Search

Purpose There are substantial costs associated with sickness absence and struggling at work however existing services in the UK are largely restricted to those absent from work for greater than 6 months. This paper details the development of an early Vocational Advice Intervention (VAI) for adult primary care consulters who were struggling at work or absent due to musculoskeletal pain, and the structure and content of the training and mentoring package developed to equip the Vocational Advisors (VAs) to deliver the VAI, as part of the Study of Work and Pain (SWAP) cluster randomised trial. Methods In order to develop the intervention, we conducted a best-evidence literature review, summarised evidence from developmental studies and consulted with stakeholders. Results A novel early access, brief VAI was developed consisting of case management and stepped care (three steps), using the Psychosocial Flags Framework to identify and overcome obstacles associated with the health-work interface. Four healthcare practitioners were recruited to deliver the VAI; three physiotherapists and one nurse (all vocational advice was actually delivered by the three physiotherapists). They received training in the VA role during a 4-day course, with a refresher day 3 months later, along with monthly group mentoring sessions. Conclusions The process of development was sufficient to develop the VAI and associated training package. The evidence underpinning the VAI was drawn from an international perspective and key components of the VAI have the potential to be applied to other settings or countries, although this has yet to be tested.

This study examined careers services provided to young adults with serious mental health conditions. Based on an internet survey and key informant telephone interview of 31 programs nominated for delivering innovative practices for young adults, the state of the field for career services was described. Most programs offered supported education and supported employment along with mental health services. Detailed and written planning was a key feature. Programs emphasized working closely with families, inter-agency collaboration, and use of normative community resources. Programs provided direct skills training for school and work and other life skills. Largely, existing models are being applied. However, providers described unique adaptations including greater flexibility in service delivery, attending to the turbulence and developmental changes characteristic of this age group, use of social media, and a heightened willingness to meet young people where "they are at" both literally and figuratively.

Relatively little is yet known about employment readiness and elements that promote access to, and the retention of, employment for adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This paper posits elements within the ecosystem of employment and ASD. The ecosystem approach locates employment among persons with ASD as inextricably linked with broader community resources, family support, workplace capacity building (e.g., employer, co-workers) and policy. Application of the approach is offered through process evaluation data yielded from an ecosystem-informed job readiness program entitled, 'EmploymentWorks Canada'. Findings illustrate job readiness in the context of the broader ecosystem that envelopes salient components in the aim of community engagement and quality of life. Recommendations are offered for community-based applications and for program and research development.

In the 1990's a surge of children were diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) and are now approaching college age. Through early diagnosis and intervention many of these children are now able to consider post secondary education. However, these students will need specific interventions and supports in order to be successful. This article reviews the nosology of ASDs, the legal basis for providing accommodations to students on the autism spectrum, and the incidence and prevalence of ASDs. The authors provide specific recommendations regarding the academic, independent living, social, vocational and counseling needs of college students who are on the autism spectrum. With a carefully planned transition, appropriate accommodations, and support, ASD students can be successful academically and socially in college.

Often young epileptics cannot begin a regular apprenticeship immediately after leaving school. Many cases show some somatic and psychointellectual retardation and delayed social development and maturation. Impairment of learning and concentration due to drug-side effects aggravates gaps in basic knowledge which result from frequent school absences due to epileptic illness. Attendance of a vocational training scheme for one year ensures that educational and social deficiencies can be reduced and the practice of daily work can be obtained. The epileptologist should pay particular attention to good compliance. The large variety of psycho-social and behavioural problems can be improved by event-orientated group psychotherapy. A vocational testing period can follow. Time and type of seizures have to be respected in vocational counselling. The vocational training centre for handicapped adolescents offers a comprehensive education by vocational instructors, epileptologists and psychologists.