Adaptation of the Employer Attitudes towards Blind Employees Scale into Turkish Culture and the Current Situation in Türkiye
Ali Kurt; Eylül Akar; Tolga Zencir, Ph.D.
Cancer survivors are at risk for poor work-related outcomes compared to people without a history of cancer due to changes in physical and mental functioning that impact work ability, limited guidance on the impact of cancer on work, and workplace discrimination, stress, and “job lock.” We are working with community members to co-create a job support intervention that meets the needs and preferences of cancer survivors while fitting within the workflows of providers and realities of working with cancer. This poster shares an overview of the project and future directions.
Affirmative to Problem Parenting Scale (RAPPS) and Implications for Adults with Disabilities
Deirdre O’Sullivan, Ph.D.; Chun-lung Lee, Ph.D.; Claire Stelter, Ph.D.; David R. Strauser, Ph.D.
Parenting Practices have a tremendous impact on the development of children. Most measures that assess parenting practices use a categorical approach, which doesn’t allow for capturing the reality that parenting practices exist on a continuum. This presentation will summarize a newly validated instrument to measure parenting practices across several dimensions. The Revised Affirmative to Problem Parenting Scale (RAPPS) was validated on a sample of adults with disabilities. Strong psychometric properties were detected. Different dimensions of parenting explain health, work, and well-being outcomes among a sample of 400 adults with disabilities. Different parenting dimensions explain different adult life outcomes for PWD, which could have implications for employment. We’ll discuss considerations on using RAPPS to predict CIE outcomes in adults with disabilities.
Balanced Psychosocial Adaptation: A New Perspective for People with Chronic Illness and Disability
Yongsu Song, M.A., Doctoral Candidate
This study aims to propose the balanced psychosocial adaptation (BPA) for individuals with chronic illness and disability (CID). Although previous theories and studies have explored various aspects of psychosocial adaptation, the existing literature has limitations in capturing the concept of balance in psychosocial adaptation. Based on Chapman's scarcity hypothesis and other contemporary research, this study introduces the BPA and advances the discussion using philosophical traditions from Western to Eastern philosophy and examples of balance applications in other disciplines. Moreover, the present study examines the core tenets of the BPA, and implications. Finally, future research directions are proposed.
Building Career Resilience: Disability Identity in Career Development in People with Disabilities
Tolga Zencir, Ph.D.
Employment inequities persist for people with disabilities (PWDs) due to systemic barriers such as discrimination, inaccessible environments, and limited vocational support. Drawing on psychological capital theory, this conceptual paper examines disability identity, which encompasses disability acceptance and pride, as a psychosocial resource that enhances self-efficacy, advocacy, and belonging, thereby strengthening career resilience. Career resilience is conceptualized as the capacity to adapt to challenges, maintain career commitment, and achieve competitive employment. Through an integrative review of interdisciplinary literature, the paper identifies individual, organizational, and societal factors shaping both constructs and proposes a conceptual framework linking disability identity and career resilience. Recommendations include mentoring, disability identity development, and inclusive workplace practices to promote sustainable employment outcomes.
Building Inclusive Pathways: Supporting Black Students with Mental Illnesses in Higher Education and Workforce Transitions
Aylin Celik Zencir
Black college students with mental disabilities face unique, intersecting barriers, including systemic racism, ableism, stigma, and limited access to culturally responsive support resources. These compounded challenges can significantly impact their higher education experiences and ability to transition successfully into the workforce. This study seeks to explore how Black students with mental illnesses perceive the role of their intersecting identities in their workforce transition, the barriers they encounter in higher education, and the ways in which social support systems influence their career development. The study used a qualitative design, including seven participant interviews. Based on the findings, seven themes emerged, which are: a) intersectional oppression, b) lack of representation, c) Identity awareness and growth, d) institutional supports, e) identity-based belonging, f) structural inclusion, and e) student proactiveness. In light of the findings and previous literature, this session will provide actionable recommendations to create equitable, inclusive, and supportive environments in higher education and workforce development.
Co-Create Cancer Survivor Job Support Program
Hannah Fry, Ph.D., CRC, LPC; Kristin Litzelman, Ph.D.
Cancer survivors are at risk for poor work-related outcomes compared to people without a history of cancer due to changes in physical and mental functioning that impact work ability, limited guidance on the impact of cancer on work, and workplace discrimination, stress, and “job lock.” We are working with community members to co-create a job support intervention that meets the needs and preferences of cancer survivors while fitting within the workflows of providers and realities of working with cancer. This poster shares an overview of the project and future directions.
COP-Based Postural Classification via a High-Resolution Ressure Distribution Treadmill
Guan-Woei Tseng, M.D.
This study explored the potential of using a high-resolution pressure distribution treadmill to classify postural tendencies through detailed Center of Pressure (COP) analysis. Forty participants with normal, kyphotic, or scoliotic postures were assessed in a static standing position. Key COP parameters, including path length, mean velocity, ellipse area, and directional deviations, showed significant differences among groups, reflecting distinct postural control characteristics. Additionally, spatial quadrant mapping of the COP provided supplementary discrimination between postural types. The results demonstrate that COP-based assessment offers a reliable, objective, and non-invasive method for identifying early postural abnormalities. This approach may serve as an effective clinical screening tool to guide medical referral and targeted rehabilitation for individuals with abnormal postural tendencies.
Caregiving Burden, Family Resilience, and Loneliness Among Men with Children With Autism
Victor Amadi Stephen, M.Sc.; Rebecca N. Gonzalez, M.A.; Roy K. Chen, Ph.D.
This study explored the lived experiences of male caregivers. Specifically, the studied the association between family resilience and loneliness and caregiver burden. The purpose of the research is to further the literature on the experiences on male caregivers and the unique experiences of this demographic. The current study surveyed 103 male caregivers of children diagnosed with ASD. The caregivers completed the following questionnaires on Qualtrics: demographic variables (education, and employment status), Burden Scale for Family Caregivers (BSFC), Perceived Stress Scale, PHQ-4 Scale, Loneliness Scale, and Family Resilience Scale. Study results and clinical implications will be shared.
Employer Perceptions: Practices that Sustain Competitive Employment for individuals with intellectual disabilities
Robyn L. Lewis, Ph.D.
Working in the typical labor force and earning a competitive wage is an outcome many individuals with intellectual disabilities (ID) want to achieve. However, paid employment has not always been an expected outcome, nor has there been an expectation for these employees to receive competitive wages. As the employment landscape for individuals with ID changes, research is necessary to find standard employment practices that foster successful, competitive, and integrated employment. Employers are critical participants and informants, and understanding their perspectives is necessary to improve practices that sustain successful employer/employee relationships with individuals with ID.
Intersecting Effects of Disability on Childhood Adversity and Resilience
Jaeyoung Kim, Ph.D., CRC; Byungjin Kim, Ph.D., CRC; Jeongwoon Jeong, Ph.D., LMHC. NCC; Sojeong Nam, Ph.D., LMHC, NCC; Kaiqi Zhou, Ph.D., CRC
This study investigates how childhood adversity and resilience are shaped by the intersecting influences of disability, race/ethnicity, gender, and poverty. Using data from the 2021–2022 National Survey of Children’s Health (N = 63,419), the research employs fixed effects regression and Multilevel Analysis of Individual Heterogeneity and Discriminatory Accuracy (MAIHDA) to examine cumulative Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and Positive Childhood Experiences (PCEs). Findings reveal that children with chronic illness or disability (CID) experience significantly higher ACE exposure and fewer PCEs, with the combination of CID and poverty creating the most pronounced compounded risk. Intersectional identities accounted for over 90% of the variance in both ACEs and PCEs, highlighting substantial systemic inequities. The results underscore the need for trauma informed, disability inclusive, and equity oriented practices within child and family services, emphasizing the importance of addressing both adversity and access to protective experiences in rehabilitation and educational contexts.
Missing from the Conversation: Exploring Training Experiences for Counselors in Rural Communities
Tyler D. Denney, B.A.; Reese C. Tiffin, B.S.; Marcus D. Weathers Jr., Ph. D., CRC
The purpose of this poster is to explore the training experiences of professional counselors practicing in rural areas. More specifically, this poster investigates how their professional training opportunities (graduate training programs, continuing education, lived experiences, etc.) have supported their counselor-preparedness to serve in rural communities. Reflexive thematic analysis (Braun & Clarke, 2019) was used to identify preliminary themes advocating for the development and integration of rural-based competencies in graduate counselor training programs and continuing education opportunities.
Predicting job loss two years after RTW after spinal cord injury
James Krause, Ph.D.; Clara Libby Dismuke, Ph.D.; Michael Harris, M.S., MAS; Philip Rumrill, Ph.D.
Our purpose was to identify factors related to: obtaining employment after SCI and dropout from the labor force after accumulating less than two full years of gainful employment. Self-reported assessments were obtained from 2830 participants with SCI and included employment history, demographic status, SCI indicators, socioeconomic factors including education, pre-and post injury work and occupations, and four types of barriers to employment. A probit model was used with two stages. Those more likely to drop out of the labor force included women, those with the lowest earnings levels, greater health barriers, and those in service and sales roles. The barriers to dropout were different than those related to RTW (motivation, lack of resources). The findings will guide vocational rehabilitation practice.
Smartphone-based Ecological Momentary Assessment and Network Approach to Understand Dynamic Relationships between Social Isolation and Secondary Health Conditions in Individuals after Stroke
Yun Shi, Ph.D.; Mandy W. M. Fong, Ph.D.; Christopher L. Metts, M.D.; David C. Mohr, Ph.D.; Eric J. Lenze, M.D.; Jin-Moo Lee, M.D., Ph.D.; Lu Hu, Ph.D.; Alex W.K. Wong, Ph.D., D.Phil., FACRM
SWTCIE Illinois Workgroup: Perspectives from Moderators
David G. Strauser, Ph.D.; Kyle Menke
As part of the SWTCIE Illinois grant, a collaborative workgroup was established in 2024 to explore Illinois’ transition from Department of Labor 14c sub-minimum wage employment to competitive integrated employment. Multiple key stakeholders were included in the workgroup, and over the course of three in-person meetings and multiple virtual meetings, key recommendations were developed and shared. Currently, the SWTCIE workgroup is developing the SWTCIE Toolkit, a comprehensive and accessible tool designed to enhance competitive integrated employment services in Illinois.
What Have You Done for Me Lately?: Assessing Adaptive Martial Arts
Jonathan Drummond, Lt. Col., USAF (Ret), M.S., M.A., Ph.D. Candidate
With any adaptive physical activity, including martial arts, there are a variety of “hoped for,” perceived, and disputed benefits. This effort seeks to aggregate/integrate data from a doctoral research effort at the University of Kentucky, the Disabled Martial Artists Alliance (DMAA), and Drummond Power and Combat SystemsTM to examine, compare, contrast the views of parents (~20) of youth with disabilities with perspectives of experienced adaptive martial arts instructors (~14) on 24-40 outcome dimensions (differs by student-instructor dyad). These include assessments of physical, affective, cognitive, and behavioral change or results associated with adaptive martial arts participation. Evidence thus far suggests wide areas of parent-instructor agreement and some areas of disagreement. Results are interpreted. NOTE: Data collection will conclude in November.
The Work-Related Needs and Experiences of Informal Cancer Caregivers
Hannah Fry, Ph.D., CRC, LPC; Kristin Litzelman, Ph.D.
Informal cancer caregivers are people who regularly provide help to a family member, friend, neighbor, or loved one with cancer, such as getting to the doctor, making decisions about treatment, or providing other types of care and support during or after cancer treatment. Paid work after a loved one’s cancer diagnosis is complicated and there are few workplace protections and guidance for employees caring for someone with cancer. With this poster, we share preliminary results of a survey of cancer caregivers asking about their work-related needs and experiences, and what they think are the most important resources and supports for working while caring for someone with cancer. We discuss future directions and advocacy needs for work and caregiving.