Abstract.BACKGROUND: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a multi-systemic disability that causes a wide range of difficulties with personal and social functioning. METHODS: Four individuals with TBI participated in an evaluation of barriers to their continued employment following graduation from college. A trained interviewer completed the Work Experience Survey (WES) in teleconsultation sessions with each participant. RESULTS: Researchers applied a qualitative case study research design. Participants reported a wide range of difficulties in performing essential functions of their jobs (3 to 24) that have the potential to significantly affect their productivity. Career mastery problems reflected outcomes associated with TBI such as 'believing that others think I do a good job' and 'having the resources (e.g., knowledge, tools, supplies, and equipment) needed to do the job.' Indicative of their wish to continue their current employment, participants reported high levels of job satisfaction. CONCLUSIONS: The WES is a cost-effective needs assessment tool to aid health and rehabilitation professionals in providing on-the-job supports to workers with TBI.

OBJECTIVE: This article provides descriptive findings from a sub-sample of 143 female African Americans with multiple sclerosis (MS) who responded to a national survey of the employment concerns of Americans with MS. Respondents evaluated 38 employment concerns items on two dimensions, importance and satisfaction, for the purpose of identifying strengths and weaknesses in the employment policies and practices affecting the labor force participation of African American women with MS. RESULTS: Results revealed a unique "strength and weakness" profile of African American women with MS consisting of 16 employment strengths and 22 employment weaknesses, a combination that distinguishes this population from profiles of other MS sub-populations. CONCLUSION: Implications of these findings for future rehabilitation programming and research are examined.

BACKGROUND: People with diabetes mellitus constitute an emerging vocational rehabilitation (VR) consumer population. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this article is to (a) describe the characteristics and needs of Americans with diabetes mellitus, (b) examine the often devastating effects that this highly prevalent disease of the endocrine system has on employment and career development, and (c) suggest strategies that rehabilitation professionals can use to improve VR services and outcomes. METHOD: Following an overview of the etiology, incidence, prevalence, and impact of this high incidence endocrinological disease, the authors present strategies to meet the service and support needs of Americans with diabetes mellitus across the phases of the VR process. RESULTS: The importance of individualized case planning, employer consultation, workplace accommodations, interface with medical and mental health professionals, and adherence to self-care and symptom management regimens is emphasized throughout the article. CONCLUSION: Diabetes mellitus is an emerging disability that can affect people of any age, one that disproportionally affects people of color and people who live in poverty. Rehabilitation professionals must be prepared to meet the service needs of this growing clientele.

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PurposeThis study aimed at examining differences in satisfaction with the employment situation between employed and unemployed Latinx with multiple sclerosis (MS) in the United States (N = 148).MethodParticipants in this study responded to a national survey of the employment and community living concerns of people with MS. Multivariate analysis of variance and a follow-up univariate analysis of variance were conducted to compare the group differences.ResultsThe analyses revealed statistically significant between-group differences in satisfaction ratings on items pertaining to personal and environmental resources and fair treatment, but no significant between-group differences in response to items related to legal rights.ConclusionThe findings in this study confirmed our a priori expectation that satisfaction ratings regarding the overall employment situation among Latinx Americans with MS would vary as a function of their workforce participation status. Implications for future research and clinical practice in vocational rehabilitation in the COVID-19 era are discussed.