This study investigates Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) services related to competitive employment closure among non-Hispanic Blacks (NHB), non-Hispanic Whites (NHW), and Hispanics with HIV/AIDS and substance use disorder (SUD). Data of 4150 was extracted from the Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA-911) database. Descriptive statistics and multi-variate analysis showed consumers who received SSI and Medicare were less likely to be employed than those who did not, and, NHW who received rehabilitation counseling and guidance benefited the most compared to NHB who did not. Rehabilitation counselors can assist minorities with HIV/AIDS and SUD secure employment given the positive effects of employment for this population. Health professionals should consider incorporating employment, using VR services in their treatment strategies, while making sure clients with different racial ethnicity background benefit equally from all VR services.

PurposeTo explore exercise experiences and beliefs related to barriers among individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI).MethodsSeventy-four participants were recruited from a hospital, an independent living center, and online support groups. The Exercise Experiences and Spinal Cord Injury (EESCI) instrument included three scales to assess beliefs and experiences related to exercise participation.ResultsOur study found 80% of participants do not currently engage in competitive exercise or sports, however 48.6% do participate in noncompetitive sports. Most participants found it difficult to gather up motivation and allocate time to exercise. Also, 52% of participants who visited fitness centers reported no availability of accessible exercise equipment and access for wheelchair users. T-tests and ANOVA analyses were conducted to compare group means between demographic variables. Results indicated the perceived barriers among persons with SCI regarding lack of personal resources/finances, beliefs about fitness center accessibility regarding equipment, and perceived negative attitudes held by fitness center employees and customers.ConclusionRecommendations regarding how rehabilitation counselors can best work with clients on these issues including advocacy, counseling strategies, and future research directions are discussed.