Community integration: Current issues in cognitive and vocational rehabilitation for individuals with ABI

Abstract

Abstract-In this article, we examine cognitive and vocational rehabilitation and the issues related to minority veterans with acquired brain injury (ABI). As more servicemembers are returning from conflict, ways to help them repair their lives, not only physically but also socially and economically, are increasingly needed. The challenges of ABI are multifactorial; that is, the problems are not just cognitive or emotional but spill over into community living and vocational issues. Individuals from racial/ethnic minority backgrounds often face even more difficulties. Therefore, we review the nature of cognitive and vocational rehabilitation and suggest areas for additional research.

Cognition and return to work after mild/moderate traumatic brain injury: A systematic review

“…First, cognitive rehabilitation post TBI focused more on using compensatory strategies than remedial strategies. Several studies in this review recommended the use of compensatory strategies [19,42,43,49]. Cernich et al [63] stated that training in the use of supportive devices remains central to independent functioning of individuals with TBI in the community.…”

“…One Level I systematic review [19] highlighted the role of cognitive interventions in improving neurobehavioral symptoms and successful RTW. Four Level IV descriptive reviews [8,[42][43][44] recommended cognitive interventions, with increased emphasis on compensatory strategies, to facilitate RTW.…”

Toward a Veteran-centric view on community (re)integration

“…This includes, but is not limited to, those with nontraditional family structures [1], those whose identification or help-seeking is limited by stigma [25], and those from racial and ethnic minority backgrounds who may face additional difficulties with (re)integration [5,27]. Further, exploration of the variance in experience between Active Duty and National Guard/Reserve Veterans [5,[28][29], between returning male and female servicemembers [5,28,30], and assessment of the community (re)integration needs of those Veterans who are not patients in rehabilitation settings [5] is also recommended.…”

Enhanced vocational rehabilitation for Veterans with mild traumatic brain injury and mental illness: Pilot study

“…Our results provide additional evidence that offering cognitive rehabilitation along with vocational rehabilitation for cognitively impaired Veterans with TBI and MI may improve return to work [45]. This small body of literature underscores the importance of using cognitive rehabilitation services to create changes in functional aspects (e.g., employment) of Veteran's daily lives, consistent with the goals of vocational rehabilitation, which support the belief that anyone, regardless of disability, is employable when provided with the right resources [52].…”