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The Able Trust: Bethune Cookman College received a grant in September 2001 for a two-year research and demonstration project examining the employment outcomes of African Americans with disabilities. Could you give us some background for how this research project got started?
Bethune Cookman College Vocational Rehabilitation Project: The present grant was a continuation of our collaborative relationship with The Able Trust in an effort to enhance the quality of life of minority individuals with disabilities. We were and remain cognizant of the fact that minority individuals with disabilities, and particularly African-Americans, do not fare well in the labor market vis-a-vis employment outcomes. Consequently, we wanted to investigate whether a support group intervention would improve vocational outcomes for the catchman population in the tri-county area of Flagler, St. Johns and Putnam. We also realized the inadequacy of the data pertaining to minorities with disabilities, and the research component addresses this inadequacy.
AT: There were five researchers working on this project. Tell us about the role of each and how they contributed to making this project work?
BC: Drs. John Ukawuilulu, Russell Mootry, Jr. & A. Smart Uhakheme were Principal Investigators e.g. designed and implemented the research and structured the demonstration project. Additionally they identified, hired and trained the group facilitators who worked directly with the participants.
Mr. Edward Singleton, Jr., Project Coordinator, was responsible for recruitment of participants, transportation of participants and program logistics. Mr. Trebor Negron assisted the Principal Investigators in the day-to-day management of the project and with various administrative functions.
AT: Your research found that social supports are a critical factor in employment success for African Americans with disabilities. Explain how these supports work.
BC: The Social Support Model enhances the self-esteem of group participants as they seek to enter and/or move up in the labor market.
AT: You looked at the demographic characteristics of African Americans in Florida. Do these characteristics compound the rural/urban data you researched?
BC: Our findings suggest that there is a continuing need for further study and investigation of rural/urban differences and dynamics.
AT: Aside from research, Bethune Cookman College created a demonstration project with 51 participants from three counties in Florida. How were these groups set up and what were the formats for the meetings?
BC: The groups consisted of between seven to twelve members. The groups met for two hours for six weeks. A rehabilitation facilitator convened the meetings, and coordinated meeting times and places. However, the group members were responsible for the group meeting its goals.
AT: What were the participants’ reactions to the support group? Did this help them achieve employment?
BC: The group participants were very enthusiastic about the group activities and the project in general.
AT: In your findings a large percentage of individuals expressed desire for additional schooling that could help with employment. Are individuals finding it difficult to access community education programs?
BC: There are some difficulties because of funding for education, transportation concerns and attempting to balance family and other responsibilities.
AT: At the follow-up meeting with the participants, after seven months of social support, how were the individuals doing? Employment and other quality of life factors?
BC: The participants were pleased with the project. Many participants acknowledged the value of the project and wished it could be extended. We learned that there were other impediments to employment for the participants including lack of education (need for GED), transportation, health issues, and limited employment opportunities in the rural setting.
AT: Was there a common obstacle that participants had in gaining employment?
BC: In addition to impediments already cited, participants felt that the business sector was in some cases not sensitive enough or receptive enough to the population of persons with disabilities.
AT: If someone would like a full copy of the research report or if they would like you to discuss your findings further how can they contact you?
BC: Contact Information:
Principal Investigators:
Dr. John Ukawuilulu (386) 481-2453
e-mail: ukawuilj@cookman.edu
Dr. Russell Mootry, Jr.(386) 481-2454
e-mail: mootryr@cookma.edu
Dr. A. Smart Uhakheme(386) 481-2449
e-mail: uhahems@cookman.edu
AT: Thank you for all the wonderful work you have done to make a better environment for African Americans with disabilities to find employment. We at The Able Trust appreciate your outstanding job in completing this project.
