Vocational Rehabilitation Agencies Using the Adkins Program
Building on Strength in Vocational Rehabilitation

Designed by Psychologists and Counselors The Adkins Program was designed by psychologists and counselors. It is based on the vocational development theories of Donald Super and others and incorporates most of the counseling practices used in vocational rehabilitation. It helps people build on their strengths. It is thus very compatible with prevailing practices in vocational rehabilitation. What it adds to the vocational rehabilitation counseling process is an efficient and interesting group method and a rich variety of well developed video, audio, print-based learning activities and processes that a counselor or other educator can use on an individual or group basis. The program is psychologically and educationally sound and well grounded in theory and research. Educators will see the influence of John Dewey's problem-centered inquiry combined with the integrated use of group counseling methods. The Adkins Program is also practical, interesting and fun to use. It comes with lesson plans, staff and participant manuals, and a wide variety of support materials and services. The Life Skills Educator Staff Training Program The accompanying Life Skills Educator (facilitator) staff training program is intensive and focused on deriving the maximum results from the Career Development Series. It has been well received by staff from rehabilitation agencies. Staff have the opportunity to try out the learning activities, deal with a variety of group dynamics and learning issues, and gain valuable experiential knowledge. A common statement made by staff after training is "one of the best training programs I have had." The Adkins Career Development Series has been used effectively with physically disabled, mentally retarded, emotionally disturbed, and with persons with other disabilities. It is in the process of being adapted with closed captions for the deaf. Supporting Research STUDY 1 In a major study, Dr Rosa Hagin, a leading specialist in learning disabilities developed a model program for adults which included the Adkins Life Skills/Career Development Program in order to address their career-related issues. Evaluation of program outcomes for 60 adults whose dyslexia and poor literacy skills severely affected their educational and vocational development found that: the participant's ability to cope with career development tasks (career maturity) increased an extraordinary two standard deviations above that of the control group 70% of the sample decided to continue their education 50% who were unemployed became employed Hagin and Associates, Another Chance STUDY 2 20 unemployed 19 year old adolescents with learning disabilities and with WAIS IQ scores ranging from 74-105, participated in the Career Choice Units of the Adkins Program. They all made significant gains, compared to a control group with respect to: attitudes toward completing career tasks becoming more oriented to the demands of work understanding their skills and interests knowing about occupations using community resources The participant's ability to benefit from the Adkins Program was found not to be affected by Low IQ. Ursillo, Increasing the Vocational Maturity of Learning Disabled Adolescents [ MORE RESEARCH ]       [ TOP ] Let's talk about how the program can be helpful to your population. 1-203-561-6599

Outcomes for Clients in Vocational Rehab. enrolled in Adkins Program 50% who were unemployed became employed 70% of the sample decided to continue their education [ RESEARCH DETAILS ]