Vocational Rehabilitation

      Imagine a life without work!  At first, this may seem like a dream come true, but there is satisfaction from doing something unique, worthwhile, and independently.  For people with cognitive and psychiatric disabilities, this is a challenge.  How does one meet such a basic need when confronted with cognitive deficits?  Here is where the power of the psychological tests can really help. 

     A client does not live in a vacuum.  He or she may have a family who has been struggling to help with the disability for many years.  There may have been a major event at a particular time that has changed a person's life.  The counselor who wants to help may not know what type of environment is optimal for the client.  Clients themselves have expectations, which need to be respected.  Many people with cognitive disabilities simply give up, stay home, and incorrectly think they amount to very little as they have not been able to find the right match for their skill sets and personality style to have a successful adjustment in a vocational setting.  

     I consider assessment as a vital first step to successful vocational adjustment.   I write a report so the client and support team can use the information to obtain appropriate services to promote success for that individual.  Further I recognize psychological tests have their limitations for individuals who do not fit mainstream norms, who are from different cultural and religious backgrounds, and/or have a non-English home language, and I adapt  these issues for individual needs.  I respect the individual, not a diagnosis or label.  This outlook helps those who are differently abled to find their best fit in life tasks. 

     Specifically, my approach is thorough and seeks to understand the individual's cognitive and adaptive functioning as it interacts with medical, emotional, vocational interests, psychiatric problems, family and social functioning, and academic achievement.  I assemble data considering strengths, interests, possible immediate job/environment fits, training needs, and if necessary recommend psychiatric care.  I also discuss accommodations necessary to assist those with special needs, such as the use of assistive technology or sheltered work settings that can maximize career potential.