Integrated Disability Management

Abstract

This article sets out to increase awareness regarding the wide and universal significance of disability, as well as the important benefits of an Integrated Disability Management (IDM) approach. The scientific basis for IDM is explored in the first place through an analysis of its relationship to the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF). The conceptual paradigm of the ICF shares an ideological position with the IDM approach in that they are both underpinned by dynamic and multidimensional constructions of disability, which imply equally holistic and interdisciplinary responses. The IDM approach can be applied across a diversity of human situations to provide solutions that reflect the multifaceted and widespread nature of disability. The IDM approach is intended as a strategy capable of handling: inclusion of people with disabilities, active aging of human resources, health and safety in the workplace, prevention of disabilities and various diseases, return-to-work, absenteeism, and presenteeism.

Return to Work following Ill Health or Disability in a Public-Private Health Care Facility: A Study in South Africa

“…A DM programme is a process in the workplace designed to enable the employment of PWDs in a co-ordinated effort considering the individual needs, organisation needs and the legal responsibilities (Department of Public Service and Administration, 2006). An integrated DM approach has many advantages such as enhanced communication between employer and employee, improved cost efficiency through decreases duplication of services and increased capacity to measure health and productivity (Angeloni, 2013). An effective DM system reduces long-term absenteeism and employee turnover in terms of medical boarding or early retirement as the result of ill health.…”

“…An effective DM system reduces long-term absenteeism and employee turnover in terms of medical boarding or early retirement as the result of ill health. DM improves productivity, employee satisfaction, health and safety outcomes by providing services that are employee centred (Angeloni, 2013;Krause & Lund, 2004) . Return to work strategies and reasonable accommodation (RA) are essential aspects in DM.…”

“…Return to work strategies and reasonable accommodation (RA) are essential aspects in DM. A successful RTW system decreases absenteeism rates and enables an ill or a disabled employee to secure, retain or advance in suitable employment within the current workplace thereby reintegrating employees back into the open labour market and decreasing the burden on the state in terms of disability pensions or incapacity pay-outs (Angeloni, 2013;Gensby et al, 2012;Naidoo et al, 2016). Reasonable accommodation is defined as measures taken to ensure that a person with disability is able perform duties with minimal assistance through provision of assistive devices, rearranging working hours, reassigning duties and making the premises accessible (Schreuer, Myhill, Aratan-Bergman, Samant & Blanck, 2009;Department of Public Service and Administration, 2007;Naidoo et al, 2016).…”

Consumers’ Loyalty Related to Labor Inclusion of People with Disabilities

“…This topic is important considering that 15% of population has a disability ( WHO, 2011 ) and that this percentage will increase due to chronic diseases that will be overcome due to the increasing age of the population ( Angeloni, 2013 ). On the other hand, the Council for Disability Awareness ( CDA, 2013 ) highlights that 25% of young people that are 20 years old will suffer a disability before finishing their professional career.…”

“…On the other hand, the Council for Disability Awareness ( CDA, 2013 ) highlights that 25% of young people that are 20 years old will suffer a disability before finishing their professional career. Moreover, we can’t forget that behind a person with a disability there is almost always a family who directly or indirectly suffer or share the hardships of their relative with a disability ( Angeloni, 2013 ; Adecco, 2014 ).…”