Relationship of Therapy to Postsecondary Education and Employment in Young Adults With Physical Disabilities

Abstract

Results suggest that therapy services that focus on improvement of upper extremity function, self-care skills, and social skills are associated with participation in postsecondary education. Longer follow-up is needed to effectively examine paid employment.

The use of the concept of transition in different disciplines within health and social welfare: An integrative literature review

“…In occupational therapy, transition between contexts concerned, for instance, the retirement process, that is from working life to retirement (Jonsson, 2011). Other examples were the transition from secondary education into further education and/or payed employment for young adults with physical disabilities (Bjornson, Kobayashi, Zhou, & Walker, 2011) and the transition from hospital to home (Brauer et al, 2011).…”

Transition in acquired brain injury youth (TrABI-Y): a systematic literature review protocol

“…These benefits and improved health outcomes have also been noted in other youth population with chronic illnesses, especially for patients with cystic fibrosis and diabetes, following a structured multidisciplinary transition programme 3. However, the availability of these transition programmes is still limited and evidence on their effectiveness is inconclusive, which may be the result of wide variations in the structure and delivery of these programmes 3 17–19 27 28…”

“…Differences between paediatric and adult healthcare settings can lead to consequences for the transitioning youth population, as paediatric healthcare providers tend to ignore the growing independence of adolescents while adult care providers encourage their patients to take responsibility for their care and health 3 13–16. Several studies have stressed the positive correlation between lack of readiness for transition and deterioration in the health status of young people with ABI 17–19. As a result, adolescents and young adults transitioning to adult care facilities often feel unprepared, which leads to lower rates of follow-up appointments, attendance and medication compliance 3 20.…”

Employment outcomes for adults with cerebral palsy: an issue that needs to be addressed

“…The role of higher education and increased services in achieving employment are particularly germane to health care providers. Therapy services provided in early adolescence have been associated with participation in postsecondary education by young adults with disabilities, including CP . However, such services are provided less often to adolescents than to young children .…”

“…Therapy services, called related services in school systems, which support educational outcomes are mandated by law. Activities of daily living, expressive language skills (which can be provided by augmentative devices when speech is not possible), social skills, and arm/hand use are routine therapy outcomes for occupational and physical therapists and speech‐language pathologists that have been identified as important to future employment . Driver education and/or use of community mobility systems when available are aspects of work that can be initiated in the school system, especially when vocational rehabilitation services are part of transition planning.…”