In 2012, John O'Neill, PhD, became director of Employment and Disability Research—an inaugural position—in an effort to bridge the gap between rehabilitation research and employment. With more than 30 years of experience in vocational rehabilitation, he is a noted expert on the effects of culture, race, gender, and socioeconomic status on social outcomes after disability. Dr. O’Neill also studies how physical and cognitive function, government assistance benefits, and healthcare coverage impact utilization of vocational services and job seeking by people with disabilities. His research is funded by government agencies, including the National Institute on Disability Rehabilitation Research.

 

With the addition of Dr. O’Neill, research has expanded in the area of employment outcomes for individuals with cognitive and physical disabilities. “Our research improves the function of people with disabilities, but we must also consider what comes next,” noted John DeLuca, PhD, vice president for Research and Training. “We are finding ways for individuals with disabilities to enter or rejoin the workforce so they can enjoy greater independence, self-sufficiency, and quality of life.” Highlights include:

 

• Research scientist Lauren Strober, PhD, is studying factors relating to the 80 percent unemployment rate in people with multiple sclerosis (MS). This five-year grant from the National Institutes of Health, examines demographics and disease variables as well as person-specific factors, such as personality and coping, which have not been extensively investigated. “The goal is to develop a predictive model of unemployment in MS that can be used as a decision-making tool by practitioners,” said Dr. Strober. “Application of the tool will help people with MS retain jobs, which will positively affect their overall care and quality of life.”