Using the Work Experience Survey and the Job Accommodation Network to Identify Reasonable Accommodations in the Workplace: Case Studies of African American Women With Multiple Sclerosis

2021 ◽  
Vol 35 (3) ◽  
pp. 222-237
Author(s):  
Stuart Rumrill ◽  
Malachy Bishop ◽  
Phillip Rumrill ◽  
Deborah Hendricks
Keyword(s):  
Multiple Sclerosis ◽  
Job Satisfaction ◽  
African American ◽  
African American Women ◽  
Work Experience ◽  
American Women ◽  
Job Accommodation ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Trained Interviewer ◽  
Experience Survey

PurposeFour African American women with multiple sclerosis (MS) participated in an evaluation of barriers to their continued employment.MethodsA trained interviewer completed the Work Experience Survey (WES) in teleconsultation sessions with each participant to identify their: (a) barriers to worksite access, (b) difficulties performing essential functions of their positions, (c) concerns regarding continued mastery of their careers, and (d) extent of job satisfaction.ResultsResulting largely from the physiological, sensory, and cognitive sequelae of their disease, participants reported a wide range of difficulties in performing essential functions of their jobs (15–45) that have the potential to significantly affect their productivity. Career mastery problems reflected issues associated with MS such as “believing that others think I do a good job” and “having the resources (e.g., knowledge, tools, supplies, and equipment) needed to do the job.” Other career mastery concerns reflected idiosyncratic aspects of a specific job setting such as “being able to speak with my supervisor about promotion.” Considering these barriers and relationships with employers, the majority of participants reported low levels of job satisfaction.ConclusionThe interviewer concluded the WES interview by recommending a job accommodation plan, which included suggestions from Job Accommodation Network (JAN) consultants. The interviewer also offered guidelines for the employee to follow in requesting job modifications and assistive technology.

Identifying the job accommodation needs of american workers with mid-career neurological disabilities: A multiple case study investigation

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-15
Author(s):  
Phillip Rumrill ◽  
Stuart Rumrill ◽  
Kathy Sheppard-Jones ◽  
Amy Rumrill ◽  
Michelle Graham-Smith ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Job Satisfaction ◽  
Work Experience ◽  
The United States ◽  
United States Department ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Department Of Labor ◽  
Job Accommodation ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Trained Interviewer ◽  
Neurological Disabilities

METHODS: Four employed people with neurological disabilities who took part in a larger job retention project funded by the United States Department of Labor completed structured interviews to determine their needs for employment accommodations during COVID-19. A trained interviewer administered the Work Experience Survey (WES) in teleconsultation sessions with each participant to identify: (a) barriers to worksite access, (b) difficulties performing essential job functions, (c) concerns regarding continued job mastery, and (d) extent of job satisfaction. RESULTS: Owing primarily to the sequelae of their disabling conditions and less so to social distancing requirements and telecommuting technology, participants reported a wide range of accessibility barriers and difficulties in performing essential functions of their jobs that they believed had the potential to significantly affect their ongoing productivity. Considering the stress and uncertainty that have accompanied the COVID-19 pandemic, it is surprising that the majority of participants reported high levels of job mastery and job satisfaction. CONCLUSION: The interviewer concluded the WES interview by recommending a job accommodation plan, which included suggestions from Job Accommodation Network (JAN) consultants.

scholarly journals African-american female stereotyping in The Secret Life of Bees

2013 ◽  
pp. 327
Author(s):  
Carolina Pallín López
Keyword(s):  
African American ◽  
African American Women ◽  
Business Owner ◽  
African American Female ◽  
Women Directors ◽  
Female Characters ◽  
American Women ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Interdisciplinary Inquiry ◽  
The Way

The film that is being analyzed in this article, The Secret Life of Bees, offers a unique piece to work on. This motion picture is based on Sue Monk Kidd’s novel with the same title published in 2003, and was directed by one of the very few African-American women directors, Gina Prince-Bythewood. This story puts forth an unusual depiction of the way African-American women have traditionally been portrayed. One of the key elements that contributes to this rare representation is the «Magical Negro» character in the movie, which has a tradition of being represented by men.The aim of this article is to analyze the way the «Magical Negro» character (August Boatwright) is introduced in The Secret Life of Bees, together with the other female characters (Lily Owens, Rosaleen Daise, June Boatwright and May Boatwright). I will also analyze how these representations contribute or shatter female African-American stereotypes. This film introduces a wide range of icons that go from the illiterate slave to the independent business owner, offering in this way a great piece to examine. This article will constitute an interdisciplinary inquiry which will take into account Gender Studies, Stereotyping, Cultural Studies and African American Studies.El filme que se analiza en este artículo, The Secret Life of Bees, nos ofrece una obra única para examinar. Dicha película está basada en la novela con el mismo título escrita por Sue Monk Kidd, publicada en 2003, y dirigida por una de las pocas directoras afroamericanas, Gina Prince-Bythewood. Esta historia nos muestra una imagen inusual de la mujer afroamericana si se compara con la forma en que tradicionalmente se ha escenificado dicho colectivo. Uno de los elementos clave que contribuye a tal representación es el personaje «Magical Negro» en la película, el cual tradicionalmente ha sido personificado mediante personajes masculinos. El objetivo de este artículo es analizar la forma en que el personaje «Magical Negro» (August Boatwright) es presentado en The Secret Life of Bees junto con el resto de personajes femeninos (Lily Owens, Rosaleen Daise, June Boatwright, May Boatwright). También analizaré las formas en que tales iconos contribuyen o crean una ruptura con respecto a los estereotipos femeninos afroamericanos. Esta cinta muestra una amplia gama de representaciones que van desde la esclava analfabeta hasta la mujer independiente dueña de su propio negocio, ofreciéndonos de esta forma una obra excepcional con la que trabajar. El presente artículo constituye un estudio interdisciplinar que tendrá en cuenta los estudios afroamericanos, de género, de estereotipia y culturales. 

Importance and satisfaction ratings on 38 key employment concerns among African American women with multiple sclerosis

2020 ◽  
Vol 52 (2) ◽  
pp. 173-183
Author(s):  
Phillip D. Rumrill ◽  
Rongxiu Wu ◽  
Penina Goldstein ◽  
Chithra Adams ◽  
Kathleen Sheppard-Jones ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Multiple Sclerosis ◽  
African American ◽  
African American Women ◽  
American Women ◽  
Employment Concerns

scholarly journals The Experience of African-American Women with Multiple Sclerosis

2020 ◽  
pp. 0000-0000
Author(s):  
Alexa Stuifbergen ◽  
Heather Becker ◽  
Carolyn Phillips ◽  
Shalonda Horton ◽  
Janet Morrison ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Multiple Sclerosis ◽  
African American ◽  
Black Women ◽  
African Americans ◽  
African American Women ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Common Belief ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
American Women ◽  
Health Promotion Behaviors

Abstract Background: Despite growing understanding that African-Americans may have a more aggressive course of multiple sclerosis (MS) and experience disparities in diagnosis and treatment, fewer studies have examined how African-Americans experience MS and its impact on their lives. This study explored the experience of African American women living with MS in order to inform future research and practice. Methods: Face-to face semi-structured interviews were conducted with 19 African-American women. Inductive content analysis was used to identify major categories and sub-categories. Results: The analyses yielded three major categories: No one could believe I had MS; It's tough living with MS; and You have to keep going. Many women reported that the MS diagnosis was a surprise to them and their doctors because of the common belief that MS is a “Caucasian disease.” For this reason, many women felt their diagnosis had been delayed while their physicians initially focused on other diseases considered more typical in African-Americans. Living with losses related to social and family activities, independence and employment was especially challenging for them. Faith in God, coming to grips with the diagnosis and health promotion behaviors were key strategies for dealing with their MS. Women also spoke of pushing forward, working through MS challenges, and taking care of themselves, thus preserving their identity as strong Black women, a culturally important construct in the African-American community. Conclusions: Future research should explore the interactions of culture with coping strategies and the development of useful and valued resources and supports for African-Americans with MS.

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