Recognizing a dearth of understanding on the experiences of foster parents of children with disabilities, this study aimed to compare well-being, psychological flexibility, and social support among foster parents and biological parents of children with disabilities, as well as parents of children without disabilities, while exploring the impact of service use and social support on psychological flexibility and well-being. A convenience sample comprised 135 parents: 36 biological parents of children with disabilities, 32 foster parents of children with disabilities, and 67 biological parents of children without disabilities. Statistical analyses included one-way ANOVA, Pearson correlation, simple linear regression, and multiple linear regression. Results showed that foster parents of children with disabilities exhibited significantly higher psychological flexibility, well-being, and social support compared to biological parents of children with disabilities. Among biological parents of children with disabilities, psychological flexibility and well-being showed significant correlations with service satisfaction and social support, with social support explaining 62% of variance in psychological flexibility and 51% in well-being. Among foster parents of children with disabilities, neither service use nor social support significantly predicted psychological flexibility or well-being, suggesting different adaptive mechanisms. Among parents of children without disabilities, social support significantly predicted both psychological flexibility and well-being. The findings, which should be interpreted cautiously given the small sample size, highlight the need for targeted support interventions for biological parents of children with disabilities and further research into foster care families’ unique experiences.
Vocational rehabilitation. Employment of people with disabilities
А. Е. Родионова, Ольга Владимировна Макарова, С. В. Столов
Введение. Воспалительные артропатии сопровождаются высоким риском инвалидизации и необходимостью разработки мер реабилитации. Цель исследования — изучить аспекты индивидуальной программы реабилитации/абилитации у инвалидов вследствие воспалительных артропатий. Материалы и методы. Проведен анализ индивидуальных программ реабилитации/абилитации у 95 больных воспалительными артропатиями (псориатический спондилоартрит — 65 случаев, ревматоидный артрит — 30 случаев), признанных инвалидами в бюро медико-социальной экспертизы. Возраст варьировал от 21 до 85 лет, средний возраст — 59,6±6,3 года. Женщин было 52 (54,7%), мужчин — 43 (45,3%). Все больные получали базисную терапию (метотрексат, лефлюномид), в том числе 42 человека (44,2%) — генно-инженерные биологические препараты. Результаты. Всем инвалидам с воспалительными артропатиями была показана медицинская реабилитация. Протезно-ортопедическая помощь (эндопротезирование тазобедренных суставов) рекомендована в 33,7% случаев. Профессиональная реабилитация требовались в 72,6% случаев (определение рекомендованных условий труда; содействие в трудоустройстве и подборе подходящего рабочего места; профессиональная ориентация, направленная на помощь инвалиду в подборе не противопоказанных видов и условий труда; социально-психологическая реабилитация и социально-производственная адаптация на рабочем месте). Более 90% инвалидов нуждались в социальной реабилитации (социально-средовой, социокультурной, социально-психологической реабилитации, социально-бытовой адаптации). Оборудование жилого помещения специальными средствами и приспособлениями для инвалидов, передвигающихся в кресле-коляске, требовалось в 4,9% случаев. Физкультурно-оздоровительные мероприятия, спорт, средства и методы адаптивной физической культуры были рекомендованы 45,3% инвалидов. Различные технические средства реабилитации были рекомендованы 85,2% инвалидов. Реабилитационный потенциал более чем в половине случаев определен как низкий, а реабилитационный прогноз — сомнительный (неясный). Выводы. 1. Инвалиды вследствие воспалительных артропатий нуждаются в мерах комплексной реабилитации: большинству пациентов требуется медицинская (100%), профессиональная (72,6%) и социальная (92%) реабилитация, а также технические средства реабилитации (85,2%). 2. Изучение потребности инвалидов с воспалительными заболеваниями суставов в конкретных мерах реабилитации позволит более персонифицированно подходить к разработке реабилитационного маршрута, что обеспечит комплексный и целенаправленный подход к восстановлению нарушенных категорий жизнедеятельности и социальной адаптации. Introduction. Inflammatory arthropathies are accompanied by a high risk of disability and the need to develop rehabilitation measures. Aim — to study aspects of an individual rehabilitation/habilitation program for people with disabilities due to inflammatory arthropathies. Materials and methods. An analysis of individual rehabilitation/habilitation programs was conducted in 95 patients with inflammatory arthropathies (psoriatic spondylitis — 65 cases, rheumatoid arthritis — 30 cases), recognized as disabled by the bureau of medical and social expertise. The age ranged from 21 to 85 years, the average age was 59.6±6.3 years. There were 52 women (54.7%), 43 men (45.3%). All patients received basic therapy (methotrexate, leflunomide), including 42 people (44.2%) — genetically engineered biological drugs. Results. All disabled people with inflammatory arthropathies were prescribed medical rehabilitation. Prosthetic and orthopedic care (hip replacement) was recommended in 33.7% of cases. Professional rehabilitation was required in 72.6% of cases (determination of recommended working conditions; assistance in employment and selection of a suitable workplace; vocational guidance aimed at helping the disabled person select non-contraindicated types and conditions of work; socio-psychological rehabilitation and socio-industrial adaptation in the workplace). More than 90% of disabled people needed social rehabilitation (social and environmental, socio-cultural, socio-psychological rehabilitation, social and everyday adaptation). Equipping residential premises with special means and devices for disabled people moving in a wheelchair was required in 4.9% of cases. Physical education and health events, sports, means and methods of adaptive physical education were recommended to 45.3% of disabled people. Various technical rehabilitation devices were recommended to 85.2% of disabled people. The rehabilitation potential in more than half of the cases was determined to be low, and the rehabilitation prognosis was questionable (unclear). Conclusion. Disabled people due to inflammatory arthropathy need comprehensive rehabilitation measures: most patients require medical (100%), professional (72.6%) and social (92%) rehabilitation, as well as technical rehabilitation means (85.2%). Studying the needs of disabled people with inflammatory joint diseases in specific rehabilitation measures will allow a more personalized approach to developing a rehabilitation route, which will ensure a comprehensive and targeted approach to restoring impaired categories of life activity and social adaptation.
Background Compared to the general population, adults with disabilities often have poor employment rates. Apprenticeships offer one way to improve employment outcomes; yet, it is unclear whether apprenticeships have been effective among adults with disabilities. Objective Our objective was to explore apprenticeships among adults with disabilities. Method We conducted a systematic literature review of 19 studies which examined apprenticeships among adults with disabilities. Results The studies were inconsistent in their characterization of disability and/or the nature of the apprenticeship. Yet, overall, most studies reported that apprenticeships were effective for adults with disabilities. In spite of their effectiveness, stakeholders often have negative views of apprenticeships for adults with disabilities. Conclusion Implications for research and practice are discussed.
BACKGROUND: People with disabilities are underemployed. This improved recently, but how broadly across disability type? US law allows employers to pay people with disabilities far below minimum wage, typically in segregated settings (sheltered workshops), if employers hold federal 14(c) certificates. Almost everyone in 14(c) employment has an intellectual/developmental disability. Some states have eliminated sheltered workshops, and the Biden administration may propose phasing them out. This is controversial.OBJECTIVE: To examine employment patterns pre- and post-pandemic among people with disabilities and patterns in use of sheltered workshops.METHOD: We analyzed American Community Survey data on employment rate, by type of disability (or lack of disability), for 2010-2023, Department of Labor data on 14(c) subminimum wage certificates in Community Rehabilitation Programs for 2010-2024, and Department of Labor data on number of workers paid subminimum wages in such programs for 2015-2024.RESULTS: American Community Survey data show the disability employment gap narrowing post-pandemic for every disability category—but narrowing especially dramatically for people with cognitive disabilities. Long-term, the employment gap for people with cognitive disabilities narrowed in every state while Department of Labor data show 14(c) enrollment decreasing in every state.CONCLUSION: Research to inform public policy and hiring and retention practices should take advantage of the post-pandemic improvement in the employment gap for people with disabilities, especially cognitive disabilities, and marketing investments should promote them.
Leisure education has the potential to improve the quality of life and prepare students for social participation after graduation. This study elucidates the perspectives of special education teachers on leisure instruction. The study surveyed 129 teachers from 10 special needs schools for students with intellectual disabilities in Prefecture A, a rural area of Japan. An online survey was conducted from 21 October to 17 November 2023. The survey items were based on 13 aspects of leisure instruction identified from a literature review related to leisure instruction in Japan and a qualitative analysis of interviews with high school teachers in special needs schools for students with intellectual disabilities. The results showed that “The ability to pass time during brief periods of free time”, “Various activity experiences that lead to leisure”, and “Knowing one’s strengths and weaknesses in activities” were significantly more important during school. Conversely, “understanding the psychological importance of leisure”, “connecting with organizations that support leisure activities”, and “finding places to engage in leisure activities” were significantly more important after graduation. The results of this study can be used to identify the gaps in perception between special education teachers and vocational rehabilitation practitioners responsible for post-social participation support.
Ayesha Basharat, Muhammad Mustafa Qamar, Sania Naz
et al.
Background: Childbirth is a well-known cause of Postpartum Coccydynia associated with pain and tenderness at the tip of the tailbone between buttocks and is a renowned source of maternal morbidity if left untreated.
Objective: To explore effect of piriformis and iliopsoas muscle stretching along with mobilization of sacro-iliac joint and coccyx in patients suffering from postpartum Coccydynia.
Methodology: In a randomized control clinical trial, fifty-six females with clinically diagnosed postpartum coccydynia were recruited and randomly divided into two groups G1=intervention group (n=28), G2=control group (n=28). All participants have similar characteristics in that they had >2 child deliveries, aged between 25-35 years, with a visual analogue scale ≥ 6 in a sitting position. The experimental group was treated with heat therapy (10 mints), along with piriformis and iliopsoas muscle stretching, Baseline measurements include the Intensity of pain measured by the visual analogue scale, tenderness by algometer, and duration of pain-free sitting. Post-treatment effects were measured after two weeks, and follow-up was carried out every month for three months to check the recurrence or continuous recovery.
Results: The experimental group showed a significant improvement in pain intensity, pain pressure threshold and pain free sitting compared to the control group (p<0.05). Visual analogue scale 6.87±2.07 had improved 3.9±1.37 after treatment compared to the control group 6.87±1.9(pre study) to 6.2±1.8(post study).
Conclusion: Stretching exercise, mobilization, and medicine (NSAIDs) were effective in relieving pain and complete recovery of postpartum Coccydynia.
Vocational rehabilitation. Employment of people with disabilities, Therapeutics. Psychotherapy
Anna Christakou, Aikaterini Gkikopoulou, Eudokia Iosif
et al.
Objectives: The focus of patients’ attention during the physiotherapy program has been reported to affect the rehabilitation goals. The study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of an external focus of attention (EFA) on static balance and functional ability in individuals with chronic ankle instability (CAI).
Methods: Fourteen subjects with CAI, aged from 19 to 25 years, were randomly assigned to two groups: external and internal focus of attention (IFA) group. The outcome measures of the study were static balance and functional ability. A pre-intervention evaluation was performed. Following instructions to an external or an IFA, subjects practiced on a balance board 3 times per week for 4 weeks. At the end of each week, they performed evaluation tests, including a time balance test, foot lift test, side hop test, figure-8 test, and star excursion balance test (SEBT). Parametric (mixed analysis of variance) and non-parametric analysis (the Mann–Whitney and Friedman tests) were performed between measurements and groups.
Results: The intervention program showed a statistically significant improvement in static balance and functional ability in both groups. The results indicated the main effect of time (F(2.488, 29.855)=43.880, P<0.001). For the time in balance test, analysis of variance revealed a main effect of time (F(2.571, 30.855)=11.188, P<0.001). Regarding the SEBT, every direction indicated a main effect of time for both groups. No significant differences between the two groups were found in static balance and functional ability.
Discussion: Even though there were no statistically significant differences between the two groups, both types of focus of attention contributed to the improvement of static balance and functional ability, which may reveal an increase in motor control and neuromuscular ability of the subjects with CAI.
Medicine, Vocational rehabilitation. Employment of people with disabilities
Sima Ali Hosseini, Fateme Mohammadi, Seyed Reza Borzuo
et al.
Objectives: Children with hearing loss often undergo considerable pain and distress due to their hearing impairment, leading to challenges in engaging constructively with others. Using games, mainly through play therapy, can significantly enhance interaction and adjustment in children, especially those with hearing impairments. This research seeks to evaluate the impact of play therapy on the adaptation and self-confidence of children dealing with hearing challenges.
Methods: This randomized controlled trial was conducted at a welfare center affiliated with the Hamadan University of Medical Sciences in western Iran. Sixty-two children with hearing loss were selected from the welfare center. They were then assigned to the play therapy or control group using block random sampling. The pre- and post-intervention assessments included completing demographic information, an adaptability questionnaire for elementary school children, and a self-esteem inventory.
Results: The implementation of play therapy led to a significant increase in adaptability immediately after the intervention and one month later (P<0.001). Moreover, a notable difference was observed between the two groups at the end of the study (P<0.001). Throughout the research, play therapy consistently elevated the self-esteem of the children. After the study, a noticeable difference was observed between the two groups (P<0.001).
Discussion: lay therapy effectively increased adaptability and improved self-esteem in children with hearing loss. So, caregivers can use play therapy as therapeutic care to increase social adaptation and self-confidence in these children.
Medicine, Vocational rehabilitation. Employment of people with disabilities
Nada H. Aljarba, Faizan Abul Qais, Reem A. Alqahtani
et al.
Brain-related disorders that are associated with neurodegeneration are collectively termed neurodegenerative disorders (NDs). They pose a serious concern for human health, especially among older people. Nearly 47 million individuals are living with dementia; this is expected to increase three times by 2050. The blood–brain barrier is considered a major challenge in the development of drugs against NDs. Rauwolfia serpentina is a medicinal plant traditionally used for the treatment of NDs such as schizophrenia, anxiety, insomnia, and mental illness. In this study, the compounds of this plant were examined against caspase-8, β-secretase, and acetylcholinesterase of NDs. The detailed toxicological profile, adsorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion (ADME) properties, and pharmacokinetics were predicted, followed by virtual screening with molecular docking. Based on the toxicity, drug likeliness, pharmacokinetics, anti-neurodegenerative activity, binding site in target proteins, and binding energy, alstonine and rauwolscine were identified as lead compounds. The molecular dynamics simulation of lead compounds was also performed to study their dynamics and stability by mimicking the physiological conditions. Only three compounds showed Ames toxicity, and none of the compounds were predicted to be human Ether-à-go-go-Related Gene (hERG) I inhibitors or cause oral rat acute toxicity. Alstonine was predicted to be active against Alzheimer’s disease and neurodegenerative diseases, and rauwolscine was predicted to be active against acute neurologic disorders. The energies for interaction of alstonine and rauwolscine were −10.1 and −8.7 kcal/mol, respectively. Molecular simulation analysis confirmed the stable nature of both the ligands with all three target proteins under physiological conditions. The data of this study highlight the potency of alstonine and rauwolscine for the treatment of NDs, and these compounds could be developed as effective drugs after careful in vivo examination.
Vocational rehabilitation. Employment of people with disabilities
Takalani M.M. Mamafha, Patrick Ngulube, Luyanda Dube
et al.
Background: Assistive technologies (ATs) enable persons with visual impairment (PwVI) to equitably benefit from public library resources and services as their sighted counterparts. However, the extent to which this facility is available and used at public libraries in less-developed countries remains largely unknown.
Objectives: This study reports on the investigation done on the availability and use of ATs by PwVI at public libraries in the cities of Ekurhuleni and Johannesburg in South Africa.
Method: The study used a multimethod and explanatory sequential design in which data were collected through questionnaires administered with 131 librarians and interviews held with 10 PwVI.
Results: The findings of the study point towards inadequate availability of computers with internet services, audiotapes, screen magnifying and reading software, and these were used for, among others, leisure, research, job searching and communication.
Conclusion: The study concludes that certain ATs were inadequately available and used by PwVI at some libraries in the cities of Ekurhuleni and Johannesburg. The study recommends training for PwVI on how to use ATs, marketing of available ATs, training of staff on how to render AT-based services as well as management availing adequate budget for the development of AT-based collection.
Contribution: The study contributes to the understanding of the types of ATs available and used by PwVI in public libraries.
Vocational rehabilitation. Employment of people with disabilities, Communities. Classes. Races
Digital civilization, affecting all aspects of life, is actively entering the social sphere, providing a higher level of social activity. In this regard, the use of digital technologies is being updated, contributing to a change in the ways in which knowledge, skills, and professional competencies are created, formed and transferred. The digitalization of the education system and the creation of a digital space of the university is associated with a new vector of Russia's development. In this vein, the system of personnel training is being improved in order to develop the social basis of the city, its social cluster, as well as for the most important function of the welfare state - supporting social "risk groups" in need of additional social protection. The digitalization of education gives an additional impetus to self-organization initiatives, promotes the development of modeling and forecasting. When selecting the content of education, the structural units of the content are ordered, forming the integrity and completeness of the module. Digitalization develops not only vertical, but also horizontal connections of the educational environment of the institution, which is especially important for social specialists, in whose practice the use of an interdepartmental approach is one of the requirements of professional activity in working with “risk groups”. The most pressing problems that require innovative consideration in the preparation of future specialists are the following: organization of social services for elderly citizens, people with disabilities, families with children and in need; assistance in adaptation and socialization of people who need social support in the process of rehabilitation, adaptation, education, vocational training and employment.
Background:
The prime objective of CPR is to maintain enough circulation to preserve existence till specialized treatment is provided. As mentioned, early CPR is an essential aspect in the chain of survival in Emergency Cardiovascular Care (ECC).
Objective:
To compare and study the attitude and awareness level related to Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) among physical therapists in Karachi.
Methods:
The total sample was 126 physical therapists in this study. This was an observational study based on a cross-sectional design conducted for the assessment of CPR attitude and awareness of physical therapists through simple convenient sampling technique during the period of December 2020 to June 2021 from various public and private sector hospitals and rehabilitation centers of Karachi. Data collection was done through a questionnaire consisting 31 questions categorized into three sections including demographics, CPR attitudes and CPR awareness.
Results:
Results revealed more female physical therapists (76%). Most of them (70%) were aged less than 35 years and had less than 15 years of working experience. Most of them were engaged in musculoskeletal practice (40.5%). Almost 31% participants had CPR certifications. Less than half of the physical therapists (38.9%) reported ≤ 25% success rate of CPR. Majority of the participants stated that their ability to perform CPR was satisfactory (44.4%).
Conclusion:
The overall awareness of physical therapists regarding CPR was evident, but the attitude regarding CPR need improvement. It was also evident from the results that mandatory professional training programs should be conducted.
Keywords:
Attitude, Awareness, Cardiac Arrest, Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), Physical Therapists
Vocational rehabilitation. Employment of people with disabilities, Therapeutics. Psychotherapy
Introducción: La revisión de la literatura científica ha puesto de manifiesto que tener un hijo con discapacidad supone un impacto heterogéneo a nivel familiar. Método: El presente estudio tiene como objetivo analizar en profundidad la vivencia paternofilial de la discapacidad intelectual. Debido a la naturaleza cualitativa de la investigación, se optó por atenerse al método fenomenológico abordado desde la perspectiva hermenéutica interpretativa propuesta por Heidegger. Los datos se recogieron a través de entrevistas no estructuradas en profundidad, realizadas a 15 padres y madres de 9 niños con discapacidad intelectual. Resultados: Los resultados arrojan que la vivencia de la discapacidad intelectual en la familia no responde a un patrón común, a pesar de poder ser identificadas una serie de categorías nucleares que permiten la consideración de dichas vivencias: “la primera noticia y el impacto del diagnóstico”; “la vivencia de la discapacidad desde la heterogeneidad de las estructuras familiares”; “los procesos personales, familiares y sociales de aceptación”; “la experiencia educativa”, y “la incertidumbre ante el futuro”. Conclusiones: La investigación sobre el modo en el que padres y madres entienden la crianza de sus hijos con discapacidad resulta esencial y estratégica para el desarrollo de programas de intervención centrados en la familia.
Psychology, Vocational rehabilitation. Employment of people with disabilities
Kanako Iwanaga, Fong Chan, Timothy N. Tansey
et al.
Although gainful employment is associated with health and well-being, people with chronic illness and disability may be ambivalent about the prospects of working. As a result, those who might benefit from vocational rehabilitation (VR) services do not always fully engage in those services. Limited motivation toward participating may be due to factors related to self-determination and autonomous choice. Rehabilitation counseling researchers are beginning to test Deci and Ryan’s self-determination theory (SDT), along with Bandura’s self-efficacy theory (SET), as a work motivation model in VR. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate SDT and SET constructs as predictors of VR engagement in a sample of VR clients, using hierarchical regression analysis. After controlling for the effects of demographic variables and person–environment (P-E) contextual factors, SDT and SET predictors were found to account for an increase of 40% in the variance explained in VR engagement. Working alliance was the single strongest predictor of VR engagement, followed by job performance self-efficacy and autonomy supportive climate. Interventions to enhance counselor skills to promote working alliance, in addition to vocational training to increase job performance self-efficacy of rehabilitation clients, may strengthen motivation to engage in VR services, leading to better employment outcomes.
Farzane Rezaiyan, Guita Movallali, Narges Adibsereshki
et al.
Objectives: The present study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of an online dialogic storytelling program on vocabulary skills (picture, relative, and oral vocabulary skills) of hard of hearing children.
Methods: In this experimental study with pre-test-post-test and a control group design, 34 mothers of hard of hearing children participated. Children’s ages range from 4 to 6 years and they were selected from aural rehabilitation centers in Tehran. They were assigned randomly into the experimental (n=17) and control (n=17) groups that were matched for age and sex. Before starting the online dialogic storytelling program, the children took the Test Of Language Development (TOLD-P: 3). The online dialogic storytelling was done 20 minutes a day, 3 days a week for 12 weeks for mothers and their children. After completion of the program, the language development test was administered to both groups as the post-test. The data were analyzed by 1-way Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA).
Results: The results showed that the vocabulary skills, picture, relative and oral vocabulary of the experimental group significantly improved after participating in the online dialogic storytelling sessions (P<0.001)
Discussion: Storytelling is one of the most effective ways to improve the vocabulary skills of hearing-impaired children and it seems that storytelling needs to be included in their rehabilitation programs.
Medicine, Vocational rehabilitation. Employment of people with disabilities
Background: People with disabilities often participate in income-generating activities (IGAs) in sheltered workshop in South Africa. However, they face many barriers that limit their ability to participate effectively in economic activities hosted by the workshops.
Objectives: To illustrate the barriers that limit the participation of people with disabilities in IGAs in a sheltered workshop.
Method: A qualitative exploratory single case study was conducted in a sheltered workshop. Eighteen participants, age 22 to 52 years with various disabilities were purposively sampled. Observations and semi-structured interview guides were used to generate data. Verbatim transcription was used after which content analysis was applied to identify ideas and concepts relating to barriers experienced by people with disabilities participating in IGAs.
Results: Some of the barriers participants experienced included institutional barriers (ability to use working tools, inability to concentrate for long periods, lack of funds, language barriers, lack of motivation, activities that are not stimulating and lack of artistry skills) and attitudinal barriers (exclusion from decision making) These barriers had an adverse influence on their performance in IGAs.
Conclusion: The study found eight different barriers that existed in a sheltered workshop which limited the participation of the people with disabilities that attended the workshop. This information can be used to develop strategies to address each barrier and promote increased participation of the individual thereby improving their quality of life.
Vocational rehabilitation. Employment of people with disabilities, Communities. Classes. Races
Shilpee, Shaili Vyas, Ashok Kumar Srivastava
et al.
Introduction- In India, Disability remains about the able-bodied. The disabled person frequently describes limitations in their activities of daily living (ADL). Although few studies have discussed about ADL among disabled but in rural setting it is still unexplored. Thus the objective of the study was to assess the dependency of disabled persons according to ADL. And to find the association between each ADL item with the socio-demographic findings. Methodology- A cross-sectional study compromising of 2600 study participants aged 5-59 years were recruited through multi-stage random sampling technique in a rural area of district Dehradun. Chi-square and Fischer exact test analysis was used to analyse the association among activities of daily living (ADL) with socio-demographic variables. Result- The overall prevalence of disability among both male and females was 2.3 %. 20-39 years age-group was mostly affected. Among ADL most of the disabled were fully dependent on others for grooming & bathing. Age, religion, education and occupation were statistically significant with the ADL. Conclusion- Better health policies, Training of family members to provide support to disabled persons and Promotion of home-based occupations should be executed. To improve ADL and QOL of disabled people education, employment, non-discrimination, vocational training and rehabilitative services should be strengthened.