Affiliations: West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, USA
Note: [] Address for correspondence: Tatiana I. Solovieva, International
Center for Disability Information (ICDI), West Virginia University, PO Box
6080, Morgantown, WV 26506-6080, USA. Tel.: +1 304 293 6560; Fax: +1 304 293
5407; E-mail: Tatiana.Solovieva@mail.wvu.edu
Abstract: Objective: The intent of this investigation was to identify current
definitions, issues, and strategies related to the use of Personal Assistance
Services (PAS) in the workplace. Participants: The participants were
employees with disabilities who used PAS in the workplace as well as employers
who participated in research studies over the past 20 years. Methods: More than 30 articles were reviewed to determine PAS definitions, use,
policies, and outcomes. A comprehensive search of bibliographic resources
(e.g., EBSCOhost) was conducted to identify appropriate articles. Results: The articles revealed current definitions of workplace PAS,
demonstrated an increasing need for PAS, and highlighted fiscal and societal
barriers to the full implementation of PAS at work. Conclusions: The
outcomes clarify the historical components, but also identify questions that
remain. These questions concern the effectiveness of PAS, best practices for
funding PAS, and the need for national and local policies to support the use of
PAS for workers with disabilities.
Keywords: Personal assistance services, PAS, disability, Personal Care-related PAS, cost
