Occupational therapy practitioner role in the implementation of worksite accomodations

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Shamberg, Shoshana

Affiliations: President of Abilities Occupational Therapy Services, Inc., 3309 Strathmore Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21215, USA. Tel.: +1 410 358 7269; Fax: +1 410 358 6454; E-mail: [email protected]

Abstract: Injured workers have the right to return to their job if they are able to perform their duties, according to the American with Disabilities Act, 1990. Occupational therapy practitioners employed in work hardening programs, or working as private consultants, have a significant role in assisting employees, employers and human resource personnel in determining "reasonable accommodations" to enable a qualified employee with a physical or mental disability to access the work force. This article discusses the application of accommodations in two case studies.

Journal: Work, vol. 24, no. 2, pp. 185-194, 2005