Lesson 12: Vocational Factors Impacted by Physical and Other Disabilites

Attention

Check out this document...2011 Disability Status Report (Cornell University)


Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this lesson's material, students will be able to:

  • Identify the specific factors in the vocational profile that will require accommodation and strategic service planning.
  • Apply the use of the vocational profile of an individual diagnosed with other disabilities to develop and or facilitate a supported employment plan.

Teaching

This course has focused primarily on psychiatric disabilities. The cause of the disability is not as important as learning strategies for teaching consumers to adapt to living and working in our society, specifically in the workplace. The Americans with Disability Act has removed many barriers to individuals with disabilities providing more access to public facilities and employment. Individuals with other cognitive disabilities have a wide range of adaptation needs that can be very different from those with “hidden” disabilities.


Assessment

Lesson 12 Quiz

Complete the following questions. Since this is an introductory course in vocational aspects of disability your responses will be graded from an employment support perspective. The text book is written as an undergraduate course for vocational rehabilitation counselors so where you see reference to a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor, think of your role as a case manager, job developer or support staff working with a VR counselor.

  1. Briefly describe the medical condition and the functional impact it would have on employment and overall community living of an individual with this specific diagnosis.
  2. Can this individual achieve an employment outcome in an integrated competitive work environment? At first glance what kinds of work might be considered?
  3. List the areas where accommodation and/or additional work adjustment training might be necessary to achieve successful employment.
  4. What supports might be needed? Will those supports be natural or arranged community supports?
  5. What other complexities or concerns can you see might need additional research or information gathering to help you as the community rehabilitation professional help the consumer make an informed choice about their employment future?