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Successful Work Supports for Persons with Spinal Cord Injury
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Article Summary
Targett and Wehman (2003) examined the vocational rehabilitation strategy of supported employment for persons with Spinal Cord Injuries (SCI). Targett and Wehman provide an in-depth overview of supported employment. They additionally present real life examples as well as effective supports for persons with SCI's.
Targett and Wehman maintain that individuals with SCI's can return to work if they have access to quality vocational services that are created to be flexible and meet that individual's needs. Targett and Wehman describe essential characteristics of supported employment and include the following: real work for real pay, full integration into the workplace, job search assistance and on the job support, zero rejection, individualized, flexible, customer-driven supports and services, and choice.
A case study example is given, which describes a middle-aged man who sustained a C-6 to C-7 SCI as a result of an automobile accident at the age of 19. He did receive vocational services and was placed in a sheltered workshop, but terminated because he didn't feel productive and did not like the setting. Thirty-years later, he was referred to the State Department of Vocational Services for supported employment services. The gentleman interviewed and was hired as a part-time cashier. He was nervous, but was reassured by the employment specialist that she would be there every step of the way to help him learn his new job and to obtain any necessary assistive technology. Workplace supports, such as, the use of a track ball mouse instead of operating the computer were put into place. His desk was modified and shelves were moved to better access his workspace. His primary work functions include sales transactions, providing friendly customer service, and calling customers to pick up orders. He worked in this position for over 3 years and retired. The employment specialist then assisted him with returning to work, training for his new job, operating equipment, and helped in arranging his necessary medical leave. They report, "The employment specialist played a key role in securing adaptive equipment in a timely manner once the individual became employed and afterwards providing to the employee on the use of the accommodations"
Targett and Wehman again emphasize the role of the employment specialist. The employment specialist can assist individuals to identify their current abilities, needed accommodations as well as assist the individual with all pre-employment activities. They also help in the development of individualized supports at work. The employment specialist provides ongoing long-term support.
Targett and Wehman conclude, "Supported Employment programs that are designed to achieve these types of outcomes." In addition, "When individuals with disabilities have access to customized employment services then their return to work is possible, even if it seems to be against the odds."
Reference
Targett, P. & Wehman, P. (2003). Successful work supports for persons with spinal cord injury. Official Journal of the American Association of Spinal Cord Injury Psychologists and Social Workers,16(1), 6-11.
Official Journal of the American Association of Spinal Cord Injury Psychologists and Social Workers
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