ABSTRACT

Objective : The purpose of this study is to develop a more effective vocational rehabilitation process by examining the issues and current status of the existing vocational rehabilitation process in facilities for the handicapped in terms of vocational evaluation, vocational training, job placement, and follow-up guidance.Methods : To collect data, a questionnaire was mailed to vocational rehabilitation specialists in 81 facilities for the handicapped that operate a vocational rehabilitation process.Results : The following lists identified problems in the vocational rehabilitation process: lack of job evaluation tools, unsystematic evaluation method, shortage of trained staff, insufficient job opportunities for the handicapped due to a fact that the a large number of handicapped in the examined facilities are severely disabled, and a lack of follow-up guidance. To revitalize vocational rehabilitation process for the handicapped, it is urgent to identify suitable jobs for training, and to develop an education program to prepare the potential employees for the job. In regard to job replacement, it is important to improve the perception concerning the ability of the handicapped, change the employers' attitude, devise a protection policy of the government and companies for the severely disabled people, and supplement professional staffs in charge of follow-up guidance.Conclusions : The study identified problems of the vocational rehabilitation process in facilities for the handicapped and provided suggestions to redress the problems. The results are expected to be used as basic data for the government and facilities for the handicapped in order to seek solutions and develop better vocational rehabilitation service programs.