What is "vocational rehabilitation"

n. providing training in a specific trade with the aim of gaining employment

Vocational rehabilitation is a process which enables persons with functional, psychological, developmental, cognitive and emotional impairments or health disabilities to overcome barriers to accessing, maintaining or returning to employment or other useful occupation.

Vocational rehabilitation can require input from a range of health care professionals and other non-medical disciplines such as disability employment advisers and career counselors. Techniques used can include:

• assessment, appraisal, program evaluation and research.
• goal setting and intervention planning.
• provision of health advice and promotion, in support of returning to work.
• support for self-management of health conditions.
• making adjustments to the medical and psychological impact of a disability.
• case management, referral, and service co-ordination.
• psychosocial interventions.
• career counseling, job analysis, job development, and placement services.
• functional and work capacity evaluations.

Vocational rehabilitation practitioners are often governed by standards of practice. In the United Kingdom these are produced by the Vocational Rehabilitation Association.