Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation

This paper uses two data sources, the National Supported Employment Policy Survey and the UCP National Employment Survey, to examine the extent to which individuals with severe physical impairments are served in supported employment. Although members of this group constitute a small fraction of supported employment participants nationwide, growth in raw numbers has been in evidence. Supported employment is increasingly being utilized within UCP affiliates, and these affiliates are emerging as a primary point of access for members of this population.

Significant issues for people with severe physical and multiple disabilities and for professionals working in the employment field continues to be how to determine an applicant's goals and abilities, how to approach employers and how to effectively represent the strengths and potential contributions of an applicant. This paper presents an individualized approach that includes discovery as the key component leading to job development for people with physical and significant disability. Case studies serve as examples of the process.

The reauthorization of the 1992 Rehabilitation Act prompted Vocational Rehabilitation to authorize a five-year demonstration to enhance choice using ``vouchering'' or personal budgets. During the years of the project a great deal was learned about the issues surrounding individual control of resources for persons with significant disabilities. This article identifies significant findings and ramifications and provides insight into the possible future of funding.

Job accommodation strategies can effectively open up opportunities for persons with disabilities. Assistive technology should be considered as one of the most important of these strategies to successfully accommodate job tasks. There are some fundamental steps to consider when embarking on the use of assistive technology. A well-developed technology assessment process can be instrumental in assuring that each step is considered and properly carried out. This process is most effective when the consumer is at the focal point of the assessment that includes a thorough job analysis of the essential functions of the job as well as an understanding of the functional capacities of the potential employee. Opportunities often exist for low cost, off-the-shelf products which helps to increase the availability of needed resources, lower overall costs, and improve maintenance, repair and replacement options.

Historically services for people with physical and significant disabilities have come from Vocational Rehabilitation. With the advent of the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 services are to be available through a universal system known as the One Stop delivery system. The One Stop system provides a set of ``core services'' and access to an array of other services offered by One Stop partners. This article outlines the facets of the One Stop system and the possible effects this delivery system has on services to people with physical disabilities and others with significant and multiple disabilities.

Individuals who acquire a chronic illness or disability face a number of significant and profound challenges. Among these is coping with the permanence of the condition and its effects. Rehabilitation counselors working with people who are in the process of coping with such realities may feel that they have little to offer in the face of such monumental life changes. The recovery concept, which has, over the last decade, been receiving increased attention in the mental health literature, offers counselors and consumers a positive framework for healing and growth in the face of chronic disability. The recovery process and its potential application in working with persons with chronic illnesses and disabilities are presented in this paper. Recovery-based implications for rehabilitation service systems are also addressed.

{\it Objective:} This paper examines the barriers faced by people with Spinal Cord Injuries (SCI) when integrating their Assistive Technology (AT) into the workplace, as well as factors that contribute to successful integration.

{\it Study design:} A qualitative research design was used, and indepth interviews were undertaken with five people with SCI, three of their employers and two co-workers.

{\it Results:} Results indicated that in addition to the barriers previously outlined in the literature related to funding the technology, time delays, information availability, training and maintenance, other issues were highlighted. These included the attitudes of the parties involved, the level of responsibility they assumed in the process, and their knowledge and awareness of AT and AT services, as well as issues associated with the work environment.

{\it Conclusions:} Implications for service providers are considered in relation to these barriers and the factors that promoted successful integration. Limitations of this study are noted and recommendations for future research are highlighted.