Work - Volume 41, issue 4

Authors: Kantartzis, Sarah | Ammeraal, Marion | Breedveld, Saskia | Mattijs, Lieve | Geert, | Leonardos, | Yiannis, | Stefanos, | Georgia,

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Objectives: The European partnership ELSiTO aimed to develop understanding of the nature and processes of social inclusion for persons experiencing mental illness. Participants: Partners were from Belgium, Greece and the Netherlands with over 30 members including mental health service users, occupational therapists and other staff. Approach: A knowledge-creation learning process was used during four international, experiential, visits and local meetings, which included visiting and describing good practice, telling stories of experiences, reflection and …discussion. Results: The partnership developed understandings of the nature and process of social inclusion, including both subjective and objective aspects interrelated with the doing of daily activities in the community. Members' work-related experiences, illustrated through their stories, depict the subjective aspects of social inclusion as they are shaped and framed by the objective conditions within a variety of work opportunities. Experiences in paid work, supported employment and voluntary work may both threaten and enhance mental health. Features of successful (voluntary) work experiences are identified. Conclusions: The importance is revealed of looking critically at current understandings of work and to move beyond a narrow focus on paid work in order to provide a range of work opportunities that will empower the individual's potential and promote inclusive communities. Show more

Keywords: Work, volunteering, social inclusion, mental illness, stories

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2012-1312

Citation: Work, vol. 41, no. 4, pp. 447-454, 2012

Authors: Lysaght, Rosemary | Jakobsen, Klara | Granhaug, Birgit

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Background: Social firms are widely used in Europe as a means of affirmatively creating employment opportunities and training for employment challenged groups. These commercial businesses produce, market and sell goods and services to the public while providing opportunities for productive engagement, increased incomes, and social integration for their employees. Methods: This article presents a case study of a Norwegian social firm that was created to improve employment and functional outcomes for workers with mental …health disabilities and addictions. The case illustrates one model of social firm, and is used as the foundation for discussion of the relative contributions of social firms to employment outcomes for people who are marginalized in the labour market. Results: The social firm represented a major change in philosophy and operations for mental health service provision in the local municipality. Numbers of individuals served increased dramatically, and changes were observed in the extent and nature of participant daily involvement, and in outcomes achieved. This model brings participants into contact with the public, and has served to break down barriers and reduce stigma. Conclusions: Social firms represent a viable alternative for creating employment options and training and for enhancing social integration of people with mental health disabilities. Show more

Keywords: Social enterprise, mental health, vocational rehabilitation

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2012-1313

Citation: Work, vol. 41, no. 4, pp. 455-463, 2012

Authors: Glässel, Andrea | Rauch, Alexandra | Selb, Melissa | Emmenegger, Karl | Lückenkemper, Miriam | Escorpizo, Reuben

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Objectives: Vocational rehabilitation (VR) plays a key role in bringing persons with acquired disabilities back to work, while encouraging employment participation. The purpose of this case study is to illustrate the systematic application of International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF)-based documentation tools by using ICF Core Sets in VR shown with a case example of a client with traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI). Participant: The client was a 26-year-old male with paraplegia …(7th thoracic level), working in the past as a mover. Methods: This case study describes the integration of the ICF Core Sets for VR into an interdisciplinary rehabilitation program by using ICF-based documentation tools. Results: Improvements in the client's impairments, activity limitations, and participation restrictions were observed following rehabilitation. Goals in different areas of functioning were achieved. Conclusion: The use of the ICF Core Sets in VR allows a comprehensive assessment of the client's level of functioning and intervention planning. Specifically, the Brief ICF Core Set in VR can provide domains for intervention relevant to each member of an interdisciplinary team and hence, can facilitate the VR management process in a SCI center in Switzerland. Show more

Keywords: Vocational rehabilitation, ICF, ICF Core Set, spinal cord injury, case study

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2012-1310

Citation: Work, vol. 41, no. 4, pp. 465-474, 2012

Authors: Shaw, Lynn

Article Type: Research Article

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2012-1422

Citation: Work, vol. 41, no. 4, pp. 475-476, 2012

Authors: Shaw, Lynn

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Objective: This feature article on knowledge transfer presents principles and strategies to support the development of short communiqués to end-users. Participants: Formal and informal knowledge brokers are the targeted users of the strategies. Methods: Research studies and conceptual literature in knowledge transfer informed the development of brief-Knowledge Transfer (b-KT) principles. Principles are explained and a sample of how they informed the development of KIT-Tip Sheets is offered to promote ways to use …principles in knowledge dissemination. Results: b-KT principles can be used as a framework to guide the development of short communiqués by knowledge brokers in work practice but also in the health, social and rehabilitation domains. In addition, these principles promote the participation of end-users in the development of knowledge transfer. Conclusions: Formal evaluation is needed on the use of these principles in achieving the uptake and use of knowledge by end-users. Show more

Keywords: Knowledge brokering, strategies, knowledge dissemination

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2012-1423

Citation: Work, vol. 41, no. 4, pp. 477-481, 2012

Article Type: Other

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2012-1424

Citation: Work, vol. 41, no. 4, pp. 483-484, 2012

Article Type: Other

Citation: Work, vol. 41, no. 4, pp. 485-488, 2012

Article Type: Other

Citation: Work, vol. 41, no. 4, pp. 489-490, 2012