Vocational Rehabilitation

Hack-it Psychology offers Cognitive Assessments and support to facilitate the process of Vocational Rehabilitation. Returning to work or to an alternative occupation after acquired brain injury (ABI) or after a diagnosis of a Neurological Condition is essential in helping to restore quality of life. At present, shortages of specialist Vocational Rehabilitation services and lack of coordinated working across agencies mean that many people are not given the opportunity to fulfill their vocational potential.

Returning to work gives many benefits. On a personal level it provides structure for day to day functioning, improves financial independence and self-esteem, and allows people to engage in meaningful social interaction. Research supports that those in work feel overall less depressed, less anxious and experience a better quality of life. On a social financial level it is known that the cost of UK sickness absence associated with working age ill health amounts to over £100 billion a year – more than the NHS budget.

What is Vocational Rehabilitation?
Vocational Rehabilitation has been defined as a process whereby those disadvantaged by illness or disability can be enabled to access, maintain, or return to employment, or other useful occupation (BSRM, 2010). Or in other words, Vocational Rehabilitation is 'a process which enables persons with functional, psychological, developmental, cognitive and emotional impairments or health conditions to overcome barriers to accessing, maintaining or returning to employment or other useful occupation'.

The Process of Vocational Rehabilitation
There are multiple aspects that need to be considered when facilitating the process of VR. These include Medical-, Physical-, Sensory-, Psychological-, Emotional-, Cognitive-, Social- and Financial aspects. Assessments are therefore multi-facetted which requires good communication between all parties involved to obtain a good understanding of potential problems or obstacles, and to identify appropriate and manageable solutions. The process will involve different stages which could include:

  • Assessments of functioning
  • Assessments of needs
  • Return to work planning
  • Return to work preparation
  • Identifying and practicing strategies
  • Work place assessments
  • Work place adjustments
  • Graded return to work strategies



Reference:
BRSM (2010). Vocational Assessment and Rehabilitation for people with Long-Term Neurological Conditions.