USE OF TECHNOLOGY SERVICES TO MAINTAIN EMPLOYMENT AMONG
PEOPLE AGING WITH SPINAL CORD INJURY AND OTHER DISABILITIES
Principal Investigator: Don McNeal, Ph.D.
Purposes
The two purposes of this study are 1) to document the need for job accommodation for people aging with a disability which occurred earlier in life and 2) to develop methods for providing job accommodation services to help maintain employment as later life changes occur.
Methodology
Interviews of employed or recently unemployed persons, interviews of employers, and worksite assessments. The sample includes people with SCI, polio, and rheumatoid arthritis.
Preliminary Results
Fifty-six people have been interviewed. Most had some college
education and worked over 20 years. Most experienced later life declines
in function with at least some impact in employment. Seventeen people with
polio retired early. Ten worksite assessments have been done. Many people
declined to have a worksite evaluation because of concern over "making
waves". Progress will continue until about 120 people are assessed.