A mixed-methodological examination of participant experiences, activities, and outcomes in a technology and employment project for postsecondary students with traumatic brain injuries

Anne Leopold, Phillip Rumrill, D. J. Hendricks, Amanda Nardone, Elaine Sampson, Deborah Minton, Karen Jacobs, Eileen Elias, Marcia Scherer

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

1 Scopus citations

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Project Career was a five-year, multi-site development project using cognitive support technology (CST), in the form of iPads and applications (apps), and vocational rehabilitation strategies, to improve academic and employment outcomes for veteran and civilian students with traumatic brain injury (TBI) in 2- A nd 4-year colleges/universities. OBJECTIVE: This article presents a mixed-methodological examination of the participating students' experiences, activities, and outcomes in Project Career. METHODS: Demographics and key information obtained during intakes were analyzed, and qualitative and quantitative analyses of case notes from students' meetings with the project's Technology and Employment Coordinators (TECs) were conducted. The purpose of the analyses was to identify topics discussed by students, including challenges, services sought, actions taken, experience with using CSTs, and outcomes. RESULTS: The majority of meetings with TECs focused on academic counseling/support, app use, employment, and accessibility services and supports. Most quotations were related to positive outcomes, which in turn were primarily related to school and test performance, impact of apps, overall functioning, and the use of technology overall. CONCLUSIONS: Results highlight that the Project Career model, which combines best practices from CST and the vocational rehabilitation field, can be effective in successfully supporting students with TBI in undergraduate settings.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)3-11
Number of pages9
JournalJournal of Vocational Rehabilitation
Volume50
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - 2019

Bibliographical note

Funding Information:
The contents of this article were developed under a grant from the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR, grant number 90DP0062-01-00). NIDILRR is a Center within the Administration

Publisher Copyright:
© 2019 IOS Press and the authors. All rights reserved.

Keywords

  • Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
  • cognitive support technology (CST)
  • employment
  • postsecondary education
  • vocational rehabilitation (VR)

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Rehabilitation
  • Occupational Therapy

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