Promising best practices that lead to employment in vocational rehabilitation: Findings from a four-state multiple case study

Abstract

The state-federal vocational rehabilitation (VR) program has been challenged to demonstrate the effectiveness of VR services provided to eligible consumers. State-federal VR agencies are under pressure to develop a foundation of evidence-based practices that lead to competitive employment outcomes for people with disabilities. This article provides a qualitative analysis of the organization structural elements and service delivery practices related to the provision of effective best practices that enhance employment outcomes for individuals with disabilities. Using a Consensual Qualitative Research (CQR) approach, a multi-stage qualitative analysis of four high performing state VR agencies was conducted to identify promising organizational and service delivery practices that facilitate employment outcomes. Twenty-nine practices were identified as being supportive of the successful outcomes of persons with disabilities being served by these agencies. The identified practices reflect unique and similar service patterns across the four VR agencies studied. Practices were divided into Promising Organizational Practices and Promising Service Delivery Practices. The culture of an organization is an important factor in the development and sustainability of innovative practices. Best practices reconsider traditional rehabilitation counselor roles and offer new methods for delivering services. Rigorous research and program evaluation are required to identify which practices will ultimately constitute evidence-based practices.

Employment policy and autism: Analysis of state Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) implementation plans

“…VR practices can be categorized into two broad thematic areas: "organizational practices" which are system-level changes that foster innovative practices; and "promising service delivery practices" which facilitate employment outcomes at multiple levels across agencies and employers through use of partnerships, certification, and trainings (Del Valle et al, 2014;Leahy et al, 2014). Nearly all autism-related activities across state WIOA plans concerned service delivery practices.…”

Employment Outcomes of Vocational Rehabilitation Clients With Autism Spectrum Disorders

“…Second, with the 571% increase in the number of individuals with ASD seeking services through VR, it is critical that those tasked with helping individuals get a job (e.g., VR counselors, job developers), as well as employers and natural supports understand the characteristics of ASD and how they manifest in individuals (Alverson et al, 2015). Valle et al (2014) found specialized VR case loads to be an effective strategy for supporting individuals with ASD. Although VR counselors may not have a single-focused caseload, developing expertise in ASD may be beneficial.…”

Perceived Preparedness to Implement Evidence-Based Practice by Certified Rehabilitation Counselors: A Qualitative Content Analysis

“…One way to improve research utilization is through improved knowledge translation processes (Chan et al, 2009). For example, Del Valle et al (2014) identified promising practices and EBPs that have already been used by counselors, including motivational interviewing, individual placement and support model of supported employment, secondary transition services, workplace socialization skills training, workplace support services, and benefits counseling. Leahy et al (2014) suggested that practices could be implemented and made readily available to counselors by the state VR agencies through technical assistance, consultation, and training opportunities.…”