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Vocational
Services
What
is occupational therapy?
 The
art and science of directing participation in tasks to restore
and enhance performance, facilitate learning of the skills
and functions essential for adaptation and productivity . (AOTA, 1972). This may include adapting a task or environment
to achieve maximum independence and enhance the quality of
life. An OT helps people with the challenges that can impair
their ability to perform activities basic to the fulfillment
of rolls (AOTA, 1995).
Why
provision of vocational training by an Occupational Therapist?
Having
an Occupational Therapist provide vocational services allows
the person with a brain injury to be evaluated and treated
with a holistic approach. They are better able to assist clients
in re-establishing their sense of worth and productivity through
gain employment. If paid employment is not realistic option,
the OT may assist with pursuing alternatives to enhance the
person's quality of life. Click here for more information.
Roles
of the Occupational Therapist in Vocational Rehabilitation:
- Assist
injured persons in developing work readiness and the physical
capacity necessary to work productively
- Help
the individual develop behaviors and skills required for
future vocational tasks and job placement
- Monitor
work success and performance
- Assist
with the transition to paid employment, including writing
resumes and cover letters, job searching, and preparing
for interviews
- Provide
education to employers, coworkers, and teaches about the
effects of brain injury
- Assist
with registration and set up of necessary accommodations
for schooling
- Job
shadow the individual to provide suggestions
- Complete
ergonomic assessments
- Identify
the necessary adaptations and strategies required for success
on the job
- Monitor
the need to use outside resources for increased job support
Vocational
Services at Origami
The
are many levels of vocational intervention that use the individual's
unique skills to reach individual goals. This allows for a
more appropriate "vocational match." Services may include
but are not limited to:
- Volunteer
job within the Origami facility, and/or in the community
when ready
- Job
shadowing/career exploration
- Paid
employment within a supported community setting or in an
independent setting (including pre-injury employment)
- Assistance
with all types of schooling, as a prevocational task
What
Makes Vocational Services Unique at Origami?
Origami's
partnership with Peckham Vocational Industries! Peckham is
a nationally recognized community rehabilitation organization
that provides a wide range of quality vocational cervices.
The strong community employment network, including state of
the art warehouse, manufacturing, and business service environments,
offers highly customized vocational service options to meet
each person's specific needs. Peckham provides Origami with
an intense vocational evaluation program as needed, individualized
"job tryouts," and several other vocational supports. This
allows for unique work experiences, which better prepares
the individual for meaningful, gainful employment.
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