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Journal of Applied Rehabilitation Counseling

 

 

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The JARC is the official publication of the National Rehabilitation Counseling Association (NRCA). JARC is widely distributed to counselors, administrators, researchers, students, support personnel, libraries in colleges, hospitals, and medical schools. JARC will keep you current on issues, approaches to practice, legislation, techniques, and innovations in the field.

JARC is published quarterly and mailed to subscribers the last month of the quarter, i.e., March, June, September, & December. ISSN 0047-2220. Publication No. 784700

Subscription Fees: Domestic - $70.00; Canada and Foreign Countries - $85.00 per year.

Subscriptions begin with the current issue upon receipt of payment.

All payments should be made to the National Rehabilitation Counseling Association in U.S. dollars only and mailed to:

P.O. Box 4480
Manassas,VA 20108

Discounts are available to Subscription agencies.
We DO accept major credit cards.

Previous issues of JARC are available at $15.00 per issue. Not all issues are available and others have limited quantities. Please contact the NRCA office for availability of issues.

Journal of Applied Rehabilitation Counseling
Manuscript Submission Guidelines

Mail manuscripts to Dr. Ellen S. Fabian, Editor, Journal of Applied Rehabilitation Counseling, 3214 Benjamin Building, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742.
An original and two copies of each manuscript should be submitted. All copies should be clear, readable, and on paper of good quality. In addition to addresses and phone numbers, authors should supply e-mail addresses and fax numbers, if available, for potential use by the editorial office. Authors should keep a copy of the manuscript to guard against loss.

REVIEW POLICY

Because reviewers have agreed to participate in a masked reviewing system, authors submitting manuscripts are requested to include with each copy of the manuscript a cover sheet, which shows the title of the manuscript, the authors’ names, job title or student status, along with employer or institutional affiliations. The first page of text should omit the authors’ names and affiliations but should include the title of the manuscript. Footnotes containing information about the authors’ identity or affiliations should be on separate pages. Every effort should be made to see that the manuscript itself contains no clues to the authors’ identity.

MANUSCRIPT PREPARATION

Authors should prepare manuscripts according to the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association (5th ed.). All manuscripts must include an abstract containing a maximum of 150 words, typed on a separate sheet of paper. Typing instructions (all copy must be double-spaced) and instructions on preparing tables, figures, references, metrics, and abstracts appear in the Publication Manual. Also, all manuscripts must avoid terminology that might imply bias against persons on the basis of gender, sexual orientation, racial or ethnic group, disability, or age.

Manuscripts submitted to the Journal of Applied Rehabilitation Counseling (JARC) should be concisely written in simple, unambiguous language. They should present material in logical order, starting with a statement of purpose and progressing through an analysis of evidence to conclusions and implications, with the conclusions clearly related to the evidence presented. Manuscripts failing to meet minimally accepted standards will be returned to the author unreviewed.

PUBLICATION POLICY

APA Policy prohibits an author from submitting the same manuscript for concurrent consideration by two or more publications. As JARC is a primary journal that publishes original material only, APA policy prohibits as well publication of any manuscript that has already been published in whole or substantial part elsewhere. Authors have an obligation to consult the Editor concerning prior publication of any data upon which their manuscript depends. Authors bear the full responsibility for the accuracy of references, tables, quotations, figures, and the overall content of the manuscript. The JARC Editorial Office will send the primary author a computer printout of the edited manuscript for their final review.

MANUSCRIPTS ON DISK

Authors of accepted manuscripts are expected to supply an electronic version of their manuscript on disk (3.5). The disk format should be IBM compatible and in Word 2000 format. Authors should be aware that the electronic file is considered final material for their manuscript. Because most manuscripts require some revision, disks should not be sent with the initial submission. Authors without access to a computer will not be rejected from potential publication. They need to specify this in their cover letter to the Editor.


JARC - Abstracts of articles published in 2003

Volume 34, Number 1, Spring 2003

Ethical and Legal Implications of Informed Consent in Rehabilitation Counseling
Terry L. Blackwell & Jeanne B. Patterson
Abstract - This article explores the role of informed consent in the rehabilitation counseling process under the revised Code of Professional Ethics for Rehabilitation Counselors (CRCC, 2001). In addition to describing the elements of informed consent, the authors provide recommendations and examples for ensuring informed consent throughout the rehabilitation process.

School-to-Work Transition Planning for School-Aged Children with HIV
Sonja Feist-Price & Neena Khanna
Abstract - With the modern advances of medicine, school-aged children with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) are afforded the opportunity to live long and productive lives. However, their ability to attain a life of normalcy is minimized if proper services are not made available. One of the mechanisms that can contribute to school-aged children living normal and productive lives beyond their high school years is school-to-work transition planning. The school setting has proved to be an environment that has not only sparked learning, but has also provided a safe and nurturing haven where students could meet many of their psychosocial needs of adjustment and development.

Self-Management and Social Skills Training for Persons with Developmental Disabilities: Tools for Rehabilitation Counselor To Facilitate Success in Community Settings: A Literature Review
Tina M. Anctil & Edmund Degeneffe
Abstract - People with developmental disabilities often display deficiencies in self-management and social skills in community based settings. Difficulties with self-management and social skills tend to pose particular difficulties for performing valued adult roles. Tools from behavior therapy have the potential to assist rehabilitation counselors in their work with consumers with developmental disabilities to overcome the negative impacts of functional limitations on expressing behaviors needed for success in community-based settings. This article presents a review of the behavior therapy literature regarding self-management and social skills training techniques rehabilitation counselors can use in their work with consumers with developmental disabilities in areas including high school transition and suppose employment.

What We Know About Preventing and Managing Coworker Resentment or Rejection
David Hagner
Abstract - Although coworker acceptance of individuals with disabilities in the workplace has been overwhelmingly positive, some instances of coworker rejection and resentment have been reported. This article reviews the existing literature on the extent of the problem and on the possible explanations for such negative behavior. Rehabilitation counseling strategies are outlined that can help minimize the occurrence of coworker resentment or rejection and that can intervene to mitigate or manage negative behavior directed towards the employer should it occur. Interventions include both those directed towards employees with disabilities and those directed towards the employer.

The Implications for Consumers of Practices and Policies in Job Development: Report of a Pilot Study
Malachy L. Bishop & Charles E. Degeneffe
Abstract - Consumers of vocational rehabilitation services are increasingly directing the decisions made about these services. These decisions frequently include making choices about whether to work with a job development professional, and choosing such a professional from among available options. Such choices will be made most effectively when they are guided by knowledge and understanding of the different alternatives. There is considerable variability among job developers with respect to qualifications in terms of education, experience, and training, as well as in terms of pay rates and pay arrangements (e.g., salary, fee-for-placement, bonuses for placement), and caseload size. It is important to evaluate and understand this variability and its potential effect on outcomes for consumers., Toward this end, this article reports the results of a pilot project conducted in an effort to begin to identify specific areas of differences among job developers. Results and recommendations based on this project are presented for counselors and consumers.

The Spirituality Exploration Guide: A Means to Facilitate Discussion of Spiritual Issues in the Rehabilitation Counseling Process
Joseph E. Havranek
Abstract - Spiritual issues in the counseling field have recently been given increased saliency, and the literature on rehabilitation counseling has seen a steady growth. Much of the research has focused on measuring spirituality, while relatively little has been on constructing useful counseling tools. This paper review the major findings and presents an instrument designed to facilitate the inclusion of a spiritual dimension in rehabilitation counseling. A case study and conclusions are included.

Volume 34, Number 2, Summer 2003

Gaps Between Addiction Treatment and Research: Challenges for Rehabilitation Counselors
Cynthia G. Scott & Jeanne B. Patterson
Abstract - Because addiction is frequently a secondary disability rehabilitation counselors must not only possess knowledge about the disability, but understand the current state of addition treatment so they can help consumers make informed choices. This article describes the ideological differences that exist between many addiction researchers and treatment practitioners as well as other barriers that keep current addiction research from being used by agencies to make treatment decisions. These barriers can result in misinformation for consumers and challenges for rehabilitation counselors. Implications for rehabilitation counselors, including treatment and referral recommendations, are provided.

Nonverbal Learning Disability: Vocational Implications and Rehabilitation Treatment Approaches
Cathy F. Telzrow & Lynn C. Koch
Abstract - The Nonverbal Learning Disability (NLD) syndrome is a disorder characterized by a distinctive profile of neuropsychological, academic, adaptive, and psychosocial functioning. This condition has multiple etiologies and may be unidentified or misidentified because of its unusual combination of characteristics. Of significance to rehabilitation counselors, individuals with NLD have a high probability of being unemployed or underemployed. An overview of NLD is provided, including a description of the disorder's common etiologies and features. Vocational implications of the NLD syndrome are outlined, and rehabilitation counseling approaches to maximize vocational adjustment are described.

Multicultural Counseling Ethics and Assessment Competencies: Directions for Counselor Education Programs
Jerome M. Fischer & Ellen Chambers
Abstract - Results of this study identified specific areas of multicultural ethics and assessment training for counselors. Licensed Professional Counselors (N - 207) were surveyed using the Multicultural Counseling Ethics and Assessment Competency (MCEACS). A majority of survey respondents reported insufficient competencies in determining client acculturation, culture of the client in assessment interpretation, and resolving multicultural ethical dilemmas. Implications are given counselor education programs and, subsequently, rehabilitation counselor education programs because of their share history.

Gender Differences in Rehabilitation Counseling Consumer Involvement and Employment Outcomes
Thomas F. Rucker, N. Dewaine Rice, Daniel C. Lustig, & David R. Strauser
Abstract - This study explored gender differences in the relationship between vocational rehabilitation consumers' involvement in the development of their rehabilitation counseling programs, and their employment outcome in the program. Outcome was measured by employment status two months after completing their programs. Research findings provide evidence of statistically significant gender differences between the relationship of consumer involvement in their rehabilitation programs and their employment outcomes.

Using Locus of Control to Improve Self-Determination and Outcomes for Consumers with Learning Disabilities
Amy L. Skinner
Abstract - Vocational rehabilitation, consumer empowerment, and self-determination are key factors in the underlying philosophy of rehabilitation today, and a major emphasis in the provision of rehabilitation services. Consumers with learning disabilities face several specific obstacles in achieving desired rehabilitation goals. In order to provide rehabilitation counselors with a unique resource to help their clients assume control of their own rehabilitation plan, social learning theory and locus of control are examined. Specifically, two locus of control instruments are suggested for use with rehabilitation consumers who have learning disabilities. One instrument, the Academic Locus of Control Scale (ALOC; Trice, 1985) is appropriate for college-bound individuals, and the Nowicki-Strickland Internal-External Locus of Control Scale (ANS-IE; Nowicki & Duke, 1982) is appropriate for non-college bound individuals. The purpose of this article is to provide the rehabilitation counselor with a tool that can help connect the consumer's control of their rehabilitation plan to their perceptions of everyday events. This tool may help stimulate and maintain an internal locus of control by challenging inaccurate perceptions of control consumers may have toward commonly occurring events.

Rehabilitation Professionals' Perceived Competencies in Assistive Technology Selection and Referral: A Preliminary Analysis
Marti L. Riemer-Reiss
Abstract - As primary providers of Assistive technology (AT), vocational rehabilitation professionals must be knowledgeable about AT selection and referral. The current study was conducted as a preliminary analysis to determine if the quantity of vocational rehabilitation professionals' AT education was related to the quantity of AT devices selected and referrals made. Additionally, professionals' perception of a need for additional AT education was examined. Results demonstrated a significant positive correlation between the amount of AT education rehabilitation professionals received and the number of devices selected and referrals made. Finally, the majority of the respondents indicated that future AT education is necessary. Implications of this analysis for vocational rehabilitation professionals are discussed.

Volume 34, Number 3, Fall 2003

An Investigation of the Psychological and Psychosocial Challenges Faced by Post-Transplant Organ Recipients
Stephanie Savitch, Robin Gilmore, & Denetta L. Dowler
Abstract - Organ transplantation offers to some terminally ill people the opportunity to have their lives extended with the gift of an organ(s). Following transplantation, the organ recipient is given extensive medical care, but the psychological, psychosocial, and occupational needs of the person are rarely addressed. This study identified and defined these emotional and occupational challenges and presents the current and prospective role of the Rehabilitation Counselor. Fifty-four organ transplant recipients completed a two-page questionnaire covering the post-transplant experience. Analysis of the results identified the challenges faced by the recipients post-transplant as well as the need for counseling during the first year following the transplant procedure.

Factors Relevant to Parental Alliance for Parents of Children with Disabilities
Abeer Abdo & Jerome M. Fischer
Abstract - This study investigated factors relevant to parental alliance using the Parental Alliance Measure (PAM) with parents of children with disabilities. A total of 139 parents of children with disabilities participated in the study. Using multiple regression two factors were examined as relevant to parental alliance: satisfaction with the partnership and percent of caregiving provided by the other partner. Finds showed that parents who perceived a strong relationship with their partner and those who perceived their partner contributing a greater percent of caregiving for the child or children with disabilities in the family had a stronger parental alliance. Rehabilitation counselors may use the PAM with families to understand parenting dynamics, develop strategies, and increase involvement in the rehabilitation process.

Spiritual Factors and Adjustment in Medical Rehabilitation: Understanding Forgiveness as a Means of Coping
Jon R. Webb
Abstract - Spirituality is an important factor in the lives of people in rehabilitation and healthcare providers must be prepared to address spiritual issues in a competent and informed manner that includes distinguishing between spirituality, religiosity and existentialism. It is important to understand the role of specific spiritual factors in rehabilitation. The need for medical rehabilitation often arises from human error or seemingly unfair circumstance, resulting in a variety of negative emotions and forgiveness can be a powerful tool in the rehabilitative healing process. As such, it is critical to accurately understand the construct of forgiveness including its definition, steps, and dynamics.

Correlates of Rehabilitation Success Among African American and Caucasian SSDI Recipients with Mild Mental Retardation
Corey L. Moore, Reginald J. Alston, Chandra M. Donnell, & Bridget Hollis
Abstract - The purpose of this study was to identify disparities in rehabilitation success (closure status 26) rates between Caucasian and African American SSDI recipients with mild mental retardation. A split-half cross-validation research design was utilized to evaluate two samples (i.e., screening and calibration) of case records obtained from the RSA-911 database for fiscal year 1998. Logistic regression analysis revealed that the odds of rehabilitation success for a Caucasian VR customer was almost tow times the odds of rehabilitation success for an African American customer. Moreover, findings indicated that a significantly higher proportion of job placement services were provided to Caucasian SSDI recipients with mild mental retardation as opposed to African American SSDI recipients with mild mental retardation. Results are presented for closure status, and the implications of the findings for research and practice are discussed.

A Rehabilitation Perspective on HIV Disease and AIDS Among Minority Women
Maureen Makayi Mulenga & Liza Marie Conyers
Abstract - Women with HIV/AIDS have specific needs that require specialized approaches to address the effects of this disease on them. Minority women with HIV/AIDS, however, have to deal with the triple challenge of race, class, and gender in addition to HIV/AIDS. The paper examines two groups of minority women, African American and Hispanic women, and discusses factors that place these women at high risk for HIV/AIDS. The interaction of race, class, and gender, and how it relates to the prevalence of high rates of HIV/AIDS in minority women is explored. Medical, economic and vocational issues of minority women living with this disease are discussed, and suggestions for rehabilitation of theses women are made.

Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Life Satisfaction and Work Personality: Exploring the Relationship with Disability
Jeanmarie Keim, L. Alvin Malesky, Jr., & David R. Strauser
Abstract - This research focused on Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and its relationship to life satisfaction and developmental work personality. The participants were women of low socioeconomic status and consisted of three groups: women not seeking employment; women pursuing their GED prior to seeking employment; and women with disabilities in readiness to work programs. Significant correlations exist between both the Developmental Work Personality Scale (DWPS) and the Life Satisfaction Scale, and PTSD symptoms for the entire group. Separate analyses for each group indicated significant correlations for the women with disabilities between levels of PTSD symptoms, developmental work personality, and life satisfaction.

Volume 34, Number 4, Winter 2003

Independent Living Services to Older, Blind Persons in Rural Areas: Do They Make a Difference?
Marlene B. Huff & Lou Ann Qualls
Abstract - Independent living services are thought to be an effective way to maintain older blind and visually impaired persons in their home environment for a longer period of time. Few Studies, though, have analyzed the level of consumer satisfaction among these elders. This study asserts that an enriched understanding of customer satisfaction and the resulting service delivery recommendations will assist states in developing more effective independent living programs. The Kentucky Department for the Blind has been offering these services to blind and visually impaired elders since 1980. This study analyzes the results of a consumer satisfaction survey participated in by 94 elders who extensively used the service. Results indicate that independent living services are effective but limited in their ability to serve all elders that need them and services must be flexible enough to serve diverse community needs.

Importance of Research and Treatment to Reduce Relapse Rates in Schizophrenia
Micaela Black
Abstract - Schizophrenia is an illness that interferes with a person's thinking, perception, feeling, and behavior. The unusual and disruptive symptoms commonly wax and wane during the course of the illness. As a result, the onset of this disability can have detrimental effects on the affected individual's ability to continue functioning in society. This article reviews some of the current research with regard to schizophrenia and the importance of early and appropriate treatment as a means of reducing relapses. An overview of the disability is provided, along with some general information about how people with schizophrenia are viewed in our society. All of these factors have a significant impact on further research, implications for professionals, and education of the public to help these individual's rejoin society. Learning more about symptoms, treatment, as well as possible courses and outcomes, will ultimately enable people with schizophrenia to develop problem solving skills and coping abilities. In doing so, theses individuals will undoubtedly have a more promising outlook on improvement, with fewer relapses, and a greater potential for recovery.

Empirically Derived Lie Skill Factors for Program Evaluation in Rehabilitation
Fong Chan, Stanford E. Rubin, Gloria Lee, & Steven R. Pruet
Abstract - Life skills can be viewed a those skills considered essential for effective living. Therefore, significant deficiencies in life skills (e.g., use of public transportation) as well as deficiencies in vocational skills must be addressed through rehabilitation services if desired vocational rehabilitation goals are to be achieved. Consequently, assessment of pre to post changes in the life skills of consumers of rehabilitation services can be viewed as a relevant component of any rehabilitation program evaluation model. This paper reported the development of the Life Skills Inventory (LSI) as one component measure of a multidimensional program evaluation system. Factor analysis results indicated a five-factor solution for the LSI (general employability skills, work-related communication skills, self-direction skills, work-tolerance skills, and self-care skills) to be optimal both in terms of parsimony and interpretability, providing empirical evidence for its factorial structure. Cluster analysis, to identify clusters of participants on the basis of their mean item scores on each of the LSI factors, revealed three different subgroup LSI profiles. These groups were subsequently compared on their self-reported quality of life in order to further investigate the construct validity of the LSI. Applications of the LSI within the framework of a multidimensional program evaluation system were discussed.

Users of Assistive Technology: The Human Component
Martin G. Brodwin, Tristen Star, & Elizabeth Cardoso
Abstract - Consumers with disabilities are using Assistive technology in increasing numbers. Technology has enabled them to deal more effectively with their environment, increase functional abilities, diminish limitations, and enhance independence. Moreover, Assistive technology helps to mainstream consumers in all aspects of society, creating a method of equalization between people with and without disabilities. Through greater understanding of AT, practitioners in the field of rehabilitation can more readily assist consumers to accomplish tasks that were impossible in the past.

Traumatic Brain Injury and Rehabilitation Outcomes: Does the Working Alliance Make a Difference?
Daniel C. Lustig, David R. Stauser, Gail H. Weems, Chandra M. Donnell, & Lisa D. Smith
Abstract - This study investigated the impact of the working alliance on vocational rehabilitation outcomes for individuals with traumatic brain injury. The working alliance is defined as collaboration between the client and counselor supported by the development of an attachment bond as well as shared commitment to the goals and tasks of counseling. Research supports the relationship between the working alliance and positive counseling outcomes. This study extends previous research and considers the relationship between working alliance and employment, job satisfaction, and view of future employment prospects for 49 vocational rehabilitation clients with traumatic brain injury. Results showed a relationship between the working alliance and employment outcomes and future employment prospects but not job satisfaction. Implications for rehabilitation counselors are discussed.

The Impact of Race on the Use of Physical Restraint with Adolescent Males with Behavioral Disabilities: An Initial Study
Paul J. Toriello & Stephen J. Leierer
Abstract - This initial, exploratory study examined the role of racial bias in the use of physical restraint with adolescents with behavioral disabilities. Thirteen months of critical incident data from a residential, rehabilitation counseling agency serving adolescent males was examined to compare the number of physical restraints involving black and white clients and black and white staff. Results indicated the presence of racial bias in that black clients were restrained significantly more often than white clients. Implications for rehabilitation counselors and directions for future research are discussed.