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

Rehana Nayab, Mariyam Kifayat, Shehla Nasir et al.

Abstract: Background: Patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) is one of the most common reasons for the development of knee joint pain usually over the anterior aspect and causes deterioration of the cartilage in between the superiorly lying patella and underneath femur. PFPS contributes to approximately 15-45% of diagnosed cases of knee pain among US population. Objective: The objectives of this study were to evaluate immediate effects of taping on pain in patients with Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome and to determine the difference in responses according to gender, BMI, and the type of taping technique used. Methodology: A total of 32 participants were recruited in this pre-post-interventional study. The participants were asked to descend a stair of 8-inch height before and after the application of tape and were asked to rate their pain from 1 to 10 while differences were recorded and analyzed. Results: The results of the study indicated a statistically significant reduction in pain following the intervention, (p<0.05) with a post-intervention mean value of 3.5±1.7. There was no significant difference between based on the tapping technique. A significant difference between the BMI groups was observed, with individuals with normal BMI responding effectively towards treatment. There was no significant difference between the two gender groups, meaning that both genders respond equally towards treatment. Conclusion: The results of this study show that short-term taping can significantly reduce knee pain in PFPS via sensory input, with BMI influencing pain relief, while gender and taping technique show no significant impact. Keywords: Taping, Spider Taping, McConnell’s Taping, Tibial Internal Rotation Taping, Patella Femoral Pain Syndrome

Haifa Shabnan Badah Aldawsari, Nevien Mohamed Zahran

This study explores the relationships between maternal stress, social support, and the psychological challenges faced by women in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, who are raising children with Asperger’s disorder compared to those with neurotypical children. While previous research has mainly focused on the psychological effects of developmental disorders, there remains a significant gap in understanding the specific challenges faced by mothers of children with Asperger’s disorder, especially in Middle Eastern contexts. This study aims to fill this gap by examining the impact of socioeconomic and demographic factors, along with social support, on levels of maternal stress. The research highlights the importance of providing mothers with training programs and cognitive–behavioral therapy to help them manage stress and improve their quality of life. Additionally, it advocates for the creation of new support systems aimed at enhancing the well-being of women and their children, contributing significantly to both local and global academic discussions.

Abdullah S. Alanazi, Adel Saber Alanazi, Mohammed S. Alshuayl et al.

Digital health technologies are transforming healthcare service delivery, particularly for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDDs), yet research on digital health training (DHT) effectiveness in specialized settings remains limited. This cross-sectional study examined how DHT influences healthcare service effectiveness for individuals with IDDs in Saudi Arabia. Data were collected from 122 healthcare practitioners across three regions (Al-Jouf, Riyadh, Northern Border) and analyzed using partial least squares structural equation modeling. Results revealed that DHT significantly influenced technology adoption (β = 0.865, P < 0.01), with practitioner competency (PC) emerging as the strongest predictor (β = 0.729, P < 0.01). Technology adoption mediated the relationship between training and service effectiveness (β = 0.289, P < 0.01), while PC demonstrated both direct (β = 0.271, P < 0.05) and indirect effects on service effectiveness. Healthcare practitioner characteristics did not significantly moderate these relationships. These findings highlight the importance of developing PC and supporting technology adoption for effective digital health implementation in IDD care within Saudi Arabia’s healthcare context.

Mujeeb Ahmed Shaikh, Hazim Saleh Al-Rawashdeh, Hazim AlRawashdeh

Down syndrome (DS) is a genetic condition characterized by distinct facial features and developmental challenges, making early and accurate detection crucial for timely intervention and support. Traditional diagnostic methods often require specialized expertise, which can be resource intensive and inaccessible in many settings. In this study, we propose a novel artificial intelligence (AI)-driven approach to detecting DS using facial images, leveraging advancements in deep learning and machine learning for accurate and scalable diagnostics. A dataset of 168 facial images was curated from publicly accessible platforms, comprising 95 images of individuals without DS and 73 with the condition. The model was implemented using TensorFlow/PyTorch and employs RegNet X and Shifted Window Transformer (SWIN Transformer) for feature extraction, capturing both local and global facial features. To enhance feature representation, an attention-based fusion mechanism was applied, prioritizing the most discriminative patterns while filtering redundant information. For classification, an Extremely Randomized Tree (ExtraTrees) model was employed, known for its ability to efficiently handle high-dimensional data with strong generalization capabilities. The model was fine-tuned using Bayesian Optimization and Hyperband (BOHB), which optimized hyperparameters by balancing exploration and exploitation, thereby improving predictive performance. The final classification achieved a 99.2% accuracy with an area under the curve (AUC) of 1.00, demonstrating exceptional reliability in distinguishing DS from normal cases. By combining advanced feature extraction, fusion, and classification techniques, this study highlights the potential of AI to revolutionize DS diagnostics, offering a non-invasive, efficient, and scalable solution for early detection.

Ragmoun Wided, Alfalih Abdulaziz

This study attempts to design a new approach toward inclusive employment by addressing the aim of facilitating sustainable employment for people with physical disabilities. Adopting a mixed-method approach that combines a literature review with Interpretive Structural Modeling and Cross-Impact Matrix Multiplication Applied to Classification analysis, the research identifies key factors and corresponding relationships that influence the employment sustainability for individuals with physical disabilities. Through semi-directed interviews with experts, the study uncovers the multifaceted enablers affecting entry and retention in the workforce for physically disabled persons. The findings reveal a complex interplay of five main dimensions: personal factors, structural factors, organizational factors with three subdivisions (workplace accommodation, corporate culture, and integration barriers), social factors, and psychological factors that can be strategically managed to foster a more inclusive employment environment. Motivation, self-esteem, and social security seem to be the most critical. The original contribution of this work lies in its comprehensive framework that not only illuminates the systemic challenges faced by physically disabled job seekers but also proposes actionable pathways for stakeholders to enhance employment sustainability. By identifying a clear and empirically grounded pathway to inclusion, this paper provides valuable insights for policymakers, employers, and disability supporters, emphasizing the transformative potential of integrating physically disabled individuals into the workforce.

Maryam Rahim , Shahzana Khalid, Zainab Saad et al.

Background: Hamstring tightness can alter lumbar posture, impact pelvic alignment, and exacerbate low back pain. It's important to research whether hamstring stretches with a pressure biofeedback unit work for those with low back pain. Objectives: To determine the effects of hamstring stretching using a pressure biofeedback unit in patients with low back pain. Methodology: A total of n=38 Male and female subjects between the ages of 25-40 years, with >3 months history of low back pain having bilateral hamstring shortening less than 70O, and (ODI) score between 20% to 40% were enrolled in the study. The data was collected from Railway General Hospital and randomly assigned into 2 groups. Group A (n=18) received Active Hamstring stretch with a pressure biofeedback unit (PBU). Group B (n=19) received only Active Hamstring stretch without PBU Outcome measures such as pain, hamstring length, and ODI score were measured at baseline, after the second and fourth weeks. The data was entered and evaluated by using SPSS-25. Results: The results of this study showed no significant difference between group A and group B for ODI individual items as well as ODI overall score p≥0.05. Moreover, no significant difference in NPRS score p≥0.05. however, it showed a significant difference (p<0.05) in hamstring muscle length on both legs p<0.01. Conclusion: It is concluded that hamstring stretching using a PBU causes a greater improvement in the flexibility of hamstring muscles as compared to the flexibility of hamstrings when stretched without PBU. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT05059496

Elsa M. Orellano-Colon, Angelis Fernández-Torres, Nixmarie Figueroa-Alvira et al.

The use of assistive technology (AT) devices enhances older adults’ function in daily activities. However, the lack of awareness of AT among potential AT users has been identified as a major barrier to its adoption. This study aimed to assess the quality of the Mi Guía de Asistencia Tecnológica (MGAT) web app, which provides information on AT, from the perspective of older Latinos with physical disabilities, and to explore their experience using the MGAT. We employed a convergent parallel mixed-method design involving 12 older Latinos living in Puerto Rico. In Phase I, the researchers trained the participants in the use of the MGAT. In Phase II, participants were encouraged to use it for 30 days. In Phase III, the participants completed the User Mobile Application Rating Scale (uMARS) and individual interviews, analyzed with descriptive statistics and a directed thematic content analysis. The quality of the MGAT was rated high in both the objective (uMARS mean = 3.99; SD = 0.68) and subjective (uMARS mean = 4.13; SD = 1.10) domains. Qualitative data revealed the MGAT was accessible, usable, desirable, credible, useful, and valuable to increasing older Latinos’ AT knowledge, function, and autonomy. The MGAT has the potential to increase AT awareness and adoption among older adults.

Kayla Kostal, Maria Baranowski, Hygiea Casiano et al.

Worldwide, the community transition process away from institutions has increased in the past 30–50 years among persons with severe intellectual and developmental disabilities. This process, also known as “deinstitutionalization”, could potentially impact problem behaviors and communication. This study examined the impacts of community transitions on behavioural and communication outcomes in Canadians with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Data were collected using the Comprehensive Health Assessment Program and medical chart reviews. Descriptive, aggregate-level, and individual-level analyses were conducted for 32 adults who transitioned to community living. Descriptive analyses and the McNemar Chi-Square Test were conducted. Following community transitions, the study group experienced a significant decrease in problem behaviours and changes in communication. The study findings suggest that deinstitutionalization could provide effective strategies for addressing problem behaviors and fostering improvements in communication, promoting the well-being and quality of life of persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Nabil Almalki, Mrim M. Alnfiai, Fahd N. Al-Wesabi et al.

Object detection and classification systems can be devised to support visually challenged persons in communicating and understanding their environments. Such systems use computer vision methods for classifying and detecting objects in real time. Deep learning (DL) can be adopted to help visually challenged persons in object classification and detection tasks, allowing them to communicate and understand their surroundings more efficiently. By leveraging DL for object detection and classification, visually challenged individuals can receive real-time data regarding their interaction, surroundings, and overall independence and facilitate their navigation. With this motivation, the study presents a novel Stochastic Gradient Descent with Deep Learning-assisted Object Detection and Classification (SGDDL-ODC) technique for visually challenged people. The main intention of the SGDDL-ODC technique concentrates on the accurate and automated detection of objects to help visually challenged people. To obtain this, the SGDDL-ODC technique focused on the development of the optimal hyperparameter tuning of the DL models effectively. To accomplish this, the SGDDL-ODC technique follows the YOLOv6 model for object detection purposes. To adjust the hyperparameter values of the YOLOv6 method, the SGD model can be applied. At the final stage, the deep neural network method can be exploited for the classification of the recognized objects. A series of simulations were performed to validate the improved performance of the SGDDL-ODC approach. The simulation results illustrate the superior efficiency of the SGDDL-ODC technique over other techniques under diverse datasets in terms of different measures.

Corban Remund, Tricia Jones-Parkin, Hillary Hase et al.

BACKGROUND: Despite legislation and policy designed to promote employment for people with disabilities, outcome data suggest that individuals with disabilities, especially those with the most significant disabilities, remain unemployed and underemployed. While several variables may contribute to these poor outcomes, the capacity of organizations and individuals who provide employment supports to employment seekers with disabilities may contribute to the perennially low employment outcomes. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study is to describe the training structure for employment specialists and job coaches who implement supported and customized employment. RESULTS: Utah has developed a tiered training approach model to address the different levels of training needed to provide quality training to direct support professionals. The tiers of training included (a) workplace supports training, (b) employment specialist training, and (c) customized employment training. CONCLUSION: To improve quality employment outcomes for people with disabilities, community rehabilitation providers and funding agencies must have a thorough understanding of validated employment support strategies. The tiered training offered in Utah represents one state’s attempt to provide quality training and support to direct support staff. Several training-related recommendations for funding and capacity building have been identified because of training initiatives.

Tawanda Makuyana, Engelina du Plessis, Oliver Chikuta

Background: South African tourism is evolving towards accommodating disabled people. Within the same standpoint, the country receives ageing tourists as a major international tourism market from the Global North, whose access needs are similar to disabled people. The present article explored ‘blind and blank spots’ in the extant literature on tourism–impairment disability as a synchronised field within academic research to provide theoretical insights and gaps for the disability-tourism research community to consider the composite concept instead of individualistic concepts. Objective: The objectives were: (1) to track knowledge development from 1990 to 2018 using a narrative literature review approach and (2) to justify future research areas previously overlooked and understudied within a tourism–impairments–disability perspective in South Africa and beyond. Method: A narrative literature review search strategy was used. Keywords and synonymous terms were used in electronic searches of Scopus, ScienceDirect, Sabinet Online, Emerald Insights Journals, African Journals and Google Scholar. The literature screening process used predetermined inclusion and exclusion criteria for the data source. Content thematic analysis was adopted for the present study. Results: The findings reflect a dearth of tourism–impairments–disability research in South Africa. Nonetheless, there is an observable pattern of slow growth in research after the 2000s. The extant literature is skewed towards the tourism supply side and sporadic on tourism demand (tourist experiences), education and skills development. Conclusions: It is clear that the absence of scientifically developed knowledge on disability–impairments–tourism affects inclusive tourism growth. Therefore, the research community should consider disability-inclusive (accessible) tourism management, human resources and marketing practices and knowledge for teaching material in future research. Contribution: The article mapped and provided insights that sets a research agenda for tourism research community to see the gaps in literature and/or knowledge for accessible tourism (disability-inclusive) tourism to be a game changer as found by UNWTO (2020) with low-resources setting. Thereby setting a tone towards call for more research that can uncover an economic narrative that shows a relationship between skills development, labour and consumer markets for the participation of diverse disabled persons as such is shown as understudied in Low-to-Middle income earning countries like South Africa.

Precious N. Sango, Mohammed Bello, Roy Deveau et al.

Background: It is estimated that over 75.0% of households in sub-Saharan Africa are involved in agriculture, and the majority of the poor in rural areas rely on agriculture for their livelihoods. One billion people living with disabilities in low- and middle-income countries are argued to make up the poorest of the poor, yet to our knowledge, no literature has captured the livelihood of people living with disabilities in the context of farming in Nigeria, specifically northern Nigeria where most of the households are involved in agriculture and related activities. Objectives: This article reports on findings from a study that sought to understand disability in the context of northern Nigerian farming, with a particular focus on the role and lived experiences of people living with disabilities working in the agricultural sector. Method: A survey questionnaire was developed and captured the experiences of 1067 people living with disabilities working in the agricultural sector across five states (Adamawa, Bauchi, Jigawa, Kaduna and Yobe) in northern Nigeria. Results: Findings indicate that people with disabilities are actively participating in agricultural activities for several reasons, which specifically included ‘forced to and for survival’. When participants reported needing care, this was predominantly provided by family members. Findings also showed that participants with disabilities experienced several economic and sociocultural challenges because of their impairments. Conclusion: This study adds to the very limited literature on farmers living with disabilities in sub-Saharan Africa and so highlights the need for more research to be conducted with farmers living with disabilities in Nigeria, particularly female farmers living with disabilities. These will provide more evidence pertaining to the experiences of farmers living with disabilities in order to provide effective disability- and gender-inclusive agricultural and entrepreneurship programmes in Nigeria. Contribution: The results of this research reveal important insights relating to the experiences of farmers living with disabilities in northern Nigeria, which can contribute to informing future developmental projects to achieve effective inclusion and actively benefit people living with disabilities.

Ramza Hayat, Ubaidullah Akbar, Wajida Perveen et al.

Objective: To compare the effects of Mulligan manual traction and techniques in neural mobilization for managing pain in cervical radiculopathies. Methodology: It was a quasi-experimental study at physical therapy departments of Amin Welfare & Teaching Hospital and Allama Iqbal Memorial Teaching Hospital Sialkot for 6 months from December 2018 to May 2019 after Ethical approval. The sample of 34 participants was equally divided into group A & B. Patients were recruited on the basis of pre-defined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Group A was administered mulligan traction. Group B received neural mobilization of ulnar, median and radial nerve thrice a week. Hot pack and TENS were applied as baseline treatment to both the groups. Numeric pain rating scale (NPRS) and neck disability index (NDI) were used to measure the outcomes and data was recorded before 1st treatment session and after last treatment session. P value ≤ 0.005 was considered as significant. Results: Among the total of 34 sample size, 25 patients were females (73.52%) and 9 were males (26.47%). The mean Age±SD was 44.79±7.885 years. The mean NPRS score reduced from 8.18±0.809 to 3.12±1.269 (P=.000) in group A and from 7.47±1.007 to 2.76±1.147 (P=.004) in group B after treatment. Mean Score of NDI reduced to 4.78±1.23 from 16.00±1.71 (P=.000) in group A and 5.08±1.38 from 14.38±2.19 (P=.005). Conclusion: The study revealed that mulligan manual traction and neural mobilization were effective for the pain management and improvement of functional abilities in patients with cervical radiculopathies; but none of them is superior to other. Key words: Mulligan Manual Traction, Cervical Radiculopathy, neural mobilization, Numeric Pain Rating scale, Neck disability index.

Doxa Papakonstantinou, Konstantinos Papadopoulos

Abstract Purpose: This study examines: (a) the attitudes of 196 private sector employers toward hiring individuals with visual impairments and (b) the impact of the employers’ individual characteristics (age, gender, and educational level), attitudes toward visual impairment, social contact with them, and the form of business entity on their attitudes toward hiring such individuals. Materials and methods: The research tool used is a questionnaire of 15 closed-type questions. Results: The results of this research verify that the examined variables are significant individual predictors of the employers’ attitudes that are expressed in 7 out of 15 questions. Conclusions: The majority of the participants provided negative or neutral answers for most of the questions and exhibited the same attitudes with regard to the employment of individuals with visual impairments. Only two variables from the examined ones – “frequency of social contact” and “attitudes toward visual impairment” – appear to affect the employers’ intentions to hire people with visual impairments. Implications for rehabilitation The target should be more favorable employer attitudes toward individuals with visual impairments. The target should be more informative employers in regard to individuals with visual impairments and their skills and capabilities Vocational rehabilitation professionals should be aware that employers’ individual factors, age, gender and educational level are factors shown to affect their attitudes toward the vocational integration of people with disabilities. Informative seminars can be based on the variables and the factors shown to affect employers’ attitudes.

Shahbaz Ahmad, Faiza Sharif, Iqra Karamat

Objective: To determine the Association and frequency of feeding problems at different level of Gross Motor Function among Cerebral Palsy children. Methodology: The study design was cross-sectional study; Data was collected from Rising Son and Children Hospital Lahore and completed within 4 months (from March 2019 to July 2019) after approval of synopsis. 41 children, age 2-8 years of age were selected.  Data collected using Standardized variables by Nonprobability sampling & analyzed by SPSS-25. Results: Significant association was found between the level of GMFCS and feeding difficulties (Refuse to eat (P=0.007) and takes >20 minutes to finish meal (P=0.047). No Significant association was found between level of GMFCS and feeding difficulties including (food sits in child’s mouth (P=0.788), Child chokes or gags at mealtimes (P=0.723), child’s eats only ground, strained or soft food (P=0.620) and require NG feed (P=0.582)). Feeding problems including difficulty in chewing 26.8%, Choking during meal 29.26%, Takes >20 minutes for meal 68.3%, NG feeds 4.9%. food sits in child’s mouth and does not swallow it 26.83% Occasionally and 24.4% Regularly. 78.0% child’s eats only ground, strained or soft food. 22.05% refuse to eat but requests food immediately after the meal. Conclusion: Significant association was found between level of GMFCS and feeding difficulties (Refuse to eat and takes >20 minutes to finish a meal). No Significant association was found between level of GMFCS and feeding difficulties including (food sits in child’s mouth, Child chokes or gags at mealtimes, child’s eats only ground, strained or soft food and require NG feed). Keywords: Cerebral Palsy, Dysphagia Gross Motor Function Classification System

Maria Zuurmond, Janet Seeley, Tom Shakespeare et al.

Background: Empowerment is an increasingly popular goal, considered core to a transformative agenda for children with disabilities and their families. However, it can still be a poorly understood concept in practice. Objective: This article is an empirical analysis of the ‘empowerment journeys’ of caregivers participating in a community-based training programme in Ghana. Method: In-depth interviews were conducted with 18 caregivers at three time points over 14 months. Thematic analysis was conducted on the full data set, with three representative case studies selected for more detailed analysis to illustrate the dynamism of time and context in shaping the empowerment journey. Results: Our findings illuminate the complexity and non-linearity of the caregiver empowerment journey. There were important gains in individual dimensions of power and the nascent emergence of collective power, through improved knowledge and valuable peer support from group membership. However, further gains were impeded by their limited influence over wider economic and sociopolitical structural issues that perpetuated their experiences of poverty, stigma and the gendered nature of caregiving. The support group facilitator often played a valuable brokering role to help traverse individual agency and structural issues. Conclusion: A richer and more nuanced understanding of caregiver empowerment in the community and family context can inform the wider discourse on disability. Guidelines on working with people with disabilities, and the role of empowerment, should not neglect the pivotal role of caregivers. There are important lessons to be learnt if we want to improve family-centred interventions and transform the lives of children with disabilities.

Saleha Saleem, Sidra Hanif, Tayyaba Khan et al.

Background: Impairments mostly associated with stroke patients include functional reduction and motor impairments which is referred to as physical disability. However, there is limited evidence available from different countries about the exact incidence and prevalence of stroke. Also the severity with which stroke affects different functions of the body and etiology of death after stroke is not fully known. Objectives: The main objective of the study was to determine frequency of stroke related disability and its association with various factors. Material and methods: A cross sectional study was conducted from March to July, 2015 which recruited 168 diagnosed patients of stroke of either gender using non probability convenient sampling. Data was collected from 10 different hospitals of Rawalpindi and Islamabad using Modified Rankin Scale for disability, Rapid Assessment of Physical Activity (RAPA) to assess physical activity level, Barthel scale for activities of daily life and Fagerstrom Test for Nicotine Dependence (FTND) for smoking habits. After collection, data was analyzed using SPSS version 20. Results: Out of a total of 168 stroke participants, 113 (66.5%) were males and 55 (32.4%) were females. 1.8% suffered from slight disability, 9.4% from moderate disability, 25.3% from moderately severe disability and 51.2% from severe disability. According to the results, a significant association of disability was found with physical activity and activities of daily life (P<0.05) whereas no association of disability was found with age and nicotine dependence with p-value = 0.08 and 0.46, respectively. Conclusion: It is concluded that there is an association between disability and physical activity. Majority suffered severe disability and physical dependence in activities of daily living. Diabetes Mellitus, Hypertension and cardiac problems were more prevalent in most cases.

Kelly A. Clark, Moira Konrad, David W. Test

BACKGROUND: Employment has been associated with high quality of life and independence; however, employment outcomes for individuals with disabilities are much lower than their peers without disabilities. OBJECTIVE: This study investigated the effects of a treatment package, UPGRADE Your Performance, on the employment soft skills of secondary students with disabilities. The intervention taught students a strategy for self-evaluation, which included self-monitoring, goal setting, and self-graphing. METHOD: Using a multiple probe across students design, researchers investigated the effects of UPGRADE instruction on students’ soft skills while working on two different in school job sites. RESULTS: Results indicated all students improved in both a self-selected soft skill area and their overall performance, and they generalized their skills to a second in-school job site. CONCLUSIONS: Findings indicated the potential for UPGRADE Your Performance as a method for teaching soft skills to students with disabilities.

Julia Bloom, V. McLennan, P. Dorsett

BACKGROUND: Emerging vocational rehabilitation services for people with spinal cord injury seek to fill the gap between hospital and community services, and preserve jobs before they are lost. This is consistent with the longstanding notion within disability management and workers’ compensation of ‘occupational bonding’, or the relationship between the person and their employer. Despite the importance of this factor, there is little research underpinning the concept of occupational bonding specifically. OBJECTIVE: To analyse the extant literature about vocational rehabilitation after spinal cord injury to summarise the evidence for the concept of occupational bonding after SCI. METHODS: A systematic review combined with a narrative synthesis of the literature. RESULTS: Evidence supported workplace-based social support, particularly from the employer, as being a key facilitator of return to work. There was also evidence of an intrinsic, values-based component describing the person’s bond to the world of work in general. CONCLUSION: Reinforcing the employer and co-workers during return to work after a lengthy absence could facilitate employment outcomes. The person’s intrinsic bond to the world of work may also be reinforced by the vocational rehabilitation professional during the often lengthy rehabilitation period following a spinal cord injury.

W. Frontera, J. Bean, D. Damiano et al.