Sage Journals: Discover world-class research

Abstract

Background

Virtual supported employment is an emerging service to support clients with disabilities search for, obtain, and maintain competitive integrated employment. This form of support remains relatively unexplored in the literature.

Objective

The purpose of the study was to explore perspectives and experiences of key supported employment stakeholders on transitioning to virtual supports and using technologies to support young adults with neurodevelopmental disabilities during and following the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods

Semi-structured focus group interviews involved four supported employment stakeholder groups: policymakers and funders, community rehabilitation providers, employers, and young adults with neurodevelopmental disabilities. Sessions were videotaped and analyzed using thematic analysis.

Results

Supported employment stakeholders conveyed positive overall experiences in virtual supported employment during and following the pandemic, describing multiple encouraging opportunities for improving service accessibility, inclusivity, and efficiency. Nevertheless, obstacles with access to technology, the internet, and inadequate training may continue to limit such opportunities, highlighting areas for improvement.

Conclusion

Virtual supported employment offers a promising solution to address service accessibility barriers. The pandemic prompted new approaches to better support clients. This shift has revealed the need for ongoing training to explore technologies for supporting job seekers, as the use of virtual support continues to be provided beyond the pandemic.

Keywords

supported employment virtual support technology COVID-19 pandemic vocational rehabilitation young adults neurodevelopmental disabilities

Get full access to this article

View all access options for this article.

References

Adams

Corbin

O’Hara

Park

Sheppard-Jones

Butler

Umeasiegbu

McDaniels

Bishop

M. L.

(2019). A qualitative analysis of the employment needs and barriers of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in rural areas. Journal of Applied Rehabilitation Counseling, 50(3), 227–240. https://doi.org/10.1891/0047-2220.50.3.227

Adolph

Amano

Bang-Jensen

Fullman

Wilkerson

(2021). Pandemic politics: Timing state-level social distancing responses to COVID-19. Journal of Health Politics, Policy and Law, 46(2), 211–233. https://doi.org/10.1215/03616878-8802162

Ahonle

Z. J.

Kreider

C. M.

Hale-Gallardo

Castaneda

Findley

Ottomanelli

Romero

(2021). Implementation and use of video tele-technologies in delivery of individualized community-based vocational rehabilitation services to rural veterans. Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, 55(2), 227–233. https://doi.org/10.3233/jvr-211159

Akemoglu

Muharib

Meadan

(2021). A systematic and quality review of parent-implemented language and communication interventions conducted via telepractice. Journal of Behavioral Education, 29(4), 282–316. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10864-019-09356-3

Allen

K. D.

Wallace

D. P.

Renes

Bowen

S. L.

Burke

R. V.

(2010). Use of video modeling to teach vocational skills to adolescents and young adults with autism spectrum disorders. Education and Treatment of Children, 33(3), 339–349. https://doi.org/10.1353/etc.0.0101

Alshamrani

K. A.

Roll

M. C.

Malcolm

M. P.

Taylor

A. A.

Graham

J. E.

(2023). Assistive technology services for adults with disabilities in state-federal vocational rehabilitation programs. Disability and Rehabilitation: Assistive Technology, 19(4), 1382–1391. https://doi.org/10.1080/17483107.2023.2181413

Ameri

Kruse

Park

S. R.

Rodgers

Schur

(2023). Telework during the pandemic: Patterns, challenges, and opportunities for people with disabilities. Disability and Health Journal, 16(2), 101406. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.dhjo.2022.101406

Anderson

C. A.

Brinck

E. A.

Trainor

Schlegelmilch

Roskowski

Hartman

(2021). Technology and communication considerations for engaging youth receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits. Rehabilitation Counseling Bulletin, 65(1), 79–87. https://doi.org/10.1177/0034355220980808

Anderson

Perrin

(2017). Disabled Americans are less likely to use technology. Pew Research Center. https://www.pewresearch.org/facttank/2017/04/07/disabled-americans-are-less-likely-to-use-technology/

10.

Bradshaw

Atkinson

Doody

(2017). Employing a qualitative description approach in health care research. Global Qualitative Nursing Research, 4, 1–8. https://doi.org/10.1177/2333393617742282

11.

Braun

Clarke

(2006). Using thematic analysis in psychology. Qualitative Research in Psychology, 3(2), 77–101. https://doi.org/10.1191/1478088706qp063oa

12.

Bray

Depro

McMahon

Siegle

Mobley

(2016). Disconnected geography: A spatial analysis of disconnected youth in the United States. Journal of Labor Research, 37(3), 317–342. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12122-016-9228-1

13.

Brinkmann

(2013). Qualitative interviewing: Understanding qualitative research (1st ed.). Oxford University Press.

14.

Brooke

A. M.

Schall

Wehman

McDonough

Thompson

Smith

(2018). Employees with autism spectrum disorder achieving long-term employment success: A retrospective review of employment retention and intervention. Research and Practice for Persons with Severe Disabilities, 43(3), 181–193. https://doi.org/10.1177/1540796918783202

15.

Bross

L. A.

Travers

J. C.

Munandar

V. D.

Morningstar

(2019). Video modeling to improve customer service skills of an employed young adult with Autism. Focus on Autism and Other Developmental Disabilities, 34(4), 226–235. https://doi.org/10.1177/1088357618805990

16.

Burd-Sharps

Lewis

(2017). Promising gains, persistent gaps: Youth disconnection in America. Measure of America of the Social Science Research Council. http://measureofamerica.org/disconnected-youth/

17.

Burke

R. V.

Allen

K. D.

Howard

M. R.

Downey

Matz

M. G.

Bowen

S. L.

(2013). Tablet-based video modeling and prompting in the workplace for individuals with autism. Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, 38(1), 1–14. https://doi.org/10.3233/JVR-120616

18.

Chafe

(2017). The value of qualitative description in health services and policy research. Healthcare Policy, 12(3), 12–18. https://doi.org/10.12927/hcpol.2017.25030

19.

Chen

J. L.

Sung

(2015). Vocational rehabilitation service patterns and outcomes for individuals with autism of different ages. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 45(9), 3015–3029. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-015-2465-y

20.

Cognitive accessibility. (n.d.). Apple. https://www.apple.com/accessibility/cognitive/

21.

Connolly

S. L.

Miller

C. J.

Lindsay

J. A.

Bauer

M. S.

(2020). A systematic review of providers’ attitudes toward tele-mental health via videoconferencing. Clinical Psychology: Science and Practice, 27(2). https://doi.org/10.1111/cpsp.12311

22.

Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Standards. (2016). 2016 CACREP standards. https://www.cacrep.org/for-programs/2016-cacrep-standards/

23.

Cucinotta

Vanelli

(2020). WHO declares COVID-19 a pandemic. Acta Bio-medica : Atenei Parmensis, 91(1), 157–160. https://doi.org/10.23750/abm.v91i1.9397

24.

Dallas

Aquino

Scott

(2022). Vocational rehabilitation counselors’ perceptions on the impact of COVID-19: Transition to remote services and support needs of VR Clients. Journal of Rehabilitation, 88(2), 4–10.

25.

Drake

R. E.

Bond

G. R.

(2008). The future of supported employment for people with severe mental illness. Psychiatric Rehabilitation Journal, 31(4), 367–376. https://doi.org/10.2975/31.4.2008.367.376

26.

Embree

Huber

Kapp

V. A.

Wilson

J. F.

(2018). Utilizing telerehabilitation to deliver vocational rehabilitation services remotely as an alternative to traditional counseling. Journal of Applied Rehabilitation Counseling, 49(2), 40–47. https://doi.org/10.1891/0047-2220.49.2.40

27.

Estrada-Hernández

Wheaton

J. E.

Dawson

Krispinsky

(2007). Current status of assistive technology education in rehabilitation counseling programs. Rehabilitation Education, 21(2), 117–123. https://doi.org/10.1891/088970107805059797

28.

Fisher

K. W.

Williamson

H. J.

Guerra

Kupferman

(2021). Digital citizenship: Technology access and use for youth with and without intellectual and developmental disabilities. Inclusion, 9(4), 263–275. https://doi.org/10.1352/2326-6988-9.4.263

29.

Fong

Swick

(2022). Disability and the digital divide: Internet subscriptions, internet use and employment outcomes. United States Department of Labor: Office of Disability Employment Policy. https://www.dol.gov/sites/dolgov/files/ODEP/pdf/disability-digital-divide-brief.pdf

30.

Friedman

(2022). Telehealth service delivery in Medicaid home and community based services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. International Journal of Telerehabilitation, 14(1), 1–9. https://doi.org/10.5195/ijt.2022.6478

31.

Froehlich

R. J.

Henry

J. S.

Tichy

Hill

J. C.

Thompson

(2023). Rehabilitation counselors and technology, social media, and distance counseling: Contemporary considerations. Rehabilitation Counseling Bulletin, 66(4), 265–273. https://doi.org/10.1177/00343552221147219

32.

Froehlich

R. J.

Linkowski

D. C.

(2002). An assessment of the training needs of state vocational rehabilitation counselors. Rehabilitation Counseling Bulletin, 46(1), 41–49. https://doi.org/10.1177/00343552020460010401

33.

Gartland

Flynn

Carneiro

M. A.

Holloway

Fialho

J. S.

Cullen

Hamilton

Harris

Cullen

(2022). The state of web accessibility for people with cognitive disabilities: A rapid evidence assessment. Behavioral Sciences, 12(2), 26. https://doi.org/10.3390/bs12020026

34.

Greenbank

(2003). The role of values in educational research: The case for reflexivity. British Educational Research Journal, 29(6), 791–801. https://doi.org/10.1080/0141192032000137303

35.

Hartley

M. T.

Bourgeois

P. J.

(2020). The commission on rehabilitation counselor certification code of ethics: An emerging approach to digital technology. Rehabilitation Research, Policy, and Education, 34(2), 73–85. https://doi.org/10.1891/re-19-04

36.

Hartley

M. T.

Bourgeois

P. J.

Clarke

B. J.

(2023). Ethics of technology practice: Beliefs and behaviors of certified rehabilitation counselors during the COVID-19 pandemic. Rehabilitation Counseling Bulletin, 66(4), 244–256. https://doi.org/10.1177/00343552221147216

37.

Healy

Eddison

Chockalingam

(2023). Breaking barriers: Telehealth to improve access to assistive technology. Assistive Technology: The Official Journal of RESNA, 35(1), 1–2. https://doi.org/10.1080/10400435.2022.2160613

38.

Heman

Rhodes

Cox

(2022). Electronic assistive technology use and supported employment. Journal of Applied Research in Intellectual Disabilities, 35(5), 1244–1249. https://doi.org/10.1111/jar.13005

39.

Hinton

Akemoğlu

Tomeny

McWilliam

R. A.

(2023). Supporting families from a distance: Implementing routines-based home visits via telepractice. Early Childhood Education Journal, 52(3), 629–636. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10643-023-01464-0

40.

Holloway

Galvin

(2017). Qualitative research in nursing and healthcare (4th ed.). Wiley Blackwell.

41.

Izzo

M. V.

Yurick

Nagaraja

H. N.

Novak

J. A.

(2010). Effects of a 21st-century curriculum on students’ information technology and transition skills. Career Development and Transition for Exceptional Individuals, 33(2), 95–105. https://doi.org/10.1177/0885728810369348

42.

Khanlou

Khan

Vazquez

L. M.

Zangeneh

(2020). Digital literacy, access to technology and inclusion for young adults with developmental disabilities. Journal of Developmental and Physical Disabilities, 33(1), 1–25. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10882-020-09738-w

43.

Kingdon

(2005). Reflexivity: Not just a qualitative methodological research tool. British Journal of Midwifery, 13(10), 622–627. https://doi.org/10.12968/bjom.2005.13.10.19835

44.

Kitzinger

(2005). Focus group research: Using group dynamics to explore perceptions, experiences, and understandings. In Holloway

(Ed.), Qualitative research in health care (pp. 56–70). Open University Press.

45.

Kostick

K. M.

Whitley

Bush

P. W.

(2010). Client-centeredness in supported employment: Specialist and supervisor perspectives. Journal of Mental Health, 19(6), 523–531. https://doi.org/10.3109/09638237.2010.520364

46.

Krueger

R. A.

Casey

M. A.

(2000). Focus groups: A practical guide for applied research (3rd ed.). Sage Publications.

47.

Kuo

H. J.

George

S. W.

Reynolds

J. V.

(2023). Promoting disability employment with avail® – A pilot study for feasibility and preliminary efficacy. Disability and Rehabilitation: Assistive Technology, 19(5), 1899–1906. https://doi.org/10.1080/17483107.2023.2249502

48.

Kuo

H. J.

Kosciulek

(2021). Rehabilitation counsellor perceived importance and competence in assistive technology. Disability and Rehabilitation: Assistive Technology, 18(7), 1259–1265. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1080/17483107.2021.2001062

49.

Levine

Park

Kuo

H. J.

(2020). Understanding disability biases in undergraduate rehabilitation students: An exploratory study. Rehabilitation Counseling Bulletin, 64(3), 172–180. https://doi.org/10.1177/0034355220910238

50.

Levine

Rumrill

P. D.

Espinosa

Sheppard-Jones

(2022). Vocational rehabilitation in the COVID-19 era: The importance of supervision. Rehabilitation Counseling Bulletin, 67(2), 123–130. https://doi.org/10.1177/00343552221087178

51.

Lumivero. (2023). NVivo (Version 1.7.1) [Computer software]. Lumivero. https://lumivero.com/products/nvivo/

52.

Mahoehney

Lee

Bershadsky

Butterworth

(2024). How did employment consultants adjust and innovate services to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic? Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, 60(1), 87–97. https://doi.org/10.3233/JVR-230058

53.

McNamara

K. A.

Stanch

P. M.

(2021). Accommodating workers with disabilities in the post-COVID world. Journal of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene, 18(4–5), 149–153. https://doi.org/10.1080/15459624.2021.1902531

54.

Morgan

D. L.

(1997). Planning focus groups: Focus group kit (1st ed.). Sage Publications.

55.

Noll

Owens

Smith

R. O.

Schwanke

(2006). Survey of state vocational rehabilitation counselor roles and competencies in assistive technology. Work, 27(4), 413–419. https://doi.org/10.3233/WOR-2006-00587

56.

Oesterle

Kolla

Risma

Breitinger

Rakocevic

Loukianova

Hall-Flavin

D. K.

Gentry

M. T.

Rummans

T. A.

Chauhan

Gold

(2020). Substance use disorders and telehealth in the COVID-19 pandemic era. Mayo Clinic Proceedings, 95(12), 2709–2718. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mayocp.2020.10.011

57.

Ottomanelli

Cotner

B. A.

Njoh

O’Connor

D. R.

Jones

V. A.

Smith

B. M.

Fishalow

Levy

C. E.

(2021). Veteran and provider perspectives on telehealth for vocational rehabilitation services. Federal Practitioner, 38(4), e32–e36. https://doi.org/10.12788/fp.0120

58.

Parahoo

(2014). Nursing research principles, process and issues (3rd ed.). Palgrave Macmillan.

59.

Patton

M. Q.

(1999). Enhancing the quality and credibility of qualitative analysis. Health Services Research, 34(5 Pt 2), 1189–1208. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10591279

60.

Perrin

Atske

(2021). Americans with disabilities less likely than those without to own some digital devices. Pew Research Center. https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2021/09/10/americans-with-disabilities-less-likely-than-those-without-to-own-some-digital-devices/

61.

Pogoda

T. K.

Dillahunt-Aspillaga

C. J.

Keleher

Might

Marchany

Yee

Zogas

Carlson

K. F.

(2021). Implementing supported employment for veterans with traumatic brain injury through remote counseling during COVID-19. Journal of Rehabilitation, 87(1), 64–70.

62.

Ritchie

Lewis

Elam

Tennant

Rahim

(2014). Designing and selecting samples. In Ritchie

Lewis

McNaughton

Ormston

(Eds.), Qualitative research practice: A guide for social science students and researchers (2nd ed., pp. 111–145). Sage Publications.

63.

Rodgers

B. L.

Cowles

K. V.

(1993). The qualitative research audit trail: A complex collection of documentation. Research in Nursing & Health, 16(3), 219–226. https://doi.org/10.1002/nur.4770160309

64.

Sandelowski

(2010). What's in a name? Qualitative description revisited. Research in Nursing & Health, 33(1), 77–84. https://doi.org/10.1002/nur.20362

65.

Schall

Wehman

Brooke

Graham

C. W.

McDonough

Brooke

Ham

Rounds

Lau

Allen

(2015). Employment interventions for individuals with ASD: The relative efficacy of supported employment with or without prior project SEARCH training. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 45(12), 3990–4001. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-015-2426-5

66.

Sheppard-Jones

Goldstein

Leslie

Singleton

Gooden

Rumrill

P. D.

Mullis

Bard

C. E.

(2021). Reframing workplace inclusion through the lens of universal design: Considerations for vocational rehabilitation professionals in the wake of COVID-19. Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, 54(1), 71–79. https://doi.org/10.3233/jvr-201119

67.

Spall

(1998). Peer debriefing in qualitative research: Emerging operational models. Qualitative Inquiry, 4(2), 280–292. https://doi.org/10.1177/107780049800400208

68.

Stewart

D. W.

Shamdasani

P. N.

(2014). Focus groups: Theory and practice. Sage Publications.

69.

Tanis

(2021). Advancing technology access for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities: Perspectives from intellectual and developmental service providers across the nation. University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus and the American Network of Community Options and Resources (ANCOR). https://www.ancor.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/advancing_technology_access_for_people_with_idd.pdf

70.

Tassé

M. J.

Wagner

J. B.

Kim

(2020). Using technology and remote support services to promote independent living of adults with intellectual disability and related developmental disabilities. Journal of Applied Research in Intellectual Disabilities, 33(3), 640–647. https://doi.org/10.1111/jar.12709

71.

Timmons

Sulewski

Winsor

Bose

Christensen

(2022). Moving forward after COVID-19: Implications for ongoing use of remote and virtual supports in promoting and supporting integrated employment. Research to Practice, (Issue 61). Boston, MA: University of Massachusetts Boston, Institute for Community Inclusion. https://www.thinkwork.org/sites/default/files/files/RP61_D6.pdf

72.

U.S. Department of Justice. (2023). Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM): Accessibility of web information and services of state and local government entities. Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). https://www.ada.gov/resources/2023-07-20-web-nprm/

73.

U.S. Department of Labor. (1984). Rehabilitation Act Amendments of 1984, P.L. 98-527. https://www.congress.gov/98/statute/STATUTE-98/STATUTE-98-Pg2662.pdf

74.

U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. (1990). Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, P.L. 101-336, 104 Stat. 328. https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/STATUTE-104/pdf/STATUTE-104-Pg327.pdf

75.

Wagner

J. B.

Tassé

M. J.

Ornan

(2022). Implementation of remote support services: Pre-COVID-19. Journal of Policy and Practice in Intellectual Disabilities, 19(4), 340–349. https://doi.org/10.1111/jppi.12420

76.

Wehman

Chan

Ditchman

Hee-Sook

(2014). Effect of supported employment on vocational rehabilitation outcomes of transition-age youth with intellectual and developmental disabilities: A case control study. Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, 52(4), 296–310. https://doi.org/10.1352/1934-9556-52.4.296

77.

Wehman

Taylor

J. P.

Brooke

Avellone

Whittenburg

Ham

Brooke

Carr

(2018). Toward competitive employment for persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities: What progress have we made and where do we need to go. Research and Practice for Persons with Severe Disabilities, 43(3), 131–144. https://doi.org/10.1177/1540796918777730

78.

Wepener

Johnson

Bornman

(2021). Text messaging “Helps Me to Chat”: Exploring the interactional aspects of text messaging using mobile phones for youth with complex communication needs. Augmentative and Alternative Communication, 37(2), 75–86. https://doi.org/10.1080/07434618.2021.1928284

79.

Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) of 2014, 29 U.S.C. § 705 et seq. (2014). https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/USCODE-2019-title29/html/USCODE-2019-title29-chap16-other-sec705.htm

Supported Employment and Technology Utilization for Young Adults with Neurodevelopmental Disabilities During and Following the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Multi-Stakeholder Focus Group Study

Abstract

Background

Objective

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Keywords

Get full access to this article

References