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Wong J, Su H, Kudla A, Munsell EGS, Ezeife N, Crown D, Trierweiler R, Capraro P, Tomazin S, Park M, Heinemann AW. Facilitators and barriers to employment for people with physical disabilities: A cross-sectional study. Work 2024:WOR220721. [PMID: 38905070 DOI: 10.3233/wor-220721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/23/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is increasing evidence that employment, or the lack thereof, affects an individual's health. Consequently, employment provides people with physical disabilities (PWPD) with financial independence, enhances their well-being and self-worth, and facilitates a sense of purpose. People with physical disabilities often retain job skills and motivation to return to work after acquiring a disability. Their vocational rehabilitation and job accommodation needs likely differ from people with disabilities resulting from developmental, sensory, cognitive, and mental health conditions. To better target the needs of PWPD and improve vocational rehabilitation services, it is crucial to identify the modifiable factors that influence their employment outcomes. OBJECTIVE This research aimed to examine systematically the client-, employer-, and context-related facilitators and barriers to employment experienced by PWPD. METHODS We recruited to this cross-sectional study, PWPD from the Midwestern United States who returned to work after injury or illness. An online survey collected data on demographic characteristics and educational history; disability and functional status; supports, facilitators and barriers to employment; and job information and accommodations. RESULTS 347 working-age PWPD completed the survey; at the time of survey completion, 270 were working and 77 were not. People with physical disabilities who reported social support and encouragement at work were more likely to be working than respondents who did not. Negative attitudes of supervisors and colleagues, inaccessible work environments, and inflexible work schedules were barriers to employment. Important reasons for working included financial needs, a sense of purpose, and self-worth. CONCLUSIONS Results provide insights into the importance of social supports in the work environment. Novel approaches are needed to develop supportive relationships with supervisors and coworkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jasin Wong
- Department of Special Education, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu City, Taiwan
| | - Han Su
- School of Nursing, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Angelika Kudla
- Center for Rehabilitation Outcomes Research, Shirley Ryan AbilityLab, Chicago, IL, USA
| | | | - Nnaemezie Ezeife
- Center for Rehabilitation Outcomes Research, Shirley Ryan AbilityLab, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Deborah Crown
- Center for Rehabilitation Outcomes Research, Shirley Ryan AbilityLab, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Robert Trierweiler
- Center for Rehabilitation Outcomes Research, Shirley Ryan AbilityLab, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Pamela Capraro
- Center for Rehabilitation Outcomes Research, Shirley Ryan AbilityLab, Chicago, IL, USA
| | | | - Mirang Park
- Rehabilitation Counseling Department, Kosin University, Busan, Republic of Korea
| | - Allen W Heinemann
- Center for Rehabilitation Outcomes Research, Shirley Ryan AbilityLab, Chicago, IL, USA
- Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, Feinberg School of Medicine at Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
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Quartermaine JR, Rose TA, Auld ML, Johnston LM. Factors impacting positive and negative participation of young people with cerebral palsy: a Delphi study of consumers and health professionals. Disabil Rehabil 2024; 46:1330-1338. [PMID: 37147876 DOI: 10.1080/09638288.2023.2194062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2022] [Accepted: 03/19/2023] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To identify specific factors influencing the participation experiences of young people with cerebral palsy (CP) aged 15 to 26 years. MATERIALS AND METHODS A three-round Delphi survey study design was used. Consumers (young people with CP and caregivers) and health professionals were asked to generate and then rate items influencing positive and negative participation experiences. Qualitative content analysis and descriptive statistics were used to classify items across the family of Participation-Related Constructs (fPRC) framework. RESULTS Sixty-eight participants completed Round I (25 consumers, 43 health professionals). Round II resulted in a consensus for all but two items, with Round III not required. The fPRC construct with the most items rated as extremely important for positive participation experiences was Environment-Availability, and for negative participation, experiences were Environment-Acceptability for both adolescents and young adults. CONCLUSIONS A consensus was reached on the most important items influencing the positive and negative participation experiences of young people with CP. These items should be prioritised when developing support services and allocating funding to improve the participation experiences of young people with CP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacinta R Quartermaine
- School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
- Children's Motor Control Research Collaboration, Brisbane, Australia
- Choice, Passion, Life, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- Queensland Cerebral Palsy Register, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Tanya A Rose
- School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Megan L Auld
- School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
- Children's Motor Control Research Collaboration, Brisbane, Australia
- Choice, Passion, Life, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- Queensland Cerebral Palsy Register, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Leanne M Johnston
- School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
- Children's Motor Control Research Collaboration, Brisbane, Australia
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Noyek S, Jessa JS, Faulkner V, Boerner KE, Dewan T, Doyle D, Genik L, Grainger-Schatz S, McMorris C, McMurtry CM, Nania CG, Oberlander T, Lorenzetti D, Turner K, Birnie KA. A systematic review of self and observer assessment of pain and related functioning in youth with brain-based developmental disabilities. Pain 2024; 165:523-536. [PMID: 37870234 PMCID: PMC10859851 DOI: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000003066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2023] [Revised: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Pain experiences of youth with brain-based developmental disabilities are often overlooked and/or misinterpreted, increasing the risk for poor or inadequate pain assessment and management. Ample measures exist to assess acute and chronic pain, yet their utility and frequency of use in youth with brain-based developmental disabilities is unclear and available measures do not have strong measurement properties for this diverse group. This systematic review identified the scope of self-reported and observer-reported pain assessment in studies of youth (aged 3-24 years) with brain-based developmental disabilities (phase 1) and summarized other measures of pain-related functioning for acute and chronic pain (ie, physical, emotional, social, sleep, and quality of life, within the subset of quantitative studies focused primarily on pain, phase 2). A comprehensive search for English-language studies was conducted in August 2022 in Web of Science, CINAHL, MEDLINE, Cochrane CENTRAL, EMBASE, and APA PsychINFO (PROSPERO registration: CRD42021237444). A total of 17,029 unique records were screened. Of the 707 articles included in phase 1, most assessed chronic pain (n = 314; 62.0%) and primarily used observer-report (n = 155; 31%) over self-report (n = 67; 13%). Of the 137 articles included in phase 2, other outcomes assessed alongside pain intensity included motor ability (16.8%), adaptive functioning (11%), quality of life (8%), pain interference (6.6%), mental health (5.8%), and communication ability (2.9%). Cerebral palsy was the most common population in both phase 1 (n = 343; 48.5%) and phase 2 (n = 83; 59.7%). This review provides a foundational understanding of pain assessment in brain-based developmental disabilities and highlights continued inequities in holistic pain assessment for this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha Noyek
- Department of Psychology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Jenna S. Jessa
- Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Violeta Faulkner
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | | | - Tammie Dewan
- Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Dacey Doyle
- Department of Psychology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Department of Psychology, University of British Columbia, BC, Canada
- Department of Psychology, University of Guelph, ON, Canada
- Werklund School of Education, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Department of Pediatrics, University of British Columbia, BC, Canada
- Department of Community Health Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, AB, Canada
| | - Lara Genik
- Department of Psychology, University of Guelph, ON, Canada
| | - Stacy Grainger-Schatz
- Department of Psychology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Department of Psychology, University of British Columbia, BC, Canada
- Department of Psychology, University of Guelph, ON, Canada
- Werklund School of Education, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Department of Pediatrics, University of British Columbia, BC, Canada
- Department of Community Health Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, AB, Canada
| | - Carly McMorris
- Werklund School of Education, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | | | - Cara G. Nania
- Werklund School of Education, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Tim Oberlander
- Department of Pediatrics, University of British Columbia, BC, Canada
| | - Diane Lorenzetti
- Department of Psychology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Kailyn Turner
- Werklund School of Education, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Kathryn A. Birnie
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Department of Community Health Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, AB, Canada
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Shahin S, Ahmed S, DiRezze B, Anaby D. Reliability and Validity of the Youth and Young-Adult Participation and Environment Measure (Y-PEM): An Initial Evaluation. Phys Occup Ther Pediatr 2023; 44:232-247. [PMID: 37415271 DOI: 10.1080/01942638.2023.2232030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 07/08/2023]
Abstract
AIM To examine psychometric properties and aspects of utility of the Youth and young-adult Participation and Environment Measure (Y-PEM). METHODS Young people with and without physical disabilities (n = 113) aged 12 to 31 (x¯ = 23; SD = 4.3) completed an online survey containing the Y-PEM and QQ-10 questionnaire. To examine construct validity, differences in participation levels and environmental barriers/facilitators were examined between those with (n = 56) and without disabilities (n = 57) via t-test. Internal consistency was computed using Cronbach's alpha. To examine test-retest reliability, a sub-sample of 70 participants completed the Y-PEM a second time, 2-4 weeks apart. The Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was calculated. RESULTS Descriptively, participants with disabilities had lower levels of frequency and involvement across all four settings: home, school/educational, community, workplace. Internal consistency were 0.71 and above (up to 0.82) across all scales with the exception of home (0.52) and workplace frequency (0.61). Test-retest reliability were 0.70 and above (up to 0.85) across all settings except for environmental supports at school (0.66) and workplace frequency (0.43). Y-PEM was perceived as a valuable tool with relatively low burden. CONCLUSIONS Initial psychometric properties are promising. Findings support Y-PEM's use as a feasible self-reported questionnaire for individuals aged 12-30 years old.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saeideh Shahin
- School of Physical and Occupational Therapy, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Rehabilitation (CRIR), CIUSSS Central-West Montreal, Montreal, Canada
| | - Sara Ahmed
- School of Physical and Occupational Therapy, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Rehabilitation (CRIR), CIUSSS Central-West Montreal, Montreal, Canada
| | - Briano DiRezze
- CanChild Centre for Childhood Disability Research, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
| | - Dana Anaby
- School of Physical and Occupational Therapy, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Rehabilitation (CRIR), CIUSSS Central-West Montreal, Montreal, Canada
- CanChild Centre for Childhood Disability Research, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
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Shahin S, DiRezze B, Ahmed S, Anaby D. Development and content validity of the youth and young-adult participation and environment measure (Y-PEM). Disabil Rehabil 2023; 45:549-561. [PMID: 35113745 DOI: 10.1080/09638288.2022.2030809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To develop and evaluate the content of a self-reported measure of participation and environment, named Youth, Young-adult Participation and Environment Measure (Y-PEM), capturing participation at home, school, community, and the workplace among individuals with physical disabilities aged 12-30. MATERIALS AND METHODS A multi-phase sequential design based on elements of COnsensus for Standard Measurements INstrument was employed. Five consecutive rounds of cognitive interviews with 24 participants aged 12-33 years (X̅ = 20.9; n = 19 with a physical disability) and consultation with experts (n = 15) were conducted for item development and validation. Relevancy and clarity of items in each setting were assessed using the 10-cm Visual Analogue Scales (VASs). RESULTS Participants recommended adding activities specific to this age group (i.e., dating, caregiving, preparing meals, employment). On a 4-point Likert scale, work-related items were perceived important by experts (X̅ = 3.4) and young adults (X̅ = 3.1) with average clarity of 8.8 and relevancy of 8.4 out of 10, on the VASs. Similarly, the average clarity of items across settings (home, school, community) ranged from 6.9 to 8.7 and relevancy from 7.4 to 8.1. No modifications were required in environmental items. CONCLUSIONS Results suggest that Y-PEM is clear, relevant, comprehensive, and can be completed by individuals aged 12-30 with physical disabilities.IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATIONThe Y-PEM can provide a standardized and systematic method to assess the first-hand subjective experience of youth and young adults with disabilities aged 12-30 in their participation at home, school, community, and the workplace.The Y-PEM can provide information regarding participation in activities that prepare youth or young adults for the job market as well as their perspective on the environmental barriers or supports that they may face in their employment.Clinicians can use the Y-PEM to identify environmental barriers and facilitators that impact participation across different settings and address them to further promote participation in meaningful and age-related activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saeideh Shahin
- School of Physical and Occupational Therapy, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Rehabilitation, CIUSS du Centre-Sud-de-l'Île-de-Montreal, Montreal, Canada
| | - Briano DiRezze
- School of Rehabilitation Science, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
- CanChild Centre for Childhood Disability Research, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
| | - Sara Ahmed
- School of Physical and Occupational Therapy, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Rehabilitation, CIUSS du Centre-Sud-de-l'Île-de-Montreal, Montreal, Canada
| | - Dana Anaby
- School of Physical and Occupational Therapy, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Rehabilitation, CIUSS du Centre-Sud-de-l'Île-de-Montreal, Montreal, Canada
- CanChild Centre for Childhood Disability Research, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
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Fortune N, Curryer B, Badland H, Smith-Merry J, Devine A, Stancliffe RJ, Emerson E, Llewellyn G. Do Area-Level Environmental Factors Influence Employment for People with Disability? A Scoping Review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19159082. [PMID: 35897452 PMCID: PMC9330484 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19159082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2022] [Revised: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Employment is an important social determinant of health and wellbeing. People with disability experience labour market disadvantage and have low labour force participation rates, high unemployment rates, and poor work conditions. Environmental factors are crucial as facilitators of or barriers to participation for people with disability. Understanding how the physical, social, and economic characteristics of local areas influence employment for people with disability can potentially inform interventions to reduce employment inequalities. We conducted a scoping review of research investigating associations between area-level environmental factors and employment for people with disability. Eighteen articles published between 2000 and 2020 met the inclusion criteria, and data were extracted to map the current evidence. Area-level factors were categorised into six domains relating to different aspects of environmental context: socioeconomic environment, services, physical environment, social environment, governance, and urbanicity. The urbanicity and socioeconomic environment domains were the most frequently represented (15 and 8 studies, respectively). The studies were heterogeneous in terms of methods and data sources, scale and type of geographic units used for analysis, disability study population, and examined employment outcomes. We conclude that the current evidence base is insufficient to inform the design of interventions. Priorities for future research are identified, which include further theorising the mechanisms by which area-level factors may influence employment outcomes, quantifying the contribution of specific factors, and interrogating specific factors underlying the association between urbanicity and employment outcomes for people with disability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola Fortune
- Centre for Disability Research and Policy, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW 2006, Australia; (B.C.); (J.S.-M.); (R.J.S.); (G.L.)
- NHMRC Centre of Research Excellence in Disability and Health, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia; (H.B.); (A.D.); (E.E.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Bernadette Curryer
- Centre for Disability Research and Policy, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW 2006, Australia; (B.C.); (J.S.-M.); (R.J.S.); (G.L.)
| | - Hannah Badland
- NHMRC Centre of Research Excellence in Disability and Health, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia; (H.B.); (A.D.); (E.E.)
- Centre for Urban Research, RMIT University, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia
| | - Jennifer Smith-Merry
- Centre for Disability Research and Policy, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW 2006, Australia; (B.C.); (J.S.-M.); (R.J.S.); (G.L.)
- NHMRC Centre of Research Excellence in Disability and Health, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia; (H.B.); (A.D.); (E.E.)
| | - Alexandra Devine
- NHMRC Centre of Research Excellence in Disability and Health, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia; (H.B.); (A.D.); (E.E.)
- Centre for Health Equity, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Roger J. Stancliffe
- Centre for Disability Research and Policy, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW 2006, Australia; (B.C.); (J.S.-M.); (R.J.S.); (G.L.)
- NHMRC Centre of Research Excellence in Disability and Health, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia; (H.B.); (A.D.); (E.E.)
| | - Eric Emerson
- NHMRC Centre of Research Excellence in Disability and Health, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia; (H.B.); (A.D.); (E.E.)
- Centre for Disability Research, Faculty of Health and Medicine, Lancaster University, Lancaster LA1 4YW, UK
| | - Gwynnyth Llewellyn
- Centre for Disability Research and Policy, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW 2006, Australia; (B.C.); (J.S.-M.); (R.J.S.); (G.L.)
- NHMRC Centre of Research Excellence in Disability and Health, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia; (H.B.); (A.D.); (E.E.)
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Ipsen C, Ward B, Myers A. Events Across the Life Course Contribute to Higher Mobility Impairment Rates in Rural U.S. FRONTIERS IN REHABILITATION SCIENCES 2022; 3:863716. [PMID: 36188967 PMCID: PMC9397967 DOI: 10.3389/fresc.2022.863716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Purpose This paper investigates how life events such as injuries, health insurance coverage, geography, and occupation contribute to mobility disability rates over time. Findings can inform policies and practices to address factors that may contribute to disability in rural and urban areas. Methods We utilized 27 waves of the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth (NLSY) data from 1979 to 2016 to explore how past injury, occupation, health insurance coverage, and rurality predicted mobility impairment at ages 40 and 50 using regression analysis. Findings Rural respondents reported significantly higher rates of mobility impairment at age 40 and age 50 relative to people living in urban areas, and were more likely to report injury, work in high exertion occupations, and experience several pain-related health conditions. Using logistic regression and controlling for race and education, we found that people had higher odds of experiencing mobility impairment at age 40 if they reported a broken bone in the last 10 years, reported ever being knocked unconscious, had any workplace injury from 1988 to 2000, or lived in a rural area. People reported lower odds of mobility impairment if they had more consistent health insurance coverage over time. Further analysis showed that people consistently uninsured over time were 91% more likely to report mobility impairment at age 40 than those consistently insured. Conclusion A better understanding of environmental factors associated with disability such as access to insurance, risk exposures, resources, and other place-based behaviors can inform additional strategies for reducing the severity and duration of mobility disability.
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Gupta S, Jaiswal A, Sukhai M, Wittich W. Hearing disability and employment: a population-based analysis using the 2017 Canadian survey on disability. Disabil Rehabil 2022; 45:1836-1846. [PMID: 35609236 DOI: 10.1080/09638288.2022.2076938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Purpose: The objectives of this study were to determine the effects of hearing disability on employment rates; examine how various factors are associated with employment; and identify workplace accommodations available to persons with hearing disabilities in Canada.Material and methods: A population-based analysis was done using the data collected through the 2017 Canadian Survey on Disability (CSD), representing 6 million (n = 6 246 640) Canadians. A subset of the complete dataset was created focusing on individuals with a hearing disability (n = 1 334 520). Weighted descriptive and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed.Results: In 2017, the employment rates for working-age adults with a hearing disability were 55%. Excellent general health status (OR: 3.37; 95% CI: 2.29-4.96) and daily use of the internet (OR: 2.70; 95% CI: 1.78-4.10) had the highest positive effect on the employment rates. The top three needed but least available accommodations were communication aids (16%), technical aids (19%), and accessible parking/elevator (21%).Conclusion: Employment rates for persons with a hearing disability are lower than the general population in Canada. Employment outcomes are closely associated with one's general health and digital skills. Lack of certain workplace accommodations may disadvantage individuals with a hearing disability in their employment.Implications for RehabilitationPeople with severe hearing disabilities and those with additional disabilities may need additional and more rigorous services and supports to achieve competitive employment.It is important for the government to improve efforts toward inclusive education and develop strategies that promote digital literacy for job seekers with hearing disabilities.Officials concerned with implementing employment equity policies in Canada should focus on finding strategies that enable employees to have supportive conversations with their employers regarding disability disclosure and obtaining required accommodations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shikha Gupta
- School of Optometry, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Atul Jaiswal
- School of Optometry, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Mahadeo Sukhai
- Canadian National Institutes for Blind (CNIB), Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Ophthalmology, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - Walter Wittich
- School of Optometry, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
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Imms C, Reddihough D, Shepherd DA, Kavanagh A. Social Outcomes of School Leavers With Cerebral Palsy Living in Victoria. Front Neurol 2021; 12:753921. [PMID: 34970206 PMCID: PMC8712328 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2021.753921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2021] [Accepted: 11/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: In Australia, the National Disability Strategy provides a framework to guide actions and investment to achieve equity in social inclusion and economic participation for people with disability. We investigated the social outcomes of school leavers with cerebral palsy (CP) in Victoria, Australia and explored the determinants of desirable outcomes. Methods: We used the Victorian CP Register to invite all adults with CP aged 18-25 years (n = 649). On-line and/or paper-based surveys explored participation in education, employment, community activities, living situation, relationships and life satisfaction. Functional and health status data were collected. Social outcomes were summarized descriptively and compared between individuals with CP and non-disabled peers aged 18-25 years from the Household Income and Labor Dynamics in Australia dataset. Within the CP cohort we explored whether physical and mental health and level of functioning were associated with social outcomes. In addition, a descriptive comparison was undertaken between the social outcomes of the current CP cohort with that of a previously reported 2007 cohort. Results: Ninety participants (57% male; mean age 22.4 years (SD: 2.2) in 2020; 61.1% self-reported) provided data for analyses; response rate 16.9%. CP characteristics were similar between respondents and non-respondents. In comparison to similar aged peers, 79.8% had completed secondary school (compared to 83.2%); 32.6% (compared to 75.8%) were in paid work; 87.5% (compared to 48.2%) were living in their parental home; and 3.4% (compared to 31.6%) were married or partnered. Individuals with CP and higher levels of functional capacity and better physical health were more likely to undertake post-secondary education. Higher levels of functional capacity and physical health, as well as lower mental health status were associated with being employed. Conclusions: While foundational education completion rates were similar to non-disabled peers, significant gaps in social outcomes remain, including residence in the parental home and single status. While addressing these issues is challenging, substantial efforts are needed to reduce these disparities-work that needs to be done in collaboration with people with CP and their families.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine Imms
- Apex Australia Foundation Chair of Neurodevelopment and Disability, Department of Paediatrics, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Dinah Reddihough
- Principal Research Fellow, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Daisy A. Shepherd
- Biostatistician, Department of Paediatrics, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Anne Kavanagh
- Chair in Disability and Health, School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
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Perri M, McColl MA, Khan A, Jetha A. Scanning and synthesizing Canadian policies that address the school-to-work transition of youth and young adults with disabilities. Disabil Health J 2021; 14:101122. [PMID: 34176778 DOI: 10.1016/j.dhjo.2021.101122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2020] [Revised: 05/19/2021] [Accepted: 05/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Disability faced by a young person can impact the school-to-work transition and shape health and well-being over the life course. Unique barriers to entry and advancement within the labor market that are relevant to young people with disabilities underscore the need for tailored policy-level supports. OBJECTIVES To examine and describe policies that support the school-to-work transition of young people with disabilities in Canada. METHODS A scan of policies which focused on the school-to-work transition of young people with disabilities across Canada was conducted between June 2019 and January 2020. Searches were completed within federal, provincial and territorial policy portals. Each policy relating to employment participation of people with disabilities was summarized. Policies that focused on the school-to-work-specific were synthesized using Bemelmans-Vidic, Rist and Vedung's policy tool framework. RESULTS A total of 36 policies were identified by our scan that focused on the employment of people with disabilities. Only five policies explicitly addressed the school-to-work transition. All existing policies were implemented at the provincial level and aimed to promote entry into employment. The synthesis of policies revealed that financial policy tools were primarily used to incentivize employment, provision of workplace accommodations, or the development and implementation of job readiness programs. CONCLUSION Our analysis of federal, provincial and territorial policies in Canada uncovered a limited number of policies that specifically support the school-to-work transition. Addressing these policy gaps can increase the inclusion of young people with disabilities in the labor market.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa Perri
- Institute for Work & Health, Toronto, ON, Canada; Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Mary Ann McColl
- School of Rehabilitation Therapy, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Ayesha Khan
- Institute for Work & Health, Toronto, ON, Canada; Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Arif Jetha
- Institute for Work & Health, Toronto, ON, Canada; Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
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A Scoping Review of the Contextual Factors Impacting Employment in Neurodevelopmental Disorders. CURRENT DEVELOPMENTAL DISORDERS REPORTS 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s40474-021-00229-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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Selvakumaran S, Thompson-Hodgetts S, Nicholas D, Fan L, Fang H, Di Rezze B. An Umbrella Review of the Impact of Environment on the Productive Lives of Individuals with Autism and Other Neurodevelopmental Disabilities. CURRENT DEVELOPMENTAL DISORDERS REPORTS 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s40474-020-00211-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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