Perspectives of vocational rehabilitation counselors on the factors related to employment outcomes of racial and ethnic minorities with disabilities.
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.
Balcazar
Fabricio E
FE
Department of Disability and Human Development, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60608, USA. Fabricio@uic.edu
Taylor-Ritzler
Tina
T
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