A Codeveloped Web-Based Disability Disclosure Toolkit for Youth With Disabilities: Mixed Methods Pilot Evaluation

PurposeThe formal reporting of disability to an employing organization is inconsistent and likely an underestimate of the true numbers of workers with disabilities and the presence of various types of disabilities. This issue interferes with an organization's count of such workers, as well as efforts to set priorities and develop practices to support workers with disabilities. The authors argue that creating inclusive work environments not only improves worker well-being (as suggested in past research) but also improves their reactions to the process of formal reporting of disability in the workplace.Design/methodology/approachA sample of 160 working adults in the United States who reported disabilities or health conditions that may qualify as disabilities under the Americans with Disabilities Act (1990, as amended in 2008) completed a survey that measured perceptions of the workplace environment and reactions to a frequently used disability disclosure form.FindingsWhen controlling for age of respondents, anticipated disability stigma and inclusion in the workplace predicted different reactions to a disability disclosure request. Anticipated stigma was associated with more negative emotion, concerns about privacy and others' reactions to their responses on the disclosure form. Inclusion in the workplace was associated with higher ratings for appropriateness of the measure, positive emotion and less negative emotion.Originality/valueAlthough research has identified associations between workplace inclusion and general worker experiences, such as job satisfaction and intentions to quit, this work uncovers a benefit of inclusion to required measurement processes in organizations. The unique contributions of inclusion and implications for workplace practices are discussed.

In order to overcome obstacles to entry and inclusion in the workplace, individuals with disabilities engage in various impression management strategies to present themselves as the socially acceptable 'ideal employee.' This study expands on previous disclosure research by asking individuals with disabilities to share their experiences of identity management and workplace challenges. We leveraged qualitative research techniques to explore the reciprocal impact of workplace treatment and disclosure. Impression management emerged as an especially salient aspect of participants' disclosure decisions, and participants used an array of impression management tactics. Some employees with disabilities described positive experiences; however, we also learned that impression management can present unique challenges that may outweigh potential benefits. Our findings affirm that managing the image we project can be remarkably complicated and effortful when having a disability. This paper concludes with implementation recommendations for vocational rehabilitation counselors and human resource practitioners.

Unravelling the Complexities Of Disclosure For Employees With Non-Visible Disabilities / Illnesses At Work: A Qualitative Meta-Synthesis

This study investigates the disability disclosure experiences of 23 job seekers with cerebral palsy (CP). Drawing on Campbell’s framework of ableism and Goffman’s theory of stigma, the article examines when (disclosure moment), why (disclosure reason), and how (disclosure strategies) individuals disclose a disability during job seeking. Job seekers with disabilities face a disclosure dilemma: if they withhold disability information in their job application, they risk misunderstandings or surprises during the job interview. Conversely, if they decide to disclose such information in the application, they risk not being invited to the job interview. Through qualitative interviews, we find that job seekers with CP use four strategies to navigate the complexities of disability disclosure: ‘voluntary disclosure’, ‘positive disclosure’, ‘negative disclosure’, and ‘postponed disclosure’. These strategies contribute to a deeper understanding of the dilemmas involved in disability disclosure when job seeking.

Deciding whether and how to disclose a disability at work for persons with non-visible disabilities and illnesses involve complex processes. Research has focused on antecedents and outcomes of disclosure. More research is needed to understand the lived experiences related to disclosure decision-making and actual navigation of disclosure and concealment at work. To understand the experiences of persons with non-visible disabilities and illnesses regarding workplace disclosure decision-making, navigating disclosure and/or concealment, and experiential differences across disability and illness types, ages, geographic locations, and genders. We conducted a qualitative meta-synthesis using Noblit and Hare's seven steps of meta-ethnography. Searches were conducted via six databases. Studies were analyzed to develop conceptual categories, third-order constructs (themes), and a line-of-argument with comparisons drawn from the disclosure decision making model, disclosure process model, and consideration of disability and illness types, genders, ages, and geographic locations. Twenty-four studies were included involving 489 participants, aged 16 to 81, from nine countries, focusing on one non-visible disability or illness, or multiple. We developed four themes for the disclosure decision-making process (self- and other-focused, experiential, and environmental/workplace factors) and two themes for the disclosure/concealment event (disclosure/concealment logistics and timing) and noted emerging trends across ages, genders, disability and illness types, and geographic locations. Knowledge obtained could be used among professionals who support persons with non-visible disabilities and illnesses to help them navigate disclosure at work, and to consider the role of age, genders, disability and illness types, and geographic locations on disclosure.

Intramyocellular lipid (IMCL) is influenced by physical exercise; however, whether the habitual level of physical activity affects resting IMCL content remains unclear. The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between physical activity levels and resting IMCL content in young and older adults. In total, 15 nonobese young adults (21.0 ± 0.0years) and 15 older adults (70.7 ± 3.8years) were recruited. Time spent performing physical activities for 10days was assessed using a three-dimensional ambulatory accelerometer, and intensity was categorized as light [< 3.0 metabolic equivalents (METs)], moderate (3.0-6.0 METs), or vigorous (> 6.0 METs). Physical activity level was calculated as the product of METs and time spent performing physical activities (METh) at each intensity level. The IMCL content in the vastus lateralis was determined using 1H-magnetic resonance spectroscopy after overnight fasting. No significant differences in IMCL content were observed between young and older adults. Vigorous intensity physical activity (time and METh) was significantly lower in older than young adults (p < 0.01); this difference was not observed for light and moderate intensity physical activity. Light intensity physical activity (time and METh) was significantly and inversely correlated with IMCL content in young adults (r=- 0.59 and r=- 0.58; both p < 0.05), but not in older adults. These results suggest that daily light intensity physical activity reduces resting IMCL content in young adults, whereas no significant relationship was seen between daily physical activity and resting IMCL content in older adults.

Young people with disabilities are persistently under-employed and experience concerning rates of discrimination and ableism in looking for work and within the workplace. Focusing on youth is salient because rates of ableism are often higher among younger ages compared to older. The objective of this systematic review was to explore the experiences and impact of workplace discrimination and ableism among youth and young adults with disabilities. Systematic searches of seven databases from 2000 to 2021 were conducted. Four reviewers independently applied the inclusion criteria, extracted the data and rated the study quality. Of the 39 studies meeting our inclusion criteria, they represented 516,281 participants across eight countries over a 20-year period. The findings highlight the rates of workplace ableism, factors affecting workplace ableism (i.e., type of disability, gender, education level, lack of employers' knowledge about disability), ableism in job searching and anticipated ableism. The review also noted the impact of workplace ableism, which included pay discrimination, lack of job supports and social exclusion, job turnover and unemployment, and discrimination allegations and charges. Our findings reveal the stark prevalence of workplace ableism among youth and young adults with disabilities. There is an urgent need for further in-depth research to understand youth's lived experiences of ableism and the development of solutions to address it so they can be included in a meaningful and respectful way in the workplace.

Research regarding people with visual, hearing, or physical disability and their experiences with partnership is sparse. Existing studies show that experiences with partnership and sexual activity occur both less frequently and later in life. Feelings of inferiority, common beauty standards, stigmatization, immobility, and overprotective parenting are cited as reasons for this. This paper analyzes the influence of gender and type of disability on the experiences young adults with visual, hearing, or physical disability have with partnership and sexuality. Eighty-four participants aged 18–25 years, with hearing disability (n = 40), visual disability (n = 18), or physical disability (n = 26) were interviewed face-to-face or by phone. Nine out of ten participants had been in a relationship at least once. Seven out of ten had had experience with sexual intercourse. Female participants had more experience with sexual intercourse than male participants. Men had overall more relationships and experienced their first coitus significantly earlier. Participants with physical disability reported fewer relationships and their first sexual intercourse took place at a later age. The participants with hearing disability had the most relationships and experienced their first sexual intercourse earliest. The results of this study show that the study participants have significant experience with partnership and sexuality. On the other hand, the results indicate that an inclusive school system, the reinforcement of a positive self-perception, and supportive parents and educators are crucial for the development of young adults with impairments and their ability to make independent and confident decisions with regards to partnerships and sexuality.

Research related to metabolic syndrome (MbS) and chronic disease risk in young adults (18–24) is lacking. The Young Adult Health Risk Screening Initiative is an ongoing cross‐sectional investigation of chronic disease risk among students at the University of New Hampshire. We have previously reported that MbS criteria are higher in young adults with lower self‐reported levels of physical activity. To validate this finding, we examined MbS in relation to cardiovascular fitness via 1‐mile Rockport Walk Test and daily activity via 7‐day pedometer step log (n=256, 69% women). MbS criteria include abdominal obesity (waist ≥ 40 in), hypertrigylceridemia (≥ 150 mg/dl), low HDL‐C (&lt; 40 mg/dl), hypertension (≥ 130/85 mm Hg), and elevated glucose (≥ 100 mg/dl). Mean number of MbS criteria was 1.0±0.06; mean VO2max was 48.8±.4 ml/kg·min; &amp; mean steps per day was 9215±184. Young adults in the top quartile for cardiovascular fitness (VO2max) had lower number of MbS criteria as compared to those in lowest quartile (0.7±.1 vs. 1.3±.1, p&lt;.05). Young adults in the lowest quartile for daily activity (steps per day) had greater number of MbS criteria as compared to those in the 2nd and 3rd quartiles (1.3±.1 vs. 0.9±.1, p=.05; 1.3±.1 vs. 0.9±.1, p&lt;.05). These findings validate our previous work and demonstrate that fitness level and daily activity are negatively associated with MbS criteria in young, college adults.Grant Funding Source: NH Agricultural Experiment Station

Development and acceptability testing of a Facebook smoking cessation intervention for sexual and gender minority young adults

Age- and sex-related differences for electromyography gaps during daily activity and a discrete task

Using computers as an assistive technology for people with various types of physical and perceptual disabilities has been studied extensively. However, research on computer technology used by individuals with Down syndrome is limited. This paper reports an empirical study that investigated the use of three input techniques (keyboard and mouse, word prediction, and speech recognition) by children and young adults with Down syndrome and neurotypical children. The results suggest that the performance of the Down syndrome participants vary substantially. The high performing Down syndrome participants are capable of using the keyboard or the word prediction software to generate text at approximately 6 words per minute with error rates below 5%, which is similar to the performance of the younger neurotypical participants. No significant difference was observed between the keyboard condition and the word prediction condition. Recognition error rate observed under the speech input condition is very high for the Down syndrome participants. The neurotypical children achieved better performance than the participants with Down syndrome on the input tasks and demonstrated different preferences when interacting with the input techniques. Limitations of this study and implications for future research are also discussed.

BackgroundDisabilities have implications for health, well‐being, and health care, yet limited information is available on the percentage of adults with congenital heart defects (CHD) living with disabilities. We evaluated the prevalence of disability and associated characteristics among the 2016–2019 CH STRONG (Congenital Heart Survey to Recognize Outcomes, Needs, and Well‐Being) population‐based sample of 19‐ to 38‐year‐olds with CHD from 3 US locations.Methods and ResultsPrevalence of disability types (hearing, vision, cognition, mobility, self‐care, living independently) were compared with similarly aged adults from the general population as estimated by the American Community Survey and standardized to the CH STRONG eligible population to reduce nonresponse bias and confounding. Health‐related quality of life (HRQOL) was measured via Patient‐Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System Global Health Scale T‐scores standardized to US 18‐ to 34‐year‐olds. Separate multivariable regression models assessed associations between disability and HRQOL. Of 1478 participants, 40% reported disabilities, with cognition most prevalent (29%). Of those reporting disability, 45% ever received disability benefits and 46% were unemployed. Prevalence of disability types were 5 to 8 times higher in adults with CHD than the general population. Those with ≥1 disability had greater odds of being female, and of having non‐Hispanic Black maternal race and ethnicity, severe CHD, recent cardiac care, and noncardiac congenital anomalies. On average, adults with CHD and cognition, mobility, and self‐care disabilities had impaired mental HRQOL and those with any disability type had impaired physical HRQOL.ConclusionsTwo of 5 adults with CHD may have disabilities, which are associated with impaired HRQOL. These results may inform healthcare needs and services for this growing population.

BackgroundThe concept of disability is now understood as a result of the interaction between the individual, features related to impairment, and the physical and social environment. It is important to understand these environmental influences and how they affect social participation. The purpose of this study is to describe the social participation of young adults with Down syndrome and examine its relationship with the physical and social environment.MethodsFamilies ascertained from the Down syndrome ‘Needs Opinion Wishes’ database completed questionnaires during 2011. The questionnaires contained two parts, young person characteristics and family characteristics. Young adults’ social participation was measured using the Assessment of Life Habits (LIFE-H) and the influences of environmental factors were measured by the Measure of the Quality of the Environment (MQE). The analysis involved descriptive statistics and linear and logistic regression.ResultsOverall, participation in daily activities was higher (mean 6.45) than in social roles (mean 5.17) (range 0 to 9). When the physical and/or social environment was reported as a facilitator, compared to being no influence or a barrier, participation in social roles was greater (coef 0.89, 95%CI 0.28, 1.52, coef 0.83, 95%CI 0.17, 1.49, respectively). The relationships between participation and both the physical (coef 0.60, 95% CI −0.40, 1.24) and social (coef 0.20, 95%CI −0.47, 0.87) environments were reduced when age, gender, behavior and functioning in ADL were taken into account.ConclusionWe found that young adults’ participation in social roles was influenced more by the physical environment than by the social environment, providing a potentially modifiable avenue for intervention.

Bulgaria’s educational and economic landscapes are marked by substantial regional disparities that are interlaced with ethnic inequalities in school-to-work transitions. Young adults from Roma and Turkish origins particularly suffer from disadvantages with respect to education and labour market participation. We ask how ethnicity affects labour market entry in Bulgaria once educational resources of different ethnic groups are accounted for, and how regional contexts impact ethnic disparities in employment insecurities. Building on comparative school-to-work transition (STWT) concepts and on the labour queueing approach, we assume that ethnic disparities in the STWTs of youths in Bulgaria depend on the degree of urbanisation and the strength and structure of the regional economy. The study draws on data from the Bulgarian School Leaver Survey 2014 of 2103 young adults who had left education in the five years preceding the survey. Descriptive analysis and multilevel logistic regression models were applied to analyse STWT patterns with a special focus on education, regional contexts, and ethnicity. The results highlight that STWT risks differ considerably across the Bulgarian regions. The strength of the local economy thereby moderates ethnic disparities. Young people from Roma and Turkish origins are much less disadvantaged to transition towards employment compared to ethnic Bulgarians the stronger the local economy gets. Our study has several policy implications. In addition to the development of public and private employment opportunities for disadvantaged young people, special attention should also be paid to the development of quality vocational education at the national and regional level.