Research Database: Article Details
| Citation: | Targett, P., Wehman, P., Young, C. (2004). Return to work for persons with spinal cord injury: Designing work supports. NeuroRehabilitation, 19 (2), 131-139. |
| Title: | Return to work for persons with spinal cord injury: Designing work supports |
| Authors: | Targett, P., Wehman, P., Young, C. |
| Year: | 2004 |
| Journal/Publication: | NeuroRehabilitation |
| Publisher: | IOS Press |
| Full text: | https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/m/pubmed/15201472/ |
| Peer-reviewed? | Yes |
| NIDILRR-funded? | Yes |
| Research design: | Mixed methods |
Structured abstract:
| Background: | Individuals with spinal cord injury are living longer lives thanks to advances in medical care. This makes returning to work (RTW) critical to overall life satisfaction and financial well-being. Use of supported employment as a vocational rehabilitation model is a viable way to return many of these individuals to work. Supported employment focuses on existing abilities and provides support and advocacy to the employee. |
| Purpose: | The purpose of this paper is to identify barriers that might exist for individuals with SCI and present guidance on how employment specialists can alleviate those issues. |
| Findings: | Individuals with SCI may need assistance in getting ready for work in the mornings. Job seekers and job coaches need to work together with potential employers on an appropriate time to arrive in the morning. Employment specialists may need to work with employers on developing a plan to address toilet needs and assistance needed to eat. Transportation, accessibility, and obtaining assistive devices are among the other issues that can come up. A case study is discussed where Roberto is able to return to work through supported employment and his overall attitude about life has improved dramatically. |
| Disabilities served: |
Spinal cord injury (SCI) |
| Interventions: |
Supported employment |