities that are responsive to the needs of SVRA professionals providing vocational rehabilitation to persons with disabilities and increasing the capacity of these agencies to promote quality employment outcomes.

Disabilities served:  Cognitive / intellectual impairment
Developmental disabilities
Multiple disabilities
Interventions:  Accommodations
Assistive technology
Training and technical assistance
Vocational rehabilitation
Transition services
Needs and resource assessment
Outcomes:  Employment acquisition
Full-time employment