ABSTRACT

Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of functional empowerment program for vocational rehabilitation on the hand function, cognitive function, social skills, and job competency of people with intellectual disabilities, and to identify the influence of hand function, cognitive function, and social skills on job competency. Methods: A pretest-posttest control group design of the true experimental design was used, and the intervention was conducted for 50 min, 3 times a week, for a total of 12 weeks. For comparison of before and after the intervention, a pinch gauge and purdue pegboard were used for hand function, a Loewenstein Occupational Therapy Cognitive Assessment was used for the cognitive function, and a work personality profile was used for job competency. Results: The experimental group’s hand function, cognitive function, social skill, and job competency were improved, and showed significant differences compared to the control group. The main factors affecting the job competency were the cognitive function and social skills. Conclusion: It was confirmed that the program has value and usefulness as a vocational rehabilitation program to effectively strengthen the functional capabilities of intellectual disabilities. Therefore, this study proposes the use of a program for the functional empowerment of intellectual disabilities of those who want to find a job.