Disability disclosure as an impression management technique used in the workplace: A grounded theory investigation

BACKGROUND

In order to overcome obstacles to entry and inclusion in the workplace, individuals with disabilities engage in various impression management strategies to present themselves as the socially acceptable 'ideal employee.'

OBJECTIVE

This study expands on previous disclosure research by asking individuals with disabilities to share their experiences of identity management and workplace challenges.

METHODS

We leveraged qualitative research techniques to explore the reciprocal impact of workplace treatment and disclosure.

RESULTS

Impression management emerged as an especially salient aspect of participants' disclosure decisions, and participants used an array of impression management tactics. Some employees with disabilities described positive experiences; however, we also learned that impression management can present unique challenges that may outweigh potential benefits.

CONCLUSION

Our findings affirm that managing the image we project can be remarkably complicated and effortful when having a disability. This paper concludes with implementation recommendations for vocational rehabilitation counselors and human resource practitioners.

Emerging vocational rehabilitation strategies for people with diabetes mellitus

BACKGROUND: People with diabetes mellitus constitute an emerging vocational rehabilitation (VR) consumer population. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this article is to (a) describe the characteristics and needs of Americans with diabetes mellitus, (b) examine the often devastating effects that this highly prevalent disease of the endocrine system has on employment and career development, and (c) suggest strategies that rehabilitation professionals can use to improve VR services and outcomes. METHOD: Following an overview of the etiology, incidence, prevalence, and impact of this high incidence endocrinological disease, the authors present strategies to meet the service and support needs of Americans with diabetes mellitus across the phases of the VR process. RESULTS: The importance of individualized case planning, employer consultation, workplace accommodations, interface with medical and mental health professionals, and adherence to self-care and symptom management regimens is emphasized throughout the article. CONCLUSION: Diabetes mellitus is an emerging disability that can affect people of any age, one that disproportionally affects people of color and people who live in poverty. Rehabilitation professionals must be prepared to meet the service needs of this growing clientele.

Multiple sclerosis in the COVID-19 era: Vocational rehabilitation strategies to meet the needs of a growing and immune-vulnerable clientele

BACKGROUND: This article describes people with multiple sclerosis (MS) as an emerging vocational rehabilitation (VR) clientele. OBJECTIVE: Following an overview of the incidence, prevalence, and impact of MS, the authors suggest strategies to meet the employment and career development needs of Americans with MS across the phases of the VR process. The importance of individualized case planning, employer consultation, workplace accommodations, and interface with medical and mental health professionals is emphasized throughout the article. CONCLUSION: Implications related to the COVID-19 pandemic are discussed.

On-the-Job Treatment of Employees With Disabilities: A Grounded Theory Investigation

Workplace mistreatment is common for workers with and without disabilities. Overt forms of mistreatment in the workplace (e.g., abuse, bullying, harassment) have been well studied; however, less is known about more subtle forms of workplace mistreatment for employees with disabilities. The purpose of this study was to examine how workers with disabilities are treated on the job, the types of mistreatment present in the workplace, the consequences involved (if any), the courses of action taken (if any), and workers’ satisfaction with the outcomes of actions taken. We used a grounded theory approach to learn from 26 employees with disabilities about their experiences with workplace treatment. Primary themes that emerged from the data were (a) the emotional toll of being mistreated on the job; (b) attempting to “grin and bear it,” as one participant described it, to avoid mistreatment; (c) a desire to feel a sense of belongingness at the workplace; and (d) the intersection of disability characteristics, individual characteristics, and work environment characteristics that influences how people with disabilities are treated on the job. Implications are presented for understanding the role that rehabilitation counselors play in helping workers and employers to respond to mistreatment of employees with disabilities.

Disclosure in the classroom and beyond: The perspectives of a professor with mental illnesses

The purpose of this essay was to illustrate how I as a prosumer use disclosure in teaching a psychiatric rehabilitation course to graduate students in rehabilitation counseling. I begin the essay by providing a brief sketch of my path to both recovery and a career in academia. I then discuss my experiences disclosing that I have mental illnesses to students, focusing on how it has mutually benefited us all. I end the essay by discussing how prosumers who are also educators can advocate more broadly to dispel myths and create more inclusive postsecondary environments for students with mental illnesses. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2020 APA, all rights reserved).

A Critical Review of Health, Social, and Prevention Outcomes Associated With Employment for People Living With HIV

A growing need has emerged among HIV service providers, policymakers, and researchers to understand ways in which employment, as a key social determinant of health, can be leveraged toward improved health outcomes among people living with HIV (PLHIV) and the prevention of HIV transmission. This critical review summarizes and assesses current research related to (a) the employment needs and challenges among populations disproportionately impacted by HIV, (b) the relationship between employment and important health outcomes associated with the HIV Care Continuum, and (c) implications for policy, service provision, and future research. As a first step to deepening an understanding of these issues, this analysis identifies gaps in knowledge to underscore the need and direction for future research so that well-targeted interventions can be designed and evaluated and more responsive policies can be developed to address the public health implications of the vocational development and employment needs of PLHIV.

Determinants of Employment Status Among People with Multiple Sclerosis

This study identified factors predicting employment or lack thereof among adults with multiple sclerosis (MS). Data for the analysis were provided by 139 individuals with MS who were considered available for the workforce (i.e., were no older than 62 and did not declare themselves retired). Results from a backward, stepwise multiple logistic regression analysis included the following variables as the best predictors of employment: symptom persistence, severity of symptoms, educational attainment, and presence of cognitive limitations. The relevance of the findings for rehabilitation assessment and intervention strategies is discussed.

The Preferences and Anticipations of People Referred for Vocational Rehabilitation

Client expectations are beginning to receive increasing attention in rehabilitation research and practice. This study provides preliminary data about the expectations, conceptualized as preferences and anticipations, of individuals seeking vocational rehabilitation (VR) services. Sixty-five people (33 women and 32 men) referred to a state VR agency completed an open-ended survey. A grounded-theory, qualitative methodology was used to identify and categorize the themes that emerged from the survey responses. The results suggest that individuals (a) enter the VR process with their own unique sets of preferences and anticipations, (b) have fairly clear ideas about what services they wish to receive but are uncertain about what services they will receive, and (c) want clear and specific information about all aspects of the VR process.

Understanding and Reporting Qualitative Research

Qualitative research methodology is an often misunderstood and underutilized set of philosophies, approaches, and procedures that lends itself quite readily to the study of phenomena of substantial interest to rehabilitation researchers, research consumers, and individuals with disabilities. For that reason, we propose general guidelines for developing and preparing manuscripts to be submitted for journal publication. We discuss important elements to address in introducing the study, describing the research methods, presenting the findings, and discussing the findings. Throughout the article, we use examples from qualitative research articles to illustrate both the process and reporting of qualitative research.

First-to-Second-Year Persistence of Students With Disabilities in Postsecondary Institutions in the United States

The authors used the data from the Beginning Postsecondary Students Longitudinal Study survey (BPS:04/06) to (a) examine the characteristics of the national sample of college students with disabilities and (b) identify the factors that influenced their first-to-second-year persistence in U.S. postsecondary institutions. Students with disabilities in their study display many of the characteristics that are recognized as potential risk factors for attrition in higher education. The results from chisquare tests reveal that academic and social integration and disability-related accommodations are significantly associated with first-to-second-year persistence of students with disabilities; however, when controlling for other demographic, entry, and in-college characteristics, they do not hold significant in the final logistic regression model. Among in-college characteristics, on-campus living, full-time enrollment, degree expectations, first-year GPA, and net price of attendance emerge as significant predictors of persistence of students with disabilities. Recommendations for rehabilitation counselors and disability services staff in higher education are provided.

Assessing consumer satisfaction in rehabilitation and allied health care settings

This article describes the challenges that in here to consumer satisfaction research in the fields of rehabilitation and health care, discusses strategies for improving the psychometric soundness and scientific rigor of research in this increasingly important knowledge domain, and cites several examples from the contemporary literature of measurement and design approaches that have been identified as particularly useful in gauging consumer satisfaction with services. Mixed-method and qualitative research strategies such as in-depth interviews and focus groups are emphasized as ways of broadening and deepening the field's understanding of the multi-dimensional construct of consumer satisfaction.

The use of focus groups in rehabilitation research

In this article, the authors explore the applications of focus groups to rehabilitation and disability research. Key issues in designing focus group research (e.g., methodological considerations, strategies for conducting focus groups, data analysis procedures) are highlighted. The authors then discuss specific considerations for conducting focus groups with people with disabilities. The article concludes with a review of three research studies in rehabilitation that used a focus group methodology.

School-to-work transition and Asperger Syndrome

Asperger Syndrome (AS) is a pervasive developmental disorder characterized by underdeveloped social and communication skills. Despite the fact that most individuals with AS have average to above average cognitive abilities, characteristics of the disorder can cause extreme difficulties in these two domains. While increased attention has been given to the developmental characteristics and educational support needs of children with AS, few studies have focused on the psychosocial and vocational characteristics of emerging adults with AS and the supports they need to succeed in the workplace. This article examines the school-to-work transition of individuals with AS. Psychosocial and vocational characteristics of AS are identified and potential work challenges for these individuals are discussed. The article concludes with specific recommendations for facilitating successful school-to-work transitions for consumers with AS.

Multiple chemical sensitivity and workplace discrimination: the national EEOC ADA research project

Information from the Integrated Mission System of the United States Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) was used to investigate the employment discrimination experiences of Americans with multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS) in comparison to Americans in a general disability group with allergies, asthma, HIV, gastrointestinal impairment, cumulative trauma disorder and tuberculosis. Specifically, the researchers examined demographic characteristics of the charging parties; the industry designation, location, and size of employers against whom allegations were filed; the nature of discrimination (i.e., type of adverse action) alleged to occur; and the legal outcomes or resolutions of these allegations. Findings indicate that persons with MCS were, on average, older than the comparison group and comparatively overrepresented by Caucasians and women. People with MCS were proportionally more likely than the comparison group to allege discrimination related to reasonable accommodations. People with MCS were proportionally more likely than the comparison group to file allegations against employers in the manufacturing and public administration industries, employers with 201-500 workers, and employers in the Western Census region. People with MCS were proportionally more likely than the comparison group to receive non-merit resolutions as a result of the EEOC's Americans with Disabilities Act Title I investigatory process. Implications for policy and advocacy are addressed.

Utilizing research in professional practice

A review of the rehabilitation, disability studies, and allied health literature suggests the presence of numerous factors that impede the utilization of research by practitioners. The purpose of this article is to describe these factors and offer potential solutions that could enable rehabilitation professionals to integrate research findings into their practice. Specifically, the authors recommend strategies to (a) contextualize research throughout pre-service curricula, (b) establish researcher-stakeholder partnerships, (c) increase the accessibility of research to practitioners, and (d) establish professional and peer support for implementing research in field practice.

Recreational planning: an important component of career counseling for people with disabilities

Participation in recreational activities is a critical component of the career development process, providing opportunities for individuals to explore their interests and to develop work-related skills. Recreational participation also offers a healthy outlet for dealing with job-related and other life stressors. People with disabilities are often excluded from participation in recreational activities because of a multitude of barriers. This exclusion can seriously impede the career development of these individuals. This article explores the importance of recreational planning as part of the vocational rehabilitation process. The authors define inclusive recreation and discuss the implications of recreational planning in the various phases of rehabilitation.

Career development interventions for transition-age youths with disabilities

Youths with disabilities are often precluded from participating in career exploration and planning activities that prepare them for meaningful employment. They do not always have the same opportunities as their non-disabled peers to learn about different career options and to develop important work-related skills. This article presents experientially-based career development interventions that can be incorporated into the transition planning process to guide these youths in (a) career exploration and decision-making, (b) career planning, (c) job development and placement, and (e) career maintenance.

Disability and job stress: Implications for vocational rehabilitation planning

Because people with disabilities often experience an increased risk for physical and psychological complications of job stress, vocational rehabilitation professionals must be able to (a) identify individual and work-environmental risk factors for job stress and (b) design appropriate interventions to minimize those risk factors. The purpose of this article is to (a) present two models of occupational stress, (b) examine factors common to each of these models that are associated with employee health and well-being, and (c) suggest implications for rehabilitation planning.

Technology transfer concerns of college graduates with disabilities: Profiles in transition from higher education to competitive careers

The article describes the technology transfer concerns reported by a small sample (N=14) of recent college graduates with disabilities. In structured, in-depth interviews, researchers asked respondents to reflect on the extent to which they had utilized technology resources during their college years in preparation for the world of work. Results suggest that colleges and universities need to play a more active role in introducing students with disabilities to both generalized and assistive technology services.

Qualitative research strategies in rehabilitation

This article presents an overview of the qualitative research methods that social scientists use to explore human phenomena. The authors describe the philosophical and historical foundations of qualitative research, coupled with illustrations of specific qualitative designs. Applications of qualitative methods in the contemporary rehabilitation literature are also presented.

The major tasks of adolescence: Implications for transition planning with youths with cerebral palsy

Adolescents with cerebral palsy are presented with unique challenges as they make the transition to adulthood. There are a number of considerations that need to be addressed in a collaborative manner by rehabilitation professionals, educators, parents, and adolescents to facilitate the transition process. This article (a) explores the challenges that youths with cerebral palsy encounter as they attempt to accomplish the developmental tasks of adolescence and (b) discusses how those tasks can be integrated into transition planning. An overview of the medical aspects of cerebral palsy is also provided.

The working alliance: an interdisciplinary case management strategy for health professionals

This article describes strategies for building working alliances among stakeholders in the rehabilitation process. Beginning with the intake interview and progressing through clarifying expectations, establishing bonds, setting goals, formulating tasks and resolving conflicts, the working alliance provides a model for meeting a wide range of client needs in a comprehensive, cost-effective manner.

Rehabilitation Counseling Outside the State Agency: Settings, Roles, and Functions for the New Millennium

The article explores non-traditional employment settings for rehabilitation counselors. The authors describe career outlooks for and responsibilities of rehabilitation counselors who work in mental health, substance abuse treatment, geriatric rehabilitation, medical/allied health case management, employee assistance programs, disability management, and private practice/consultation.