Working through disability

GET PROFESSIONAL HELP: VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION AND PRE-VOCATIONAL THERAPY

Affected person needs to be assisted to be able to continue earning a living.

For many people who have experienced a life-changing injury, the journey to returning to work may require not only physical therapy, but also recovery from the emotional aspects of adjusting to disability.

Even once these goals are attained, the stigma and misperceptions about people with disabilities can present unnecessary pain and challenges.

“Putting the focus back on people’s abilities, rather than disabilities, so they can earn a living is what we aim for in vocational rehabilitation and pre-vocational therapy,” said Felicity Pienaar, an occupational therapist at Netcare Akeso Nelspruit mental health facility.

Whether a disability is physical, cognitive, behavioural or emotional in nature, much can be achieved with multidisciplinary therapies geared to help the individual develop their capabilities and skills.

“If a person is not able to return to their previous job, this may bring about a major sense of loss for the individual. If the person was the breadwinner for their family, a change from this role can be especially difficult to accept. Professional mental health support can be helpful for working through changes to the individual’s life,” she said.

One way in which occupational therapy could help support the person was to redefine some of the goals set before their life-changing injury, focusing on what is realistically achievable.

“It is about finding ways to be independent within your means. In therapy, we aim to extend each person’s abilities so they can develop confidence and regain as much independence as possible,” she said.

“Particularly when multidisciplinary professional support is available, it is often possible for a person to develop skills and talents in new areas and secure employment in a new role if necessary.

“In addition, there is a satisfaction for the person in being part of a collective group effort and the benefit of having a structured weekly work routine. Crucially, securing and maintaining a job builds confidence and motivation.” Vocational rehabilitation therapy is an emerging field in South Africa and generally remains under-resourced, with the result that many people with disabilities are unlikely to have access to such therapy, even in the private sector, which may have enabled them to return to work.

“Vocational rehabilitation helps people to reintegrate and builds economic inclusivity. It is usually not covered by medical aid, although it is covered in some insurance policies.”

Even when vocational rehabilitation therapy is accessible, sometimes the progress made in therapy can be affected if a person faces exclusion or stigma in their communities or in the workplace.

Netcare Akeso offers corporate presentations to facilitate understanding and promote mental wellbeing in the workplace.

“Even today, people with disabilities are not always met with understanding and sensitivity in their daily lives.

“Other people’s reactions and unconscious prejudices can sometimes stand in the way of equal opportunities and people with disabilities reaching their fullest potential,” Pienaar said.