Work with brain injury

Health professional

Young adults or adults of working age may experience an acquired brain injury (ABI).

Those with ABI may aspire to resume their previous work roles, or they might seek alternative positions, new workplaces, or different daily activities.

As a healthcare professional (e.g., specialist doctor, general practitioner, occupational therapist, social worker, psychologist), your role is pivotal in supporting individuals with ABI.

  • How can you effectively assist them in evaluating their own work capabilities?
  • What type of work aligns best with their needs?
  • What adjustments or modified tasks are necessary to facilitate their success?

Your guidance can help individuals with ABI make informed decisions about their vocational options and create a supportive environment tailored to their unique requirements.

 

Engagement is a key aspect of the rehabilitation journey, where employment can play a significant role.

Employment encompasses a spectrum from unpaid part-time work to full-time paid positions.

  • The definition of 'work' is subjective and holds personal significance for each individual.
  • Work serves as a means to reestablish a sense of control in life (Klepo et al., 2020) and can aid in managing acquired brain injury (ABI) or integrating it into one's life more effectively.
  • Additionally, working has been linked to positive impacts on health (van der Noordt et al., 2014).

To enhance the labour participation of individuals with brain injuries, it is essential to increase awareness about brain injuries and their impact on workplace functioning.

Below are questions tailored for healthcare professionals like yourself, categorised into three themes:

  • Early Focus on Work: In what ways and at what stage do you discuss work with individuals with brain injuries?
  • Vocational Rehabilitation: How can you incorporate a rehabilitation process that focuses on returning to work?
  • Sustainable Follow-Up: What strategies can you employ to ensure a lasting and successful return to work for individuals with brain injuries?

👉 Click on a specific topic for further detailed information and guidance.

 

You are welcome to explore involvement from other stakeholders:

  • the individual with a brain injury,
  • the employment agent (job mediator or coach), or
  • the employer (supervisor or coworker).

If interested, customized information sessions and training on 'Employment post-brain injury' are available. For further details, please reach out to dorien.vandenborre@thomasmore.be.

Additionally, please review this information

Here you will find specific information for other stakeholders, such as:

  • the person with an acquired brain injury and their loved ones (person with ABI)
  • this person's boss, manager or colleague (employer)
  • the work mediator or job coach (employment agent).
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