Affiliations: Kyoto Prefectural Rakunan Hospital, Kyoto, Japan | Department of Rehabilitation Science, Osaka Health
Science University, Osaka, Japan | Faculty of Health Science, Kyorin University, Tokyo,
Japan | Department of Occupational Therapy, Aino University,
Osaka, Japan | Department of Occupational Therapy, Minoh Gakuen
Fukushihoiku Technical College, Osaka, Japan
Abstract: OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this paper is to review the methods and
the activities of occupational therapists (OTs) in the field of work support
for persons with mental disabilities in Japan. METHODS: Necessary information is gathered through review of
literatures. RESULTS: Japanese OTs are working in myriad locations across a
number of areas in the field of mental disabilities, including medical
institutions, self-support facilities, public employment security offices,
employment and life support centers for persons with disabilities, public
health centers, and vocational rehabilitation centers. Work support has been
implemented in each setting, and there is a diverse range of implementations.
In discussing work support in Japan, it is important to note that it is still
often implemented in a conventional way – that is to say, through a
gradual-support methodology, based on the working-readiness model. However,
some of the work support initiatives have begun to embrace cutting-edge
approaches, such as network-oriented implementation. CONCLUSION: It is necessary for OTs in Japan to implement work
support using the most effective means available. Repeating such efforts will
drive a paradigm shift facilitating a transition from the outdated
working-readiness model, andhelp persons with disabilities to have decent
jobs.
