title: Perspectives of vocational rehabilitation counselors on the factors related to employment outcomes of racial and ethnic minorities with disabilities.
abstract: This study identified effective strategies to promote employment outcomes for individuals with disabilities (consumers) from diverse cultural backgrounds. Twenty-one vocational rehabilitation counselors participated in semistructured interviews. Data revealed 5 major themes: (a) implementing an empowerment approach to case management; (b) establishing successful counseling relationships; (c) providing supports to help consumers adjust to or cope with their disability; (d) supporting consumers in obtaining and maintaining employment; and (e) assisting employers in understanding disability issues. These themes are applicable for the social work profession as well.
authors.affiliation: Department of Disability and Human Development, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60608, USA. Fabricio@uic.edu
authors.forename: Fabricio E
authors.initials: FE
authors.lastname: Balcazar
authors.forename: Tina
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Taylor-Ritzler
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D006233:Persons with Disabilities; D004651:Employment / Q000458:organization & administration*; D005006:Ethnicity; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011209:Power, Psychological; D044469:Racial Groups; D012050:Rehabilitation, Vocational / Q000523:psychology*; D012944:Social Support; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors