Transitioning From Rehabilitee to Rehabilitator: An Integrative Model of an Educational Training Program for Persons Living With Disabilities to Help Others Integrate Into the World of Work

Abstract

Background:Persons living with disabilities have difficulty finding work, are discriminated against, and have high rates of unemployment. They face many barriers, including stereotyped perceptions that prevent employers from hiring people with disabilities.Objective:To promote equality in the employment market and to lower barriers, we at Gal College in cooperation with the School of Social Work at Tel-Aviv University developed an innovative multidimensional integrative program.Methods:The program offers a beneficial learning experience that integrates professional studies with a personal rehabilitation process as the students themselves cope and live with their disability. The program graduates then become rehabilitators who serve as employment placement workers and rehabilitation facilitators for others coping with disability. All the students completed at least 12 years of school, were between the ages of 25 and 55, and were out of work for a long period of time.Findings:The quantitative results reveal a high placement rate for program graduates. Over the years, this rate has increased from 79% to 100%, testifying to the program’s success.Conclusions:Analyzes the dynamic learning model as well as the quantitative results and the successful transition from rehabilitee to rehabilitator.