Microcomputer Skills Training Program for the Physically Disabled in Long Term Rehabilitation

Abstract

This article describes the development, implementation and results of a Microcomputer Skills Training Program for severely disabled inpatients at a rehabilitation facility. Six patients ranging in age from 22 to 66 years were selected via an evaluation procedure developed by a multidisciplinary Computer Committee within the Department of Rehabilitation Medicine. Physical disabilities ranged from spinal cord injury to neurologically based impairments. The curriculum included computer literacy, word processing, data entry, spreadsheet and introduction to programming. This program provided participants with potentially marketable skills, whether for hospital based clerical positions, homebound or competitive employment. These results have demonstrated the viability and benefits of microcomputer skills vocational training for patients in long term rehabilitation.