Introduces multi-level viewpoint on community employment problems for persons with mental retardation. Calls for reframing of the questions asked and advocates broader consideration to planning interventions at the small group, organizational, and institutional and community levels, as well as the individual level. Makes proposals for new…

A study of 83 Australian adults with spinal cord injuries found that at least 56% had worked at some time post-injury and those who were working when surveyed had done so for an average of close to 10 years. Clerical, office, and administrative occupations proved to be the most suitable. (Author/CR)

Suggests that counselors should devote more attention to work adjustment problems. Proposes systems model for counselors to use in conceptualizing the development of work adjustment and work adjustment problems and in formulating strategies of intervention to address these problems. (Author)

In this humorous article, a man with autism discusses his struggles with the world of employment despite his cum laude degree from Yale University. The underemployment of people with disabilities is highlighted, along with the lack of "people skills" that individuals with autism have, which creates a barrier to employment. (CR)

Discusses rules governing social security and their implications for part-time employees in various countries. Topics include (1) methods of financing social security, (2) benefits, (3) measures concerning the unemployed, (4) a floor for employers' contributions, (5) graduated contribution rates, and (6) financial incentives. (CH)

Investigated the effectiveness of an innovative method of counseling, Rapid Problem Resolution (RPR) with chronically unemployed rehabilitation clients. Counselors used the RPR technique with 29 problem clients whose cases were about to be closed unsuccessfully. In this study, 19 of the 26 clients were rehabilitated. (Author)

Connections between career development and mental health do exist. Career counseling can be a therapeutic intervention by providing dislocated, unhappy, maladjusted, or underemployed workers information, support, encouragement, and skills that increase competence and improve self-esteem. (SK)

Presents analyses of data from the National Comorbidity Survey to assess the extent to which problems within marriage spill over to produce work loss. Results indicate that marital distress is positively associated with work loss. Suggests family interventions targeted at prevention of marital problems may result in important psychosocial and…

Supported employment for severely developmentally disabled adults emphasizes a full range of normal job benefits and recognizes the need for support to enable successful job performance. Supported employment requires opportunities to be created before service commences, targets immediate employment outcomes, and values employment in the same…

Based on a survey of a group of unemployed people, this article examines ways in which adult education can best serve the needs of the unemployed as they perceive them. (Author/SSH)

This article identifies segments of the deaf-blind population needing additional support to secure and maintain employment, such as the deaf-blind mentally retarded. Supported employment models are described in this context, with special emphasis on the individual placement model and its approaches to job development, worker assessment, training…

In a study of the career maintenance needs of 35 employees with visual impairments in Vermont and Massachusetts, barriers to job retention were assessed in four areas: accessibility of work sites, performance of essential functions, job mastery, and job satisfaction. Recommendations for reasonable accommodations and rehabilitation services are…

A survey of 13 vocational programs that used natural supports as one of their strategies for securing and supporting people with disabilities in community jobs found that people with more severe disabilities had fewer wage- and integration-outcomes and fewer typical features of employment compared to those with less severe disabilities. (CR)

Addresses the implications of recessionary unemployment for the field of counseling, including family counseling, group counseling, and career education. Counseling should focus on maintaining the person's physical and psychological wellness, and teaching coping behavior to prevent temporary unemployment from becoming permanent. (JAC)

Offers a step-by-step guide to help rehabilitation counselors design activities to ensure client's job maintenance. Describes initial assessment process that identifies physical, emotional, and intellectual barriers to job maintenance. Discusses development of a systematic postemployment service plan. (Author)