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Scandinavian Journal of Occupational... Oct 2023Critical perspectives which focus on socio-political influences on occupation have gained increased attention within the occupational therapy profession. Critical...
BACKGROUND
Critical perspectives which focus on socio-political influences on occupation have gained increased attention within the occupational therapy profession. Critical disability studies (CDS) question prevailing assumptions about disability and how disabling ideologies and practices are perpetuated in society. Universal Design (UD) is a design approach that aims to operationalise issues of inclusion and justice.
AIM
To identify and discuss how the tenets of CDS and UD can contribute to occupational therapy practice and research.
METHODS AND RESULTS
Drawing on the writings of leading scholars within CDS, UD and occupational therapy, we demonstrate the intertwined barriers faced by disabled children, youth, and adults who have participated in our studies and provide ideas on how practice can be guided by the tenets of CDS and UD to promote social equity.
CONCLUSIONS
Incorporating CDS and UD perspectives in occupational therapy practice and research requires a change in mindset and ways of working. Occupational therapy knowledge needs to be expanded to scrutinise disabling hindrances hidden within social and structural spaces, and implemented in services. We recommend working with disability communities to raise awareness and combat disabling barriers at various level of society, as mandated by policy.
Topics: Adult; Child; Humans; Adolescent; Occupational Therapy; Universal Design; Disabled Persons; Social Justice; Occupations; Disabled Children
PubMed: 37347800
DOI: 10.1080/11038128.2023.2225755 -
Journal of Rehabilitation Medicine Feb 2021Many patients have disabilities; it is therefore essential that medical education includes comprehensive teaching on disability and rehabilitation. In 2006 Hannover...
BACKGROUND
Many patients have disabilities; it is therefore essential that medical education includes comprehensive teaching on disability and rehabilitation. In 2006 Hannover Medical School implemented an introductory course in the curriculum for medical students, on how to communicate with persons with disability and the need for rehabilitation. The course, entitled "Introduction to medicine", has the main goals of teaching the strategy and systematic approach of medicine to solving patients' problems.
METHODS
This paper describes the content, methods and outcomes of 1 of the 4 main themes of the "Introduction to medicine" course; the theme "Pain and disability", which is covered in the second week of the course.
RESULTS
Evaluation of the "Pain and disability" module found that students' ratings for the category "patient involvement" were very high (93%), whereas their ratings for the category "examination of student knowledge" were low. The overall rating of the module was "good" (10.8 out of 15 points), but not "very good".
CONCLUSION
The concept of the "Pain and disability" module is feasible and successful, even though it is scheduled early in the first year of the curriculum and approximately 350 students participate. Factors related to this success are: a mixture of teaching knowledge, supporting students' understanding, and applying communication and physical examination skills.
Topics: Curriculum; Disabled Persons; Humans; Students, Medical
PubMed: 33594446
DOI: 10.2340/16501977-2797 -
Journal of Occupational Rehabilitation Dec 2017Purpose From an array of disciplinary perspectives, the articles in this special section examine opportunities and challenges in the economic, social, and civic...
Purpose From an array of disciplinary perspectives, the articles in this special section examine opportunities and challenges in the economic, social, and civic participation of individuals across the spectrum of disabilities. Methods At multiple levels of analysis, the contributors consider employment law and policy frameworks, occupational and vocational rehabilitation strategies, and corporate practices in support of the full and equal inclusion of people with disabilities in society. Results and Conclusions The implications for policymakers, public and private sector stakeholders, and occupational rehabilitation professional are presented to help inform future policies, practices, and strategies to improve employment outcomes for people with disabilities.
Topics: Disabled Persons; Employment; Forecasting; Humans; Occupational Therapy
PubMed: 29127545
DOI: 10.1007/s10926-017-9741-y -
Journal of Occupational Rehabilitation Mar 2016This purpose of this article is to review of the trends of research that examined positive psychology constructs in the context of adapting to chronic illness and... (Review)
Review
PURPOSE
This purpose of this article is to review of the trends of research that examined positive psychology constructs in the context of adapting to chronic illness and disability (CID). This article examines the empirical findings on the relationships between six selected positive psychology-associated constructs (optimism, hope, resilience, benefit-finding, meaning-making, and post-traumatic growth) and adaptation to disability.
METHODS
Six positive psychology constructs were selected to represent the trends found in recent literature published on CID. The process of choosing these six variables included reviewing chapters on positive psychology and CID, reviewing the top rehabilitation journals that typically publish articles on psychosocial adaptation to CID, using search engines to find relevant journal articles published since the year 2000, and selecting the most important constructs based on the authors’ professional judgment.
CONCLUSION
The available evidence supports the unique benefits of these six positive psychology constructs in predicting successful adaptation to a range of disabling conditions. Based on the available findings, the authors offer four suggestions for occupational rehabilitation researchers.
Topics: Adaptation, Psychological; Chronic Disease; Disabled Persons; Humans; Psychological Techniques; Rehabilitation Research; Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 26283187
DOI: 10.1007/s10926-015-9598-x -
Disability and Rehabilitation 2015There is a strong connection between disability and decreased participation rates in the Australian labour market. Australian government policy recognises vocational...
PURPOSE
There is a strong connection between disability and decreased participation rates in the Australian labour market. Australian government policy recognises vocational rehabilitation as a key strategy to increase employment rates of people with disabilities.
METHODS
This paper examines current Australian disability employment policies and practices. It also reviews vocational rehabilitation competency research to identify knowledge and skill domains central to quality service provision, and explores the delivery of tertiary level vocational rehabilitation education.
RESULTS
Policy changes in Australia over the last decade have been aimed at addressing the unsustainable increase in disability benefits. In this context vocational rehabilitation services continue to be viewed as crucial in assisting people with disabilities to maintain employment and reduce disengagement. Competencies research has consistently identified vocational counselling, personal counselling, professional practice and case management as central to quality vocational rehabilitation service provision. Two competencies identified in recent research, workplace disability case management and workplace interventions and program management, reflect the centrality of vocational rehabilitation to disability management.
CONCLUSIONS
Changes in the policy environment to reduce the number of disability pension recipients will inevitably lead to an increased demand for trained vocational rehabilitation personnel. Given the development of strong accreditation standards for vocational rehabilitation education and practice that underpin the provision of tertiary level rehabilitation counselling training programs, professionally qualified rehabilitation counsellors are ideally placed to address the complex employment needs of people with a disability.
IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATION
It is important to understand changes that may occur in policy environments in terms of their impact on vocational rehabilitation service delivery for people with disabilities. Variable levels of training in the vocational rehabilitation sector result in people with complex needs not consistently receiving the services they need to access and maintain employment. Practitioners need to focus increasingly on individualized service delivery where the client has significant control over decisions about their rehabilitation program.
Topics: Australia; Counseling; Disabled Persons; Employment, Supported; Health Services Needs and Demand; Humans; Professional Practice; Rehabilitation, Vocational; Vocational Education; Vocational Guidance; Workplace
PubMed: 25039621
DOI: 10.3109/09638288.2014.942001 -
Disability and Rehabilitation Nov 2018An estimated 1 billion people worldwide live with some form of disability. With the adoption of the Sustainable Development Goals and the "Leave no one behind" agenda,... (Review)
Review
PURPOSE
An estimated 1 billion people worldwide live with some form of disability. With the adoption of the Sustainable Development Goals and the "Leave no one behind" agenda, there is a global momentum to ensure that disadvantaged groups, not least people with disabilities, are included and accounted for, in mainstream development efforts. However, in many low-income settings little is known about disability and the policies and programs in place to improve the lives of those affected.
METHOD
This literature review describes the extent and quality of published and unpublished literature on education and social inclusion of people with disabilities in five West African countries: Cameroon, Liberia, Mali, Sierra Leone and Senegal.
RESULTS
Fifty-four unique documents met inclusion criteria of the review and described related policy and legislation; national and international stakeholders; intervention programs and primary research related to disability and inclusion. The majority of documents were from Sierra Leone (19); and four described more than one country. Primary research included mainly qualitative studies and cross-sectional surveys; 33 sources were critically appraised with the majority being attributed unclear risk of bias (20).
CONCLUSIONS
The findings call for (i) standardized tools for monitoring the implementation of programs and policies at national level; (ii) improved stakeholder coordination mechanisms; (iii) development and adoption of coordinated approaches to measuring disability and social exclusion; (iv) rigorous evaluations of the effectiveness of disability programs and (v) disaggregation of routine data by disability. Implication for Rehabilitation There is a need for standardized tools for monitoring the implementation of programs and policies at national level. Countries that have not yet ratified the UNCRPD or the protocol should be supported to do so. Stakeholder coordination mechanisms need to be improved. Improved coordination between stakeholders involved in disability at the country level could help improve the quality of services delivered. Development and adoption of coordinated approaches is key to measuring disability and social exclusion. There are few, if any, rigorous evaluation of the effectiveness of disability-specific evaluations in the five countries. There is a need for disaggregation of routine data from development programs by disability to inform implementation.
Topics: Africa, Western; Attitude; Community Participation; Disabled Persons; Education, Special; Health Policy; Humans; Social Participation; Social Stigma; Social Support
PubMed: 28705016
DOI: 10.1080/09638288.2017.1353649 -
Disability and Rehabilitation Apr 2022The purpose of the study was to understand the experiences of families in accessing government support (i.e., disability allowances and rehabilitation services) for...
PURPOSE
The purpose of the study was to understand the experiences of families in accessing government support (i.e., disability allowances and rehabilitation services) for their children with disabilities (CWDs) in Bangladesh.
METHOD
We employed a qualitative descriptive method of study and interviewed 27 family members of CWDs. A thematic analysis was applied to analyze data using the following access dimensions to organize themes: availability, accommodation, accessibility, affordability, acceptability, and awareness.
RESULTS
Participants shared both positive and negative experiences across the access dimensions in accessing government support. Participants appreciated the government's effort in providing support to CWDs. In particular, disability allowances and coordinated rehabilitation services at one-stop were important for families. Further, positive attitudes, such as respect and support from providers, were reported by many families. However, a majority of participants reported a long wait time to get the disability allowance for CWDs. Participants also reported that a shortage of rehabilitation professionals in the public sector was a major concern. Finally, inaccessible infrastructure (e.g., facilities and transportation) and stigma were barriers for many participants of the study.
CONCLUSION
The results suggest that the government's commitment "on paper" is yet to meet the needs of its intended beneficiaries "in practice". There is a need for policy intervention to address barriers faced by families within the context of current access pathways.Implications for rehabilitationShortage of rehabilitation services and limited availability of disability allowances [negatively] affect family member's access to government-led support for their CWDs in Bangladesh.The government has increased services for people with disability significantly but there is a need for it to ensure the availability of all forms of rehabilitation and increase the quota for disability allowances to meet the needs of families.It is imperative to improve mechanisms of monitoring the commitment of enacting tangible results from policies in order to ensure equitable distribution of disability allowance and rehabilitation services.
Topics: Bangladesh; Child; Disabled Children; Disabled Persons; Government; Health Services Accessibility; Humans; Social Stigma
PubMed: 32809849
DOI: 10.1080/09638288.2020.1804000 -
Annals of Agricultural and... Dec 2023The number of disabled persons is most often only estimated. The disabled require multidirectional, effective support in almost every field of functioning. There is no...
INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE
The number of disabled persons is most often only estimated. The disabled require multidirectional, effective support in almost every field of functioning. There is no arbitrarily accepted definition of disability, and those currently available outline the ranges of support for which rehabilitation measures are necessary.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of the review is to present the problem areas that contribute to the definition of disability and their interdependence and effectiveness in relation to rehabilitation interventions, as well as identification of the most frequent medical and social problems interdependent on the quality and feasibility of rehabilitation interventions.
REVIEW METHODS
Scientific literature in Polish and English for 1993-2023 and legal acts concerning the definition of disability, definition of rehabilitation and the problem of employment were reviewed. The following key words were used to search the NIZP-PZH, MZ, JAHEE and ISAP databases: disabled persons, definitions of disability, rehabilitation as a process, synchronization of thematic groups of disability definitions with the rehabilitation process.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE STATE OF KNOWLEDGE
Disability is a public health problem. The actual determination of the extent, medical and social needs of people with disabilities involves methods and measures for classifying people as disabled. The effects of treatment and rehabilitation are assessed by the level of functioning of the disabled in society.
SUMMARY
The multiplicity of characteristics included in the definitions of disability account for all problems in health and social terms. In view of the social, environmental and cultural changes, the scope of needs of people with disabilities is also changing, which can be seen in newly-developed definitions, including rehabilitation.
Topics: Humans; Disabled Persons; Employment; Poland; Public Health
PubMed: 38153059
DOI: 10.26444/aaem/177341 -
Psychiatria Danubina Dec 2023Intellectual Abilities, as defined in the twelfth edition of the classification manual of the American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, are a...
Intellectual Abilities, as defined in the twelfth edition of the classification manual of the American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, are a fundamental part of the rehabilitation process, also understood as functional rehabilitation or the rehabilitation of specific more or less complex functions, in a paradoxical game of mirrors even in the rehabilitation of intellectual functions themselves. Intellectual Disability changes the rules of the game, all the more radically the more severe it is, exacerbating the importance of multidimensional assessment of residual abilities and impaired functions on the basis of which to define realistic goals and choose the tools of rehabilitation and the ways of implementing therapeutic programs in a team effort that consists of the professionals, family and care givers, as well as the disabled person to the extent that he or she is able to actively participate in conducting his or her own rehabilitation.
Topics: Humans; Male; Female; Disabled Persons; Intellectual Disability; Cognition; Medicine
PubMed: 37994074
DOI: No ID Found -
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation... Aug 2019Approximately 1 in 4 adults in the United States have a disability that affects major life activities. This article provides a brief historical perspective of disability...
Approximately 1 in 4 adults in the United States have a disability that affects major life activities. This article provides a brief historical perspective of disability determination, and revisits the conceptual foundation for understanding the current models of disablement and their general application to the major US disability systems and nuances thereof. The expectations placed on the physician-expert examiner and why the physiatrist is ideally equipped to function in this role are discussed. The article is intended to provide a heightened awareness of the medicolegal framework, potential pitfalls, and other ramifications of such undertakings.
Topics: Disability Evaluation; Disabled Persons; Health Personnel; Humans; Insurance, Disability; Models, Psychological; Terminology as Topic
PubMed: 31227127
DOI: 10.1016/j.pmr.2019.04.001