Laurie Powers | Portland State University (original) (raw)
Papers by Laurie Powers
Children and Youth Services Review, 2012
In recent years, there has been a growing concern about the effectiveness of special education pr... more In recent years, there has been a growing concern about the effectiveness of special education programs in preparing students for the transition from school to work (Wilcox & Bellamy, 1982). This concern has been stimulated in part by reports of low employment levels for adults with disabilities (U.S. Commission on Civil Rights, 1983). Studies that have specifically targeted recent graduates of special education have also found low employment levels (Hasazi, Gordon, & Roe, 1985; Fardig, Algozzine, Schwartz, Hensel, ~ Westling, 1985). In response to these discouraging outcomes, a great deal of attention has been devoted to improving both vocational preparation programs for students in special educa-tion and programs that provide employment services to adults with disabilities
ABSTRACT:r This study examined the influence of gender on the transition goals and experiences of... more ABSTRACT:r This study examined the influence of gender on the transition goals and experiences of female students with disabilities. Data were gathered from 146 participants, including female youth with disabilities (n = 67), parents of young women with disabilities (n = 34), and profes-sionals who work with them (n = 45). Findings suggest that females with disabilities have unique experiences related to (a) type of transition goals established for them; (b) factors that shape these transition goals, such as self-perception, mentors, peers, family, and exposure to opportunities; (c) sources of support and- impediments to transition to adulthood, such as special education personnel and programs; and (d) contextual issues, such as cultural and linguistic diversity. Practice and fii-ture research implications are discussed. Since 1984, when the U.S. De- the individualized education programs (IEPs) of partment of Education first fo- students 16 years and older. Seven years later, cused ...
He and I got into the verbal altercation … so he thought he would put me in my place by throwing ... more He and I got into the verbal altercation … so he thought he would put me in my place by throwing me up on the back of the chair, then letting me hang there. I’m on a ventilator … I had already been off for an hour and a half, and I was getting rather winded.... So he just left me hanging there, kept screaming at me, and I had to apologize to him … hardly able to breath … He really scared the hell out of me. Man with a disability Violence and abuse are serious problems for persons with disabilities, who are at
Transitioning from youth to adulthood presents challenges for almost every young person. Youth wi... more Transitioning from youth to adulthood presents challenges for almost every young person. Youth with disabilities, though, are often particularly vulnerable during this time period. When researchers have examined what happens to young people with disabilities after they leave school, we find that individuals from certain groups do not
The opinions expressed herein do not necessarily reflect the position, policy, or views of either... more The opinions expressed herein do not necessarily reflect the position, policy, or views of either agency and no official endorsement should be inferred.
New updated! The on the road to autonomy promoting self competence in children and youth with dis... more New updated! The on the road to autonomy promoting self competence in children and youth with disabilities from the best author and publisher is now available here. This is the book that will make your day reading becomes completed. When you are looking for the printed book of this PDF in the book store, you may not find it. The problems can be the limited editions that are given in the book store.
Journal of Rehabilitation, 2003
Issues of health and wellness for people with disabilities are becoming prominent issues on the n... more Issues of health and wellness for people with disabilities are becoming prominent issues on the national health agenda (United States Department of Health and Human Services, 2000). New models of health and wellness specific to persons living with disability are attempting to understand and operationalize health and wellness within the disability experience. These models show what many people living with disabilities conceptualize that a person can be healthy and well and live long-term with disability (National Institute of Disability Rehabilitation Research, 2000; Institute of Medicine, 1991). Much of this shift in perspective stems from a new disability paradigm that views disability as a situational experience, a function of the relationship between the individual and the environments that surround that individual (cultural, social, natural and architectural) (NIDRR, 2000). Preliminary studies exploring health and wellness indicate that people with disabilities hold both common ...
Journal of Rehabilitation, 2006
Recently programs and research have addressed the issues of abuse among women with disabilities, ... more Recently programs and research have addressed the issues of abuse among women with disabilities, (Curry, Powers, Oschwald, & Saxton, 2004; Nosek, Howland, & Young, 1997; Curry, & Navarro, 2002; Saxton, 2002.) In contrast, there have been virtually no efforts aimed at addressing the issues of abuse among men with disabilities. This study attempts to address that gap, and additionally reveals a great deal about disabled men's relationship to disability, to personal assistance services (PAS) and to men's orientation to assistance, control, vulnerability, disclosure and family relationships. Abuse and Disability The initial research on abuse of disabled persons was conducted within institutional settings and focused on the experiences of sexual abuse perpetrated against children and adults with developmental disabilities. Sobsey and Doe (1991) were among the first to report the patterns of sexual abuse and assault among institutionalized children and adults with developmental di...
This study investigated whether Latina youth in special education and parents of Latinas in speci... more This study investigated whether Latina youth in special education and parents of Latinas in special education differ from their Anglo counterparts regarding transition expectations and experiences, and experiences of self-determination. Surveys were completed by 211 transition-aged Anglo and Latina females, and parents of Anglo girls and Latinas in two school districts. Participants generally agreed on transition goal importance; however, caring for family members and spirituality were more valued by Latina girls. Parents of Latinas placed greater emphasis on their daughters working and attending college, in comparison to parents of Anglo youth. Implications considered include the need to further explore stereotypes regarding the transition goals of Latina youth and families, and to provide culturally-tailored transition supports.
A transcript summarizing a teleconference on increasing opportunities for youth with disabilities... more A transcript summarizing a teleconference on increasing opportunities for youth with disabilities to participate in youth development and leadership activities.
Nosek and Howland’s Applied Research document (1998) provided a snapshot of the first generation ... more Nosek and Howland’s Applied Research document (1998) provided a snapshot of the first generation of research related to abuse and women with disabilities, documenting the seriousness of the problem and lack of accessible domestic violence services. This research, conducted in the late 1980s and 1990s, led to a second generation of studies in the current decade that have further defined the problem and deepened our understanding of barriers experienced by women with disabilities and Deaf women in promoting their safety from interpersonal violence. A consistent theme across the research is the complex intersections of Disabled and Deaf women’s experience of impairment, poverty, isolation, reliance on others for support, discrimination, and other factors that may restrict women’s violence awareness, safety promoting behavior, and access to resources (Copel, 2006; Hassouneh-Phillips, McNeff, Powers, & Curry, 2005; Nosek, Hughes, Taylor, & Taylor, 2006). Women’s experience of their own s...
Children and Youth Services Review
Limited rigorous research has been conducted to evaluate the impact of interventions designed to ... more Limited rigorous research has been conducted to evaluate the impact of interventions designed to promote the successful transitions of young people exiting foster care. The current study builds on previous experimental evaluations of the My Life Model (MLM) for self-determination enhancement, which demonstrated effectiveness in improving educational and transition-to-adulthood outcomes for youth in foster care with disabilities, including those with mental health challenges. The model features one-on-one youth-directed coaching and near-peer mentoring to increase self-determination and goal achievement. The current study was the first to test the impact of the model with a diverse population-based cohort of youth aged 16.5-18.5 in foster care (N=293), including those with and without disabilities, on key model outcome indicators of self-determination and self-efficacy. This study also explored potential moderation by disability status, trauma symptoms, placement stability, and placement restrictiveness. Findings show that, compared to the randomized control group, the treatment group had greater post-intervention and one-year follow-up gains on several indicators of self-determination. Moderation analysis demonstrated no difference in intervention effectiveness for youth with or without disabilities, suggesting the universality of this approach. Findings also suggest that foster youth participants with low-to-average risks in terms of placement stability, placement restrictiveness, and traumatic stress levels seem to benefit most from the intervention, although youth who are at higher risk due to low placement stability, high placement restriction, and high traumatic stress still showed some benefit of participating in the intervention on some measures. My Life is one of only a few intervention models with experimental evidence of effectiveness with older youth in foster care. This validation study establishes that the approach has benefits for both youth with and without disabilities, as well as providing the first information available on the influence of critical barriers facing many youth in care.
Children and Youth Services Review
Abstract Background The mental health outcomes among youth in foster care with disabilities are u... more Abstract Background The mental health outcomes among youth in foster care with disabilities are under studied. Increasing our understanding of mental health risk and protective factors is essential for improving the mental health and quality of life of this population. This study tests the associations of risk and protective factors on mental health outcome variables of youth in foster care with disabilities. Methods All Oregon youth in foster care who were ages 16.6–18.5 and attending study school districts were invited to participate in a federally-funded longitudinal RCT evaluation, which sought to assess the effectiveness of self-determination enhancement on outcomes of youth transitioning from foster care to adult life. Only baseline data was used with a final sample of 305. Receipt of special education services was used as the proxy for disability status. The risk factors included trauma exposure, hopelessness, placement type, perceived placement restrictiveness. The protective factors included social support and self-determination. The outcome variables included internalizing and externalizing mental health symptoms, quality of life. Preliminary analyses organized by special education (SPED) involvement vs. study variables were conducted, and stepwise regressions were followed. Results Findings revealed SPED was associated with being in a restrictive foster placement. Youth involved in SPED reported higher perceived placement restrictiveness and hopelessness, but lower quality of life (QoL). Self-determination was a consistent protective factor. Post-traumatic symptomology was a consistent and strongest risk factor for all outcome variables. Conclusions Although it is not possible to change previous adverse childhood experiences that result in currently experienced trauma, well-designed self-determination enhancement interventions and the support of caring adults may reduce negative mental health outcomes and improve QoL
Children and youth services review, 2018
Research clearly documents the serious challenges and poor outcomes experienced by many young peo... more Research clearly documents the serious challenges and poor outcomes experienced by many young people exiting foster care, as well as compounded disparities for the high percentage of youth in care who are identified with disabilities and/or mental health challenges. However, very little research has been conducted to specify or validate effective models for improving the transition trajectories of youth exiting care. Evidence suggests the My Life self-determination enhancement model offers a promising approach for supporting youths' self-determined and positive transition to adulthood. The model includes youth-directed, experientially oriented coaching in the application of self-determination skills to achieve youth-identified transition goals, coupled with peer mentoring workshops that provide opportunities for learning, networking and fun. This in depth qualitative study of 10 youth who completed the My Life intervention focused on investigating coaching and mentoring elements...
Research and Practice for Persons with Severe Disabilities
Action research approaches reflecting power sharing by academic and community researchers, full e... more Action research approaches reflecting power sharing by academic and community researchers, full engagement of community partners across all study phases, and ongoing commitment to partnership and capacity building have been increasingly embraced, particularly in research affecting marginalized populations. Findings suggest action research approaches have value in promoting the relevance, effectiveness, and translation of research, including experimental and other rigorous quantitative study. A relatively small proportion of action research has focused on individuals with developmental disabilities, and most studies have been qualitative. Strategies to address four major challenges in quantitatively focused action research in developmental disabilities are discussed: establishing connections between academic and community researchers, building understanding and trust, involving community researchers in technical aspects of research, and providing accommodations for community research...
Career Development and Transition for Exceptional Individuals
Individuals with disabilities are underrepresented in science, technology, engineering, and math ... more Individuals with disabilities are underrepresented in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields. The purpose of this study was to experimentally evaluate the impact of a STEM mentor intervention and differences between students matched with mentors with or without disabilities on career planning outcomes. An independent groups × repeated measures design was used. Significant differences were found between mentored and nonmentored students for measures of STEM-related knowledge, engagement, confidence, and general career planning confidence, but not for STEM-related and disability-related self-efficacy. Significant differences were not found between students assigned to mentors with or without disabilities. This study contributes to research that demonstrates the positive impact of mentoring on career planning for students with disabilities, including those related to STEM.
Children and Youth Services Review, 2012
In recent years, there has been a growing concern about the effectiveness of special education pr... more In recent years, there has been a growing concern about the effectiveness of special education programs in preparing students for the transition from school to work (Wilcox & Bellamy, 1982). This concern has been stimulated in part by reports of low employment levels for adults with disabilities (U.S. Commission on Civil Rights, 1983). Studies that have specifically targeted recent graduates of special education have also found low employment levels (Hasazi, Gordon, & Roe, 1985; Fardig, Algozzine, Schwartz, Hensel, ~ Westling, 1985). In response to these discouraging outcomes, a great deal of attention has been devoted to improving both vocational preparation programs for students in special educa-tion and programs that provide employment services to adults with disabilities
ABSTRACT:r This study examined the influence of gender on the transition goals and experiences of... more ABSTRACT:r This study examined the influence of gender on the transition goals and experiences of female students with disabilities. Data were gathered from 146 participants, including female youth with disabilities (n = 67), parents of young women with disabilities (n = 34), and profes-sionals who work with them (n = 45). Findings suggest that females with disabilities have unique experiences related to (a) type of transition goals established for them; (b) factors that shape these transition goals, such as self-perception, mentors, peers, family, and exposure to opportunities; (c) sources of support and- impediments to transition to adulthood, such as special education personnel and programs; and (d) contextual issues, such as cultural and linguistic diversity. Practice and fii-ture research implications are discussed. Since 1984, when the U.S. De- the individualized education programs (IEPs) of partment of Education first fo- students 16 years and older. Seven years later, cused ...
He and I got into the verbal altercation … so he thought he would put me in my place by throwing ... more He and I got into the verbal altercation … so he thought he would put me in my place by throwing me up on the back of the chair, then letting me hang there. I’m on a ventilator … I had already been off for an hour and a half, and I was getting rather winded.... So he just left me hanging there, kept screaming at me, and I had to apologize to him … hardly able to breath … He really scared the hell out of me. Man with a disability Violence and abuse are serious problems for persons with disabilities, who are at
Transitioning from youth to adulthood presents challenges for almost every young person. Youth wi... more Transitioning from youth to adulthood presents challenges for almost every young person. Youth with disabilities, though, are often particularly vulnerable during this time period. When researchers have examined what happens to young people with disabilities after they leave school, we find that individuals from certain groups do not
The opinions expressed herein do not necessarily reflect the position, policy, or views of either... more The opinions expressed herein do not necessarily reflect the position, policy, or views of either agency and no official endorsement should be inferred.
New updated! The on the road to autonomy promoting self competence in children and youth with dis... more New updated! The on the road to autonomy promoting self competence in children and youth with disabilities from the best author and publisher is now available here. This is the book that will make your day reading becomes completed. When you are looking for the printed book of this PDF in the book store, you may not find it. The problems can be the limited editions that are given in the book store.
Journal of Rehabilitation, 2003
Issues of health and wellness for people with disabilities are becoming prominent issues on the n... more Issues of health and wellness for people with disabilities are becoming prominent issues on the national health agenda (United States Department of Health and Human Services, 2000). New models of health and wellness specific to persons living with disability are attempting to understand and operationalize health and wellness within the disability experience. These models show what many people living with disabilities conceptualize that a person can be healthy and well and live long-term with disability (National Institute of Disability Rehabilitation Research, 2000; Institute of Medicine, 1991). Much of this shift in perspective stems from a new disability paradigm that views disability as a situational experience, a function of the relationship between the individual and the environments that surround that individual (cultural, social, natural and architectural) (NIDRR, 2000). Preliminary studies exploring health and wellness indicate that people with disabilities hold both common ...
Journal of Rehabilitation, 2006
Recently programs and research have addressed the issues of abuse among women with disabilities, ... more Recently programs and research have addressed the issues of abuse among women with disabilities, (Curry, Powers, Oschwald, & Saxton, 2004; Nosek, Howland, & Young, 1997; Curry, & Navarro, 2002; Saxton, 2002.) In contrast, there have been virtually no efforts aimed at addressing the issues of abuse among men with disabilities. This study attempts to address that gap, and additionally reveals a great deal about disabled men's relationship to disability, to personal assistance services (PAS) and to men's orientation to assistance, control, vulnerability, disclosure and family relationships. Abuse and Disability The initial research on abuse of disabled persons was conducted within institutional settings and focused on the experiences of sexual abuse perpetrated against children and adults with developmental disabilities. Sobsey and Doe (1991) were among the first to report the patterns of sexual abuse and assault among institutionalized children and adults with developmental di...
This study investigated whether Latina youth in special education and parents of Latinas in speci... more This study investigated whether Latina youth in special education and parents of Latinas in special education differ from their Anglo counterparts regarding transition expectations and experiences, and experiences of self-determination. Surveys were completed by 211 transition-aged Anglo and Latina females, and parents of Anglo girls and Latinas in two school districts. Participants generally agreed on transition goal importance; however, caring for family members and spirituality were more valued by Latina girls. Parents of Latinas placed greater emphasis on their daughters working and attending college, in comparison to parents of Anglo youth. Implications considered include the need to further explore stereotypes regarding the transition goals of Latina youth and families, and to provide culturally-tailored transition supports.
A transcript summarizing a teleconference on increasing opportunities for youth with disabilities... more A transcript summarizing a teleconference on increasing opportunities for youth with disabilities to participate in youth development and leadership activities.
Nosek and Howland’s Applied Research document (1998) provided a snapshot of the first generation ... more Nosek and Howland’s Applied Research document (1998) provided a snapshot of the first generation of research related to abuse and women with disabilities, documenting the seriousness of the problem and lack of accessible domestic violence services. This research, conducted in the late 1980s and 1990s, led to a second generation of studies in the current decade that have further defined the problem and deepened our understanding of barriers experienced by women with disabilities and Deaf women in promoting their safety from interpersonal violence. A consistent theme across the research is the complex intersections of Disabled and Deaf women’s experience of impairment, poverty, isolation, reliance on others for support, discrimination, and other factors that may restrict women’s violence awareness, safety promoting behavior, and access to resources (Copel, 2006; Hassouneh-Phillips, McNeff, Powers, & Curry, 2005; Nosek, Hughes, Taylor, & Taylor, 2006). Women’s experience of their own s...
Children and Youth Services Review
Limited rigorous research has been conducted to evaluate the impact of interventions designed to ... more Limited rigorous research has been conducted to evaluate the impact of interventions designed to promote the successful transitions of young people exiting foster care. The current study builds on previous experimental evaluations of the My Life Model (MLM) for self-determination enhancement, which demonstrated effectiveness in improving educational and transition-to-adulthood outcomes for youth in foster care with disabilities, including those with mental health challenges. The model features one-on-one youth-directed coaching and near-peer mentoring to increase self-determination and goal achievement. The current study was the first to test the impact of the model with a diverse population-based cohort of youth aged 16.5-18.5 in foster care (N=293), including those with and without disabilities, on key model outcome indicators of self-determination and self-efficacy. This study also explored potential moderation by disability status, trauma symptoms, placement stability, and placement restrictiveness. Findings show that, compared to the randomized control group, the treatment group had greater post-intervention and one-year follow-up gains on several indicators of self-determination. Moderation analysis demonstrated no difference in intervention effectiveness for youth with or without disabilities, suggesting the universality of this approach. Findings also suggest that foster youth participants with low-to-average risks in terms of placement stability, placement restrictiveness, and traumatic stress levels seem to benefit most from the intervention, although youth who are at higher risk due to low placement stability, high placement restriction, and high traumatic stress still showed some benefit of participating in the intervention on some measures. My Life is one of only a few intervention models with experimental evidence of effectiveness with older youth in foster care. This validation study establishes that the approach has benefits for both youth with and without disabilities, as well as providing the first information available on the influence of critical barriers facing many youth in care.
Children and Youth Services Review
Abstract Background The mental health outcomes among youth in foster care with disabilities are u... more Abstract Background The mental health outcomes among youth in foster care with disabilities are under studied. Increasing our understanding of mental health risk and protective factors is essential for improving the mental health and quality of life of this population. This study tests the associations of risk and protective factors on mental health outcome variables of youth in foster care with disabilities. Methods All Oregon youth in foster care who were ages 16.6–18.5 and attending study school districts were invited to participate in a federally-funded longitudinal RCT evaluation, which sought to assess the effectiveness of self-determination enhancement on outcomes of youth transitioning from foster care to adult life. Only baseline data was used with a final sample of 305. Receipt of special education services was used as the proxy for disability status. The risk factors included trauma exposure, hopelessness, placement type, perceived placement restrictiveness. The protective factors included social support and self-determination. The outcome variables included internalizing and externalizing mental health symptoms, quality of life. Preliminary analyses organized by special education (SPED) involvement vs. study variables were conducted, and stepwise regressions were followed. Results Findings revealed SPED was associated with being in a restrictive foster placement. Youth involved in SPED reported higher perceived placement restrictiveness and hopelessness, but lower quality of life (QoL). Self-determination was a consistent protective factor. Post-traumatic symptomology was a consistent and strongest risk factor for all outcome variables. Conclusions Although it is not possible to change previous adverse childhood experiences that result in currently experienced trauma, well-designed self-determination enhancement interventions and the support of caring adults may reduce negative mental health outcomes and improve QoL
Children and youth services review, 2018
Research clearly documents the serious challenges and poor outcomes experienced by many young peo... more Research clearly documents the serious challenges and poor outcomes experienced by many young people exiting foster care, as well as compounded disparities for the high percentage of youth in care who are identified with disabilities and/or mental health challenges. However, very little research has been conducted to specify or validate effective models for improving the transition trajectories of youth exiting care. Evidence suggests the My Life self-determination enhancement model offers a promising approach for supporting youths' self-determined and positive transition to adulthood. The model includes youth-directed, experientially oriented coaching in the application of self-determination skills to achieve youth-identified transition goals, coupled with peer mentoring workshops that provide opportunities for learning, networking and fun. This in depth qualitative study of 10 youth who completed the My Life intervention focused on investigating coaching and mentoring elements...
Research and Practice for Persons with Severe Disabilities
Action research approaches reflecting power sharing by academic and community researchers, full e... more Action research approaches reflecting power sharing by academic and community researchers, full engagement of community partners across all study phases, and ongoing commitment to partnership and capacity building have been increasingly embraced, particularly in research affecting marginalized populations. Findings suggest action research approaches have value in promoting the relevance, effectiveness, and translation of research, including experimental and other rigorous quantitative study. A relatively small proportion of action research has focused on individuals with developmental disabilities, and most studies have been qualitative. Strategies to address four major challenges in quantitatively focused action research in developmental disabilities are discussed: establishing connections between academic and community researchers, building understanding and trust, involving community researchers in technical aspects of research, and providing accommodations for community research...
Career Development and Transition for Exceptional Individuals
Individuals with disabilities are underrepresented in science, technology, engineering, and math ... more Individuals with disabilities are underrepresented in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields. The purpose of this study was to experimentally evaluate the impact of a STEM mentor intervention and differences between students matched with mentors with or without disabilities on career planning outcomes. An independent groups × repeated measures design was used. Significant differences were found between mentored and nonmentored students for measures of STEM-related knowledge, engagement, confidence, and general career planning confidence, but not for STEM-related and disability-related self-efficacy. Significant differences were not found between students assigned to mentors with or without disabilities. This study contributes to research that demonstrates the positive impact of mentoring on career planning for students with disabilities, including those related to STEM.