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Lindsay S, Osten V, Rezai M, Bui S. Disclosure and workplace accommodations for people with autism: a systematic review. Disabil Rehabil 2019; 43:597-610. [PMID: 31282214 DOI: 10.1080/09638288.2019.1635658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The objective of this systematic review was to describe the prevalence and processes of disability disclosure for persons with autism spectrum disorder. METHODS Systematic searches of seven international databases revealed 26 studies meeting our inclusion criteria. We analyzed these studies with respect to participant demographics, methodology, results and quality of the evidence. RESULTS Among the 26 studies, 7006 participants (aged 13-75, mean 28.1 years) were represented across seven countries. Our findings showed that rates of disclosure and receiving workplace accommodations varied considerably. Benefits of disclosing in the workplace included greater acceptance and inclusion, receiving accommodations, and increasing awareness about autism. Limitations of disclosing to employers involved experiencing stigma and discrimination. Factors affecting decisions to disclose included age at diagnosis, social demands of the job, and workplace policies. Types of accommodations that were received or desired included adjustments to the job interview process, schedules (i.e., flexibility, working from home), job content or working conditions, environment (i.e., lighting, quiet space); support with communication and social skills; and disability awareness training for their workplace colleagues. CONCLUSIONS Our findings highlight that disclosing a condition of autism in the workplace and requesting accommodations is complex. More research is needed to explore processes of disclosing and accommodation and how these processes vary by autism sub-type, gender, and industry type.Implications for rehabilitationClinicians and vocational Counselors should support people with autism to advocate for their needs in the workplace, including the potential benefits of disclosing their conditions so they can access accommodations that allow them to keep healthy and productive in workplace.Clinicians should recognize that people with autism spectrum disorder may have different workplace accommodation needs than those with other types of disabilities, in particular support with social and communication skills.Clinicians should aid people with autism to access resources and supports that are available to them to access workplace accommodations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sally Lindsay
- Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Bloorview Research Institute, Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Victoria Osten
- Bloorview Research Institute, Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Mana Rezai
- Bloorview Research Institute, Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Sunny Bui
- Bloorview Research Institute, Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Rehabilitation Sciences Institute, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Guilcher SJT, Catharine Craven B, Bassett-Gunter RL, Cimino SR, Hitzig SL. An examination of objective social disconnectedness and perceived social isolation among persons with spinal cord injury/dysfunction: a descriptive cross-sectional study. Disabil Rehabil 2019; 43:69-75. [PMID: 31130020 DOI: 10.1080/09638288.2019.1616328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To describe objective social disconnectedness and perceived social isolation post-spinal cord injury/dysfunction (SCI/D), and to examine associations among social disconnectedness and social isolation by sociodemographic and clinical characteristics. MATERIALS AND METHODS A telephone-based questionnaire was administered to 170 community dwelling individuals with a SCI/D. Social disconnectedness was measured by social network size, composition, and frequency of contact. Social isolation was measured using the revised three item UCLA Loneliness Scale. RESULTS Of the 170 participants, the majority were men (n = 136, 80%), had a traumatic injury (n = 149, 87.6%), and had incomplete tetraplegia (n = 58, 34%). The mean network size was 3.86 (SD = 2.0) of a maximum seven. The mean loneliness score for the sample was 4.93 (SD = 1.87). Factors associated with lower feelings of loneliness included being married, living with a higher proportion of network members, and being employed. Size of networks was not significantly associated with feelings of loneliness. CONCLUSIONS This study highlights the vulnerability for perceived social isolation among persons with SCI/D. The size of network does not seem to matter as much as the frequency and quality of social interactions. Findings reinforce the complexity of social disconnectedness and the importance in understanding the various indicators of social disconnectedness as they relate to social isolation. IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATION Social relationships have been shown to be a vital component of optimal health and well-being. Individuals with a spinal cord injury/dysfunction are faced with a number of challenges in developing and maintaining social relationships and community participation. Rehabilitation professionals should encourage opportunities for social inclusion, employment and community participation to optimize health and well-being for this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara J T Guilcher
- Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.,Rehabilitation Sciences Institute, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.,Institute for Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.,Centre for Urban Health Solutions, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Canada
| | - B Catharine Craven
- Rehabilitation Sciences Institute, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.,Institute for Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.,Neural Engineering & Therapeutics Team, Toronto Rehabilitation Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada.,Division of Physiatry, Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | | | - Stephanie R Cimino
- St. John's Rehab Research Program, Sunnybrook Research Institute, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, Canada
| | - Sander L Hitzig
- Rehabilitation Sciences Institute, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.,St. John's Rehab Research Program, Sunnybrook Research Institute, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, Canada.,Department of Occupational Science & Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
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Lindsay S, Cagliostro E, Stinson J, Leck J. A 4-Week Electronic-Mentoring Employment Intervention for Youth With Physical Disabilities: Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial. JMIR Pediatr Parent 2019; 2:e12653. [PMID: 31518302 PMCID: PMC6716490 DOI: 10.2196/12653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2018] [Revised: 02/07/2019] [Accepted: 02/25/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Youth with disabilities are more likely to live in poverty and be unemployed compared with youth without disabilities. Such trends are often a result of a lack of support, inaccessible jobs, environmental barriers, and discriminatory attitudes toward people with disabilities. Youth with disabilities also face barriers in accessing vocational preparation programs. One encouraging way that could help address challenges that youth encounter is by providing support through electronic mentoring (e-mentoring). OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to assess the feasibility of a 4-week Web-based peer e-mentoring employment intervention for youth with physical disabilities. METHODS We conducted a pilot randomized controlled trial (RCT) to evaluate our intervention, Empowering youth towards employment. Participants included youth aged 15 to 25 years who were randomly assigned to an experimental (mentored) or control (nonmentored) group. Our intervention involved having trained youth mentors (ie, near peers who also had a disability) lead Web-based discussion forums while offering peer support and resources, which involved 12 modules (3 topics a week for 4 weeks). Primary outcomes focused on implementation (ie, feasibility and acceptability), whereas secondary outcomes focused on effectiveness (ie, measures of self-determination, career maturity, and social support). RESULTS A total of 28 youth (mean age 19.62, SD 3.53; 14/28, 50% female) completed the RCT in 3 intervention groups and 2 control groups (intervention n=18, control n=10). Participants reported satisfaction with the program and that it was feasible and acceptable. Youth's mean engagement level with the program was 6.44 (SD 2.33) for the experimental group and 5.56 (SD 3.53) for controls. Participants in the intervention group did not demonstrate any significant improvements in social support, career maturity, or self-determination compared with those in the control group. No adverse events were reported. CONCLUSIONS The Empowering youth towards employment e-mentoring intervention needs further testing with a larger sample and different length of formats to understand how it may have an impact on employment outcomes for youth with disabilities. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02522507; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02522507 (Archived by WebCite at http://www.webcitation.org/77a3T4qrE).
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Affiliation(s)
- Sally Lindsay
- Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, University of Toronto and Bloorview Research Institute, Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Elaine Cagliostro
- Bloorview Research Institute, Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Jennifer Stinson
- Lawrence S Bloomberg Faculty of Nursing, Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Joanne Leck
- Telfer School of Management, University of Ottawa, Toronto, ON, Canada
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Lindsay S, Leck J, Shen W, Cagliostro E, Stinson J. A framework for developing employer’s disability confidence. EQUALITY, DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION: AN INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL 2019. [DOI: 10.1108/edi-05-2018-0085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
PurposeMany employers lack disability confidence regarding how to include people with disabilities in the workforce, which can lead to stigma and discrimination. The purpose of this paper is to explore the concept of disability confidence from two perspectives, employers who hire people with a disability and employees with a disability.Design/methodology/approachA qualitative thematic analysis was conducted using 35 semi-structured interviews (18 employers who hire people with disabilities; 17 employees with a disability).FindingsThemes included the following categories: disability discomfort (i.e. lack of experience, stigma and discrimination); reaching beyond comfort zone (i.e. disability awareness training, business case, shared lived experiences); broadened perspectives (i.e. challenging stigma and stereotypes, minimizing bias and focusing on abilities); and disability confidence (i.e. supportive and inclusive culture and leading and modeling social change). The results highlight that disability confidence among employers is critical for enhancing the social inclusion of people with disabilities.Originality/valueThe study addresses an important gap in the literature by developing a better understanding of the concept of disability from the perspectives of employers who hire people with disabilities and also employees with a disability.
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Dolce JN, Bates FM. Hiring and employing individuals with psychiatric disabilities: Focus groups with human resource professionals. JOURNAL OF VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION 2019. [DOI: 10.3233/jvr-180990] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Joni N. Dolce
- Department of Psychiatric Rehabilitation and Counseling Professions, School of Health Professions, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Blackwood, NJ, USA
| | - Francine M. Bates
- Department of Psychiatric Rehabilitation and Counseling Professions, School of Health Professions, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Blackwood, NJ, USA
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Lindsay S, Cagliostro E, Leck J, Shen W, Stinson J. Disability disclosure and workplace accommodations among youth with disabilities. Disabil Rehabil 2018; 41:1914-1924. [PMID: 29558221 DOI: 10.1080/09638288.2018.1451926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
Purpose: Many youths with disabilities find it challenging to disclose their medical condition and request workplace accommodations. Our objective was to explore when and how young people with disabilities disclose their condition and request workplace accommodations. Methods: We conducted 17 in-depth interviews (11 females, six males) with youth with disabilities aged 15-34 (mean age 26). We analyzed our data using an interpretive, qualitative, and thematic approach. Results: Our results showed the timing of when youth disclosed their disability to their employer depended on disability type and severity, comfort level, type of job, and industry. Youth's strategies and reasons for disclosure included advocating for their needs, being knowledgeable about workplace rights, and accommodation solutions. Facilitators for disclosure included job preparation, self-confidence, and self-advocacy skills, and having an inclusive work environment. Challenges to disability disclosure included the fear of stigma and discrimination, lack of employer's knowledge about disability and accommodations, negative past experiences of disclosing, and not disclosing on your own terms. Conclusions: Our findings highlight that youth encounter several challenges and barriers to disclosing their condition and requesting workplace accommodations. The timing and process for disclosing is complex and further work is needed to help support youth with disclosing their condition. Implications for rehabilitation Clinicians, educators, and employers should emphasize the importance of mentoring and leadership programs to give youth the confidence and self-advocacy skills needed to disclose and ask for accommodations in the workplace. Clinicians should advocate for the inclusion of youth with disabilities in the workforce and educate employers on the importance of doing so. Youth with disabilities need more opportunities for employment training and particularly how to disclose their disability and request workplace accommodations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sally Lindsay
- a Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy , University of Toronto , Toronto , Canada.,b Bloorview Research Institute, Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital , Toronto , Canada
| | - Elaine Cagliostro
- b Bloorview Research Institute, Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital , Toronto , Canada
| | - Joanne Leck
- c Telfer School of Management , University of Ottawa , Ottawa , Canada
| | - Winny Shen
- d Department of Psychology , University of Waterloo , Waterloo , Canada
| | - Jennifer Stinson
- e Hospital for SickKids , University of Toronto , Toronto , Canada.,f Lawrence S. Bloomberg Faculty of Nursing , University of Toronto , Toronto , Canada
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