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What is the Rehabilitation Research and Training Center on Evidence-Based Practice in Vocational Rehabilitation (RRTC-EBP-VR)?
The RRTC-EBP-VR conducts evidence-based research and provides practitioners with knowledge and tools for evidence-based vocational rehabilitation practices that will improve employment rates, and quality of employment, for people with disabilities. Our goal is to ensure that new knowledge gained through the course of research ultimately improves the lives of people with disabilities, and furthers their participation in society.
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The Research-to-Practice Gap in the State-Federal VR System
The Rehabilitation Services Administration continues to promote the use of EBPs in the state-federal VR system in an effort to increase efficiency and assure continued funding of service delivery systems. However, a gap exists between what VR researchers produce as evidence and what practitioners believe is accessible and useful to their unique caseloads. Martin & Martin (1989) summarize the reasons for this gap by identifying key issues:
- Inadequate education related to interpreting research and its effective use in practice,
- Research may not be relevant to practitioners,
- Research is presented in a way that's difficult to understand, and
- Practitioner attitudes that all research is irrelevant to the realities of their practice.
Nationally, many VR practitioners express a strong desire to bridge this gap. In our recent study of knowledge translation processes in the state-federal VR system, one practitioner stated: "It is always beneficial to continue to grow in our field. There are new technologies, studies, findings, etc., regularly, and the only way to continue providing good customer service is to stay knowledgeable in our field, in all areas." This practitioner is not alone. Out of 913 VR practitioners who participated in our study, 90.8% expressed an interest in receiving training on EBPs related to VR. The research-to-practice gap can be bridged, and employment outcomes of people with disabilities can be improved, through active participation in this effort by both practitioners and researchers.
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Stay Tuned...
In our next issue, learn about...
Autism Spectrum Disorder and Supported Employment |
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Effective VR Services for Disability Groups at High Risk for Low Employment 
Recent research suggests that counselors, employers, and the general public's perception of types of disabilities leads to higher rates of stigma. This makes it more difficult for people in specific disability groups to obtain competitive employment. A study conducted by Chan et al. (2011) revealed that the most significant predictor of employment outcome for those receiving vocational rehabilitation (VR) services within the U.S. state-federal system was disability type.
On a positive note, the study found that specific services provided through the state-federal VR system were found to be statistically significant in increasing the likelihood that those with the most highly stigmatized disabilities would obtain competitive employment. These services are:
- Job Placement Assistance
- Substantial Counseling and Guidance
- College or University Training
- Occupational/Vocational Training
Being aware of personal perceptions and attitudes towards disability types, as well as being knowledgeable about what VR services work best for unique consumers, could increase employment outcomes for people with highly stigmatized disabilities.
Learn More...
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Tools for Practitioners...
Youth in Transition - Soft Skills to Pay the Bills The U.S. Office of Disability Employment Policy developed a curriculum for youth development professionals, focused on teaching "soft" or workforce readiness skills to youth ages 14 to 21. The program focuses on six key skill areas: communication, enthusiasm and attitude, teamwork, networking, problem solving and critical thinking, and professionalism.
Click Here for additional resources related to EBP
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Technical Assistance and Training
The RRTC-EBP-VR is your resource on evidence-based practices
in vocational rehabilitation.
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The Rehabilitation Research and Training Center on Effective Vocational Rehabilitation Service Delivery Practices (RRTC-EBP-VR) is established at both the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and the University of Wisconsin-Stout under a grant from the Department of Education, National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR) grant number PR# H133B100034.
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