The Knowledge Translation for Employment Research Center (KTER) is funded to test knowledge translation strategies designed to help vocational rehabilitation (VR) agencies and businesses find, understand, and use research related to employing people with disabilities. KTER uses a knowledge broker model in which individuals are positioned to bridge the worlds of research and practice.

As part of preparing the VR knowledge brokers, known to the agency staff as “research liaisons,” the KTER Center recruits and trains VR supervisors on specific areas of research related to the employment of transition-aged youth and adults with autism. As part of activities designed to identify informational needs, KTER conducted focus groups with individuals receiving VR services and counselors in state VR agencies.

Two briefs summarizing findings are now available:

Focus Group Findings from Vocational Rehabilitation Staff and Young Adults with Disabilities: Improving VR Counseling Services for Transition-aged Youth

Major themes identified by recipients of VR counseling:

• The importance of understanding the needs of transition-aged youth.
• Types of desired long-term job supports varied.
• Seeking and maintaining employment independently.

Major themes identified by VR counselors:

• The importance of a multifaceted approach to family support.
• There is a myriad of activities to address long-term support needs.
• Strategies on empowerment and disability disclosure are necessary.
• Focus group themes are consistent with current research on VR.

Focus Group Findings from Vocational Rehabilitation Staff and Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): Improving VR Counseling Services for Adults with ASD

Major themes identified by adults with ASD:

• The desire to be treated as an individual.
• Vocational aspirations extend beyond technologically oriented occupations.
• Have patience with the vocational process.
• Educate employers about behaviors of individuals with ASD.
• Request for continued support once a job is obtained.
• Employment can happen without VR assistance.

Major themes identified by VR counselors:

• Building rapport is critical.
• Understand a person’s interests, strengths, and weaknesses.
• Themes are consistent across participants in the focus groups.