Adaptation of the Knowledge Validation Inventory to Measure Training Needs of Vocational Rehabilitation Service Providers in Kuwait Schools

Abstract

Research on vocational rehabilitation in Kuwait is limited, in part, due to the availability of instruments validated for use in Arab countries. The purpose of this study was to adapt the Knowledge Validation Inventory (KVI) for use in Arabic populations and to determine the psychometric characteristics of the adapted inventory for assessing the training needs of vocational rehabilitation service providers in Kuwait. The Knowledge Validation Inventory–Arabic Version (KVI-A) was administered to a convenient sample of 764 service providers from Kuwait special schools. Internal consistency for the three scales of the KVI-A ranged from .94 to .97. Exploratory factor analysis identified six distinct factors: (a) assessment and career counseling; (b) resources and services of rehabilitation; (c) counseling theories, techniques, and applications; (d) medical, environmental, and functional implications of disability; (e) case management; and (f) techniques and strategies of disability prevention and working effectively. Years of experience, job title, and service provider qualifications predicted training needs scores. Significant differences in knowledge domains and training needs were obtained across the identified predictor variables. Evidence suggests that the KVI-A is applicable for use in primarily Arab countries. The knowledge domains identified can be used to develop a training curriculum and certification credentials for Kuwait.

Keywords

training needs vocational rehabilitation in Kuwait Kuwaiti service providers vocational rehabilitation counseling knowledge domains

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