Community capacity building in the State of Florida
Keywords:
Traumatic brain injury (TBI), vocational counseling, return to work, community capacity building, customized employment
Abstract
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) is a multi-faceted and complex injury with unique incidence, prevalence, and consequence that affects health, independent function, and participation in society. Currently, limited long-term funding sources are available to support the vocational rehabilitation needs of individuals with TBI. To improve our understanding of the diverse needs of this population, eight vocational organizations throughout Florida received community capacity-building grants awards. Through these grants, 81 individuals with TBI received vocational guidance counseling and disability adjustment services for a period of one year. Participants completed a project survey upon entry into and exit from the program, with a completion response rate of 48%. Results indicate that the participants' internal thoughts and beliefs about ability to work showed significant improvement after receipt of customized services. Survey findings suggest that the individuals who received tailored vocational guidance and disability adjustment services showed better adjustment to return to work.
Citation
Dillahunt-Aspillaga, C., Jorgensen-Smith, T., Ehlke, S., Hanson, A., Sosinski, M., & Gonzalez, C. (2015). Community capacity building in the State of Florida: Disability adjustment and vocational guidance counseling for individuals with traumatic brain injury. Journal of Applied Rehabilitation Counseling, 46(1), 3-13.