Abstract:
Despite the development and proliferation of rehabilitation programs in the last decade, successful return to work remains as a formidable challenge to many persons with brain injury. Professionals are beginning to recognize the value of consumer input as a guide to development of more effective employment services. Unfortunately, there is a scarcity of practical information to guide implementation of effective employment services for persons with TBI. Development of new resources which integrate and incorporate guidance from consumers offers a promising opportunity to improve employment outcomes. This project was intended to provide a more accurate description of the obstacles to employment, vocational needs, and employment outcomes by developing a vocational handbook based on feedback from individuals with brain injury, family members, employment specialists, employers, coworkers, and vocational rehabilitation professionals. More importantly, individuals were asked to provide suggestions on what worked for them in attempting to return to work or other productive activities. The first edition of the handbook was completed and entitled, The Brain Injury Work Book: A Guide to Living and Working Productively. The 155 page book/guide contains 27 ideas for living and working productively, 7 questionnaires, and 5 worksheets.