Lesson 10: Vocational Factors Impacted by Drug and Alcohol Abuse Attention Over 8.3 million children (11.9%) lived with at least one parent who was dependent on or abused alcohol or an illicit drug during the past year. In 2006, the average age at first alcohol use among recent initiates aged 12 to 49 was 16.6 years, similar to the corresponding 2005 estimate (16.4 years). The mean age at first use among recent initiates aged 12 or older who initiated use prior to the age of 21 was 15.8 years. This is significantly higher than the 2005 estimate (15.6 years). http://www.oas.samhsa.gov/dependence.htm#Reports These statistics are just the tip of the iceberg identifying the potential problem of Drug and Alcohol abuse. In many cases this abuse is combined with a mental illness diagnosis. As community rehabilitation providers individuals with these concerns will make up a large number of the consumers you work with. Learning Outcomes Upon completion of this lesson's material, students will be able to:
Teaching Read: Chapter 32 & 33 Brodwin pgs. 431-457 Now we have reviewed a number of theoretical models for serving the vocational needs of individuals with disabilities. We have discussed some tools and techniques for providing services. The practical implementation of these theories is when we take action and apply this knowledge in a practical manner. This involves motivation and engagement directly with the consumer in the development of the vocational profile and accommodations required to be successful in the workplace. Motivation is best described as a client’s willingness to take the necessary action to develop and sustain a change strategy. All people are motivated in some way. But not all are motivated to take the action required to obtain a job. You can't motivate anyone, but what you can do is assist the consumer in developing this change strategy that will result in employment. When you help them understand their own vocational profile, the impact of that profile on their access to competitive employment the clients develop hope and begin to work. They first work at changing their own attitudes and then they work for an employer. The focus that must be maintained when working in the vocational domain What do we do with this understanding? Assessment Lesson 10 Quiz
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