The Vocational Rehabilitation Process

OTHER REHABILITATION ISSUES IN SCI: RECREATIONAL AND VOCATIONAL THERAPY: THE VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION PROCESS

Vocational therapy begins with a comprehensive vocational evaluation to determine a person's basic skills, including their dexterity and other physical capabilities, as well as their cognitive capabilities. The evaluation process also includes a component that determines changes in physical and cognitive capabilities and interests over time.

Once the evaluation is complete, the occupational or vocational rehabilitation specialist will help the person:

Select and learn to use any assistive equipment they may need to enter or re-enter the work force or engage in another method of productivity.
Develop personal supports, such as peer-to-peer mentor programs and appropriate interpersonal advocacy
Identify potential work, educational, or other community environments where the person can be productive
Identify and implement the necessary assistive equipment, environmental modifications, task restructuring, task modification, use of coworkers, students, or other members of the self-directed, productive group as personal assistants, etc.