Affiliations: Rehabilitation Research and Training Center, Stout Vocational Rehabilitation Institute, University of Wisconsin-Stout, Menomonie, WI 54751, USA
Abstract: Experience and observations gathered during research conducted with a national sample of community-based rehabilitation programs are discussed. Functional vocational assessment services reported are largely based upon procedures incorporated in the Vocational Assessment Protocol (Thomas, D.F. (1994) The vocational assessment protocol. Menomonie: University of Wisconsin-Stout, Stout Vocational Rehabilitation Institute, Research and Training Center.). This protocol was used as a basis for training staff and as a profiling technique to collect information relevant to physical, behavioral and vocational aspects of persons studied. Medical and rehabilitation services specialists, consumers, and family members were used as sources of information for developing service arrangements. Information gathered on functional abilities of 149 persons provided insights as to how functional abilities assessment can highlight strength areas and methods of compensatory strategy development. General observations and recommendations gained during the course of follow-up interactions with consumers and staff from the field sites are shared with particular focus placed upon encouraging caregivers to provide information in a functional manner related to targeted goals for independence and work. Specific suggestions are offered regarding the importance of documenting functional assets and pre-injury skills, as well as present physical, neuropsychological, and social adaptive skills. Development of flexible and responsive vocational plans is discussed, and the importance of direct access to employment and postemployment resources is stressed. The material presented focuses upon general findings and practices found to useful with minimal emphasis on data related aspects of this study.
Keywords: Functional assessment, Traumatic brain injury, Vocational evaluation, Case management of vocational issues following brain injury, Employment and traumatic brain injury rehabilitation
