Hasil untuk "Vocational rehabilitation. Employment of people with disabilities"

Galia Taller Azulay, Tali Heiman, Dorit Olenik Shemesh

The current study examined the attitudes of elementary and middle school principals and school counselors toward including students with special needs in regular classrooms. 243 participants completed questionnaires on their self-efficacy, job satisfaction, stress, and attitudes toward inclusion. Additionally, 22 semi-structured interviews were conducted to gain a deeper understanding of how principals and counselors deal with the inclusion of students with special needs in their school. The study’s findings reveal a difference between middle school counselors and principals and those in elementary schools in terms of the desire for inclusion. It was also found that the less the counselors believe in themselves, the less they are in favor of inclusion, while the more satisfied they are with their work, the more they support inclusion. Qualitative analysis brought up various difficulties in the inclusion process.

Haniyeh Jafarzadeh, Fatemeh Haresabadi, Zahra Ghayoumi-Anaraki et al.

Objectives: Phonological deficits are expected in people with hearing impairment because the auditory system is the basis for language acquisition. This study aims to compare phonological measurement indices in children with cochlear implants (CI), hearing aids, and normal hearing.  Methods: This cross-sectional study included 100 Persian-speaking children aged 3-6 years, including 25 children with severe hearing loss with bilateral hearing aids, 25 with unilateral CI, and 50 with normal hearing. Children with hearing aids and children with CI were selected by convenience sampling from the Naghma and Parvaneha Rehabilitation Center for hearing-impaired children in Mashhad City, Iran. The phonological subtest of the Persian version of the diagnostic evaluation of articulation and phonology (DEAP), which includes the two tasks of picture naming and picture description was performed, and the phonological indices, including phonological mean length of utterance (PMLU), phonological whole- word proximity, proportion of whole-word correctness (PWC), percentage of consonants correct, and percentage of vowel correct (PVC), were calculated. The performances of participants in the three groups on each index were compared in picture naming and description tasks. Also, the performance of the participants in the two tasks was compared in each group. Results: A significant difference was observed in the mean scores of all phonological indices among the three groups (P<0.001), with children with normal hearing performing better than cochlear-implanted and hearing-impaired children, and cochlear-implanted children also had better performance than hearing children. Also, the difference in the mean of all phonological indices in the two tasks was only significant in the group with hearing aids (P<0.05). Discussion: Children with cochlear implants, despite having a new and more useful technology than hearing aids, still have problems with phonemic accuracy, especially in whole-word indices, compared to children with normal hearing. Also, the difference in indicators between the two tasks in the group with hearing aids confirms the influence of phonetic context, which should be considered when evaluating and treating phonological deficits in these children.

Kelly Ligon, Susan McKelvey

Background Employment rates of individuals with disabilities are consistently below those without. Keeping students with disabilities on track to earn a regular diploma, and gain career preparation and paid work experiences can improve their outcomes. Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU), awarded a grant from the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR), established a Rehabilitation and Research Training Center (RRTC) focused on employment for transition-age youth with disabilities. One study examined the benefits of the Start on Success paid internship model for at-risk students with disabilities. Objective To investigate whether the SOS internship model, comprising a career and technical education course followed by a paid internship, improves postschool outcomes for students with disabilities who earned a regular diploma. Methods This quantitative, quasi-experimental design study compared the postschool outcomes of students with disabilities who participated in the SOS program with those who received standard transition services. Seniors took a CTE course in the fall and a paid internship in the spring. Both groups took the Transition Assessment Goal Generator (TAGG) at the start and end of their senior year, and Indicator #14 data were analyzed for both groups. Results The results revealed that students in the SOS model showed significant improvements in self-determination and were more likely to pursue postsecondary education, training, or employment compared to their peers who did not participate. Conclusion The study underscores the benefits of combining structured career and technical education with real-world experience to enhance postschool outcomes for students with disabilities. The authors recommend further research involving families and community partners in transition planning to prepare these students for their future goals better.

Malachy Bishop, Emily A. Brinck, Timothy N. Tansey et al.

Background The Vocational Rehabilitation Technical Assistance Center for Quality Employment (VRTAC-QE; H264K200003) is a national technical assistance center funded, beginning in 2020, by the Rehabilitation Services Administration and intended to provide a sustainable national platform for state vocational rehabilitation agencies (SVRAs), their affiliates, persons with disabilities, employers, and policy groups to increase capacity in their ability to improve the quality and impact of vocational rehabilitation (VR) services leading to high quality competitive integrated employment (CIE). Objective This program description is designed to provide an overview of the VRTAC-QE and report activities and progress toward its goals and objectives. Methods At the conclusion of the fourth year of this five-year project, our purpose in this article is to describe the VRTAC-QE, to update the readership on our progress to-date in meeting our goals and objectives, and to share considerations for the final year of this national technical assistance center. Results In this article we describe the structure of the Center, the process of identifying and delivering training and technical assistance (TTA), and summarize the delivery of TTA to date, in terms of the project's scope and in the context of program evaluation metrics. Conclusion We conclude the article with a review of lessons learned and next steps as we enter the final year of this project.

Alexandra Devine, Kristy De Rose, Paul Jacobs et al.

Sharing disability-related information with an employer to gain workplace adjustments is a complex process for young people with intellectual and/or psychosocial disabilities. We examined the disclosure experiences of young Australians with intellectual and psychosocial disabilities, their subsequent access to workplace adjustments, and their employment outcomes. Using narrative inquiry, we analysed qualitative data collected from 24 interviews with participants with an intellectual (<i>n</i> = 10) and psychosocial disability (<i>n</i> = 14) between 18 and 25 years old recruited as part of an Australian Government-funded Youth Employment Study. Four main narratives emerged among the participants responses. Positions ranged from their having no control over disclosure experiences to a high level of control resulting in access to workplace adjustments. These positions were impingent on their knowledge of rights and adjustments, previous experiences, workplace context, and self-advocacy capacity. Our study provides unique insights into the employment experiences of young people with intellectual and psychosocial disabilities. The findings may inform initiatives aimed at building their capabilities for disclosure to gain workplace adjustments that can improve their employment outcomes in turn.

Mette Toft Lindholm, Charlotte Gjørup Pedersen, Pernille Pedersen

Background: Limited understanding exists regarding effective return-to-work strategies for persons participating in cardiac rehabilitation (CR). Objective: The aim of this study was to explore the association between CR completion and employment status at 6- and 18-months post-inclusion in CR within primary healthcare settings in the Central Denmark Region. Methods: A cohort study was conducted using data from a non-randomized clinical controlled trial involving persons with ischemic heart disease attending CR between August 1, 2018, and July 31, 2019, within the working age (18–65 years). Successful CR completion was defined as attending ≥75% of the program. Employment status was assessed at 6- and 18-months post-CR inclusion. Logistic and linear regression models, adjusted for potential confounders, were used for association analysis. Results: The study encompassed 244 participants, of whom 109 completed CR and 135 not. At 6 months’ follow-up, 65.9% of the study population were working, with 47.8% being CR completers and 52,2% non-completers. At 18 months’ follow-up, 69.3% of the participants were working, including 45.0% completers and 55.0% non-completers. Conclusion: The study found no statistically significant differences in employment status between persons who completed CR and those who did not, suggesting limited influence of CR attendance on subsequent employment outcomes.

Peter Paul

Inclusion of individuals with disabilities continues to be a controversial construct with mixed research findings on its effectiveness. Progress in inclusion is dependent, in part, on understanding two major themes: the acquisition of content knowledge and variety in the means of delivering and evaluating such knowledge. To address these themes, this article provides the synthesis of selected empirical and research integrative works on two constructs: the qualitative similarity hypothesis and literate thought. Although most of the cited research on these constructs has been conducted on d/Deaf and hard of hearing individuals, the principles and findings can be applied to other individuals with disabilities. In essence, it is argued that these two constructs can and do facilitate the inclusion of individuals in educational settings.

Qurat ul Ain Malik, Mumtaz Chaudhry, Adila Anwar et al.

Background: Vision impairment is a public health problem and every patient with visual impairment doesn’t accept low vision aids (LVA’s). Objective: To explore the non-acceptability rate of low vision aids with the reasons for not opting for them. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at the Department of Ophthalmology in the Polyclinic Hospital, Islamabad. A sample of n=100 Patients in the selected age groups 20 to 80 years diagnosed with age-related macular degeneration, retinitis pigmentosa, diabetic retinopathy, high myopia/hypermetropia, optic atrophy/neuropathies, and glaucoma were recruited using non- probability purposive sampling technique. Data was collected using a predefined form to determine the willingness of low-vision patients to adopt LVAs. The non-acceptance rate was calculated as the percentage of participants declining LVA services, assessed through their responses on the form. Results: The mean age of the participants was 43.48±14 with a range from 20 to 80 years. A total of n=100 patients out of which n=58 were males and n=42 were females. Among these n=100 patients, n=91 patients show non-acceptance with a gender distribution of n=53 male and n=38 female patients. The major reason for non- acceptance was unaffordability for LVA among males (n=19) and n=06), followed by usage difficulty, transportation, fear of losing jobs, social stigma, low necessity, and lack of awareness. Conclusion: Non-acceptance of low vision aids among the study population due to unaffordability, compounded by social stigma, financial constraints, and limited awareness, underscores the need to address these barriers for better device utilization and enhanced quality of life for visually impaired individuals. Keywords: blindness; vision aids; visual impairment

Muhammad Salman, Muhammad Umar, Mazhar Badshah et al.

Background: Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) is a condition related to vestibular system accompanied by dizziness, tinnitus and balance problems leading to increased fall risk and potential disability. Various treatment options are available including pharmacotherapy and vestibular rehabilitation with varied results. Objective: To compare the efficacy of Modified Epley and Semont’s manoeuvre with and without Beta-histine for BPPV. Methodology: A single blinded Randomized control trail, registered at clinicaltrial.gov under clinical trial registry NCT05309538, was conducted on n=90 patient having Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo; at the Neurocouncil Hospital & the physiotherapy clinic. from June 2021- August 2021. The participants between 18 to 60 years with positive modified Dix Hil pike test were included in the study. The n=90 participants were equally divided via lottery method into Group A and B, Both group received mEpley’s and Semont’s Manoeuvres, Group B additionally received beta-histine. The dizziness handicapped inventory and EQ-5D-5L questionnaire were used for dizziness and quality of life respectively. The data were collected at the baseline and at the end of 4th week. The data was analyzed with SPSS version 21. Results: The wilcoxon rank test showed that there was significant improvement (p<0.001) in dizziness handicapped inventory, all domains and the total score of EQ-5D quality of life questionnaire. While comparing both groups no significant (p≥0.05) additional effects of Betahistine with modified Epley’s and Semont’s manoeuvres on dizziness handicapped inventory and quality of life. Conclusion: The study concluded that the Betahistine has no additional effects in the management dizziness of BPPV Keywords: Disability, psychological Adjustment, Stress BPPV, Modified Epley’s manoeuvre, Semont’s manoeuvre, vertigo, dizziness, quality of life.

Elena Marulanda Páez, Carolina Basto Medina, María Isabel Hernández Lozano

Este trabajo abordó las creencias de un grupo de maestros colombianos, en torno a cinco factores relacionados con la discapacidad, a saber: (1) las percepciones sobre el estudiante con discapacidad (EcD); (2) la labor del maestro en los procesos de aprendizaje de los EcD; (3) las adaptaciones pedagógicas y el trabajo en el aula con EcD; (4) la instalación de valores inclusivos en la escuela gracias, entre otros, a la participación de alumnado con discapacidad; y (5) las condiciones y requisitos que deben darse en las escuelas para la formación de EcD. Para ello, se diseñó un cuestionario on-line que constaba de 47 preguntas, el cual fue diligenciado por 61 docentes pertenecientes a diversos niveles del sistema educativo colombiano. Los resultados indican que poseer formación en educación inclusiva y discapacidad, así como tener un posgrado en educación y trabajar en entornos educativos que fomenten acciones tendientes al reconocimiento de la diversidad, son tres variables cruciales que arrojan diferencias significativas en las creencias de los profesores encuestados. Todo lo anterior se discute en función de los retos que enfrenta la educación colombiana en el camino de alcanzar una educación inclusiva que acoja plenamente a los EcD.

S. Chaturvedi

Seyed Abolfazl Zakerian, Maral Saadat, Saeed Ghaneh-Ezabadi et al.

Objective: Disabled people experience worse situation in respect of the stress, health, and socio-demographic indicators than healthy people. Little knowledge is available about the way in which this disadvantage is patterned by employment status and occupation type, especially in employees with physical disabilities. Few studies have investigated the potential effect of employment status and occupation type on general health and occupational stress in physically disabled employees. This study investigated the role of employment status and occupation type and demographic factors in predicting general health and also, examined the relations between occupational stress and general health while adjusting for demographic factors among employees with physical disabilities in vocational centers of the State Welfare Organization in Tehran City, Iran. Materials & Methods: This was a descriptive-analytical study with a cross-sectional design. The study was performed among 273 people with physical disabilities employed in the productive workrooms of vocational rehabilitation centers of Tehran, which were selected via convenience sampling. Data collection tools were Occupational Stress Index (OSI) developed by Belkic (1991) based upon cognitive ergonomics concept to measure the five key potential work-related stressors, Goldberg’s 28-item General Health Questionnaires (GHQ-28) (1979) to detect psychiatric illness as well as current psychological state in the past month and self-administered demographic form. Data analysis was conducted in SPSS software, using the independent t-test, one-way ANOVA and multiple linear regression. Results: The Mean±SD age of the physically disabled employees was 33.65 (3.76) years. Most of them were aged 30 to 39 years. (55.2%), men (60.4%), married (60.4%), with part-time employment (67%) and engaged in productive affairs (30%). The relationship between general health and occupational stress with gender and marital status was found to be significant (P<0.05). Women and married subjects had more occupational stress. Moreover, there were significant differences in general health and occupational stress subscales regarding employment status (P<0.05). Part-time employees were exposed to more stressful physical conditions and accidents at work than others, causing a higher level of occupational stress. In addition, employees who were engaged in art-related jobs had higher rate of time pressure, problems and decision-making situations in their workplace, hence, overall more occupational stress. Multiple linear regression analyses were then performed on data to identify general health predictors while adjusting for demographic variables. Age had a significant independent direct effect on enhanced somatic symptoms (β=0.16). Disabled women had a higher score of somatic symptoms than men (β=1.97). Furthermore, part-time employment was directly related to somatic and depression symptoms (β=1.26 and 1.51). Productive works were significantly associated with a higher level of somatic symptoms, anxiety, insomnia and depression symptoms (β=1.28, 1.53 and 1.95, respectively). Therefore, being female, employing as a part-time worker and working in productive affairs were significant predictors of somatic and depressive symptoms in physically disabled employees. Moreover, the physical condition of the workplace, workplace problems and decision-making situations were positively related to somatic symptoms (β=0.7, 0.13 and 0.14, respectively). In overall, 49% of the variance in somatic symptoms (the best model fit) could be explained by independent variables. Conclusion: Employment status and occupation type are significantly related to occupational stress, which in turn, causes general health disparities among people with physical disabilities. With respect to the higher level of somatic symptoms and depression in part-time employees, it seems that changing their employment status to full-time, can reduce their stress load and improve their health. In addition, women and married subjects experience more occupational stress and have more somatic symptoms.

Ahmet Ünsür

A significant portion of the world’s population consists of disabled people. It is seen that the factors that cause disability increase and become widespread day by day, and this situation makes the current picture even more negative. It is a known fact that preventive and corrective measures for disability have not yet reached the desired level. Lack of information, data / measurement is one of the most important problems. It is directly related to the retention of people with disabilities and their success and empowerment. Therefore, personal and vocational trainings, which are one of the most important strengthening tools, are very important. Rehabilitation services are also an important part of this process. It is seen that individuals with disabilities are no different from each other in terms of productivity if they are provided with material and moral (psycho-social) support and are employed in jobs and environments appropriate to their competence and disability. In recent years, it has been seen that local governments have played important roles in empowerment, rehabilitation and recruitment of people with disabilities. In this study, the vocational education and employment activities carried out by the related institutions / organizations within the scope of the regulations aimed at bringing disabled people into working life in our country were examined and the activities of IMM, the largest local government unit, in this field were evaluated. As a result of study; it was determined that local administrations, especially metropolitan municipalities, could provide effective and efficient services for the holding and employment of people with disabilities, and the central government should support local governments in this regard.

Maryam Farzad, Mokhtar Arazpour, Erfan Shafiee et al.

Objectives: Flexion contractures of the Proximal Interphalangeal joint are the most frequent complications resulting from surgical procedures and traumatic events. Orthotic interventions for the treatment of contractures may include serial splinting, serial casting, dynamic or static progressive orthoses, or a combination of these orthoses. This study aimed to determine the effects of serial casting methods using thermoplastic tape in the Proximal Interphalangeal (PIP) joint flexion contracture treatment. Methods: Thirty-one patients with flexion contracture of the PIP joint (mean: 32.5°, range: 10-65°) were treated by serial casting method using thermoplastic tape. Flexion contracture, total active motion, extension lag and flexion gap were evaluated in the first session. The affected joint was casted after hand therapy interventions. Patients were requested to visit the clinic every other day for recasting and receiving exercises. Results: After one month, the mean range of flexion contracture decreased from 32.5° to 10.7°. The mean range of flexion gap decreased from 3.2 cm to 1.8 cm. The mean range of extension lag decreased from 2.04 cm to 0.86 cm, and the mean range of total active motion increased from 81.67° to 128.81°. All of the aforementioned changes were statically significant (P<0.05). Discussion: The use of thermoplastic tape for serial casting is an effective and reliable method for the treatment of PIP joint flexion contracture.

Elizabeth M. Petersen, Emily B. Wroe, Kondwani Nyangulu et al.

People living with disabilities (PLWDs) have poor access to health services compared to people without disabilities. As a result, PLWDs do not benefit from some of the services provided at health facilities; therefore, new methods need to be developed to deliver these services where PLWDs reside. This case study reports a household-based screening programme targeting PLWDs in a rural district in Malawi. Between March and November 2016, a household-based and integrated screening programme was conducted by community health workers, HIV testing counsellors and a clinic clerk. The programme provided integrated home-based screening for HIV, tuberculosis, hypertension and malnutrition for PLWDs. The programme was designed and implemented for a population of 37 000 people. A total of 449 PLWDs, with a median age of 26 years and about half of them women, were screened. Among the 404 PLWDs eligible for HIV testing, 399 (99%) agreed for HIV testing. Sixty-nine per cent of PLWDs tested for HIV had never previously been tested for HIV. Additionally, 14 patients self-reported to be HIV-positive and all but one were verified to be active in HIV care. A total of 192 of all eligible PLWDs above 18 years old were screened for hypertension, with 9% (n = 17) referred for further follow-up at the nearest facility. In addition, 274 and 371 PLWDs were screened for malnutrition and tuberculosis, respectively, with 6% (n = 18) of PLWDs referred for malnutrition, and 2% (n = 10) of PLWDs referred for tuberculosis testing. We successfully implemented an integrated home-based screening programme in rural Malawi.

Secretaría de Redacción de SIGLO CERO

Seyedeh Maryam Mousavi, Adis Kraskian Mujembari, Peyman Hassani Abharian et al.

Objectives: Most of the women around the globe experience low back pain which often has a psychological overlay. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) can enhance psychological condition and subsequently improve mental health. Thereby the quality of life of individuals with chronic low back pain gets improved. The study rationale aimed to assess the effectiveness of ACT on quality of life, severity and duration of pain in women with chronic low back pain. Methods: Twenty subjects (women aged between 23 to 34 years) with chronic low back pain from a rehabilitation clinic in Rasht city in the year 2016 were included in the study by convenience sampling method. They were then randomly divided into experimental and control groups (in each group, n=10). Data were collected by a three-part checklist containing demographic characters, World Health Organization Quality of Life questionnaire and McGill Pain Questionnaire. The rehabilitation interventions were based on ACT carried out for eight sessions of one hour each, twice a week. The collected data were analyzed by SPSS software via Paired t-test and independent t-test method. Results: There was a significant increase in all subscales of quality of life (P<0.001) except subscale of physical health (P<0.38) in experimental group. Independent t-test showed a significant decline in mean severity and duration of pain in the experimental group compared to control group. Discussion: The effects of ACT rehabilitation technique on women with chronic low back pain were impressive, which augmented the quality of life. Hence this method can be used as a rehabilitation tool for women with chronic low back pain.

Antonio L. MANZANERO, Rocío VALLET, Marina NIETO-MÁRQUEZ et al.

One of the main obstacles in the way of access to justice for the victims with intellectual disability comes from the stereotypes referred to their ability to produce a statement at police legal procedures, with the consequence that some consider their statements less reliable than the rest of the victims, and others considerate their statements more reliable given their inability to create complex lies. This article reviews three of the most recent studies done by the UCM group of Psychology of Testimony, with the objective of analyzing the role of experience and intuition in the evaluation of credibility in people with intellectual disability (ID), and also it aims to prove whether the credibility analysis procedures such as Reality Monitoring (RM) and Statement Validity Assessment (SVA) would be valid procedures to discriminate between real and false statements within these collectives. From the results of these studies, it can be deducted that experience may not seem to be enough in order to discriminate between real and simulated victims, but analyzing the characteristics of the statements as the only indicator doesn’t seem to be enough either. As an alternative, the general procedure HELPT is proposed for the evaluation of credibility of people with ID.

Wanhyung Lee, J. Yoon, J. Roh et al.

ObjectivesThis study aims to investigate associated factors including the physician and the employer of successful return to work (RTW) in occupationally injured workers.MethodsThis study is based on the first panel study of workers’ compensation insurance (PSWCI), published in June 2014. The PSWCI is a sample survey of occupationally injured workers who completed medical care in 2012 (89,921 people). A total of 2000 subjects were sampled based on sex, age, nine metropolitan-based regions, disability ratings, duration of rehabilitation, and whether vocational rehabilitation service was used. We divided the study population into two groups: return to work (RTW) group (job retention, reemployment, unpaid family worker, and self-employment), and non-RTW group (joblessness and economical inactivity). The odds ratios (ORs) and 95 % confidence intervals (CI) related to differences in basic characteristics, part of physician and employer-related factors between those who succeeded to RTW and those who did not were measured using multivariable logistic regression model.ResultsThe success of RTW is 70.6 % (n = 1412) among participants. The ORs (95 % CI) of the participants belonging to RTW who received periodic recovery assessment from the medical care institution and the physician are 1.51 (1.07–2.13). The ORs (95 % CI) are 1.68 (1.05–2.69) for the RTW group who received work ability assessment and referral for vocational return. When the employer maintains the relationship with the occupationally injured worker, the worker has 1.39 times higher odds (95 % CI: 1.41–2.26) of the RTW group compared to the non-RTW group.ConclusionsThe physician and the employer have a significant impact on the RTW.