Valoración del impacto funcional producido en participantes de Taller Laboral Protegido Los Coihues

Abstract

The main goal of this study is to demonstrate that maintaining an active work life has a determining impact on people's functional tasks. We also considered important to objectively assess the benefits of programs developed for disabled adults. We propose the use of the Functional Independence Assessment (FIA) to fulfil these goals. This instrument was administered to 14 inpatients, 80% of which had suffered disabling traumatic brain injury, and 20% with spinal cord injury, all of whom have had attended the sheltered workshop of Clínica Los Coihues during a two year period. Their ages ranged between 29 and 74 years old, with an average of 56 years, and their average time of hospitalisation was of 8 years. The FIA considers five performance areas and abilities: motor, social, cognitive, activities of daily living, and work. We observed achievements in all of these areas, specially in the social and work aspects, although all areas were facilitated. Patients demonstrated high levels of personal satisfaction as well as direct benefits in their interpersonal relationships and mood. It is important to emphasize a sense of belonging to a group, a greater identity in social roles, and an increase in significant verbal and non verbal expression, which represent volitional indicators that are inherent to the human being as a person. These factors are demonstrated in the FIA.