Affiliations: World Institute on Disability, Oakland, CA,
USA | VA Long Beach Healthcare System, Behavioral Health
(06/116B), VA, USA
Note: [] Address for correspondence: Alette Coble-Temple, PsyD, P.O. Box
3498, Walnut Creek, CA 94598, USA. Tel.: +1 510 325 0420; E-mail:
drcobletemple@astound.net
Abstract: This article explores the concept of personal assistance services
(PAS) in the workplace for individuals with disabilities. Three focus groups
were conducted with individuals with disabilities who use PAS in the workplace.
Thirteen men and three women provided insight regarding their experiences
accessing and maintaining personal assistants in the workplace. Issues of
discrimination, knowing who and when to request worksite PAS, self identifying
with a disability, and understanding one's PAS needs were identified as
important factors in PAS at the workplace. The recommendations participants
most frequently reported were to become a strong self-advocate and improve
public policy around worksite PAS. Discussion focuses on how to incorporate the
experiences and insights of the participants into enhancing the rehabilitation
process for individuals who want to be in the workforce.
Keywords: workplace personal assistance services, employment of persons with significant disabilities, personal assistant
