| Citation: |
Murphy, K.P., Molnar, G.E., Lankasky, B.A. (2000). Employment and social issues in adults with cerebral palsy.
Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, 81
(6),
807-811.
|
| Title: |
Employment and social issues in adults with cerebral palsy |
| Authors: |
Murphy, K.P., Molnar, G.E., Lankasky, B.A. |
| Year: |
2000 |
|
Journal/Publication:
|
Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation |
| Publisher: |
Elsevier |
| DOI: |
https://doi.org/10.1016/S0003-9993(00)90115-1
|
| Full text: |
http://proxy.library.vcu.edu/login?url=http://ac.els-cdn.com/S00039...
|
| Peer-reviewed? |
Yes
|
| NIDILRR-funded? |
No
|
|
Research design:
|
Survey research
|
| Background: |
Past research into employment and social outcomes of adults with cerebral palsy (CP) generally indicates rampant unemployment and dependence for this group. Competitive employment rates range from as low as 10% to as high as 26% in various studies of population groups with CP. One study by Klapper and Birch reported that over 60% of individuals with CP in the study sample were completely dependent on their families for financial support. Employment and independent living are indicators of successful rehabilitation and these numbers leave much room for improvement. |
|
Purpose:
|
The purpose of this study was to assess the social and employment status of adults with CP. |
|
Setting:
|
Interviews were conducted at an outpatient clinic near Oakland, California. |
|
Study sample: |
The study sample consisted of 101 adults with CP ranging in age from 19-74. The majority of the sample that was evenly split between males and females lived independently with or without help. |
|
Data collection and analysis:
|
Disability related information and medical history was collected first. A questionnaire with demographic related information included employment status was given to all participants. Subjects also offered advice on child rearing, education, and health care. |
|
Findings:
|
Fifty three percent of the sample was competitively employed but among that number 22% made enough that advancement would cause loss of disability benefits. Speech deficits compromised verbal communication in 50% of the sample. The majority of the sample (67%) lived independently. |
|
Conclusions:
|
These results show more individuals with CP obtaining competitive employment and living independently than previous research. Future studies should focus on longitudinal designs. |
