**2.2. The importance of vocational rehabilitation in people with disabilities**

Vocational rehabilitation is a process that helps someone to overcome the barriers when beginning to work, continuing to work, or returning to work after any accident, illness, or disorder [6, 11]. This process consists of a flexible set of applications that takes shape from one step to the next according to the needs of the individual [12]. These practices are a very important step for participation in social life again for people with disabilities who have not been able to enter the education system for various reasons; who are disconnected from this system at any stage, disabled while working; or who want to change their occupation [6]. Vocational rehabilitation practices involving individuals who lose their jobs, employers, family members and related persons cover procedures that can help them to easily reach and continue these programs.

models is not fully used, general order and principles can be used, while vocational rehabilitation programs are being created [11, 21]. In a study published in 2011 by Escorpizo et al., relevant results were found between assessment methods used in vocational rehabilitation and some ICF categories and pointed out the importance of using this model in vocational rehabilitation [21]. In another study in the United States, it was argued that the ICF model is a new turning point in understanding and addressing health and health problems [22]. It has been determined that this method may assist in occupational rehabilitation team, determine the necessary treatments, develop effective placement strategies and evaluate outcomes [22]. The ICF's core set for vocational rehabilitation has been formed to serve as an international standard and to measure and/or report concerning functioning of individuals at vocational

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**2.4. Importance of functional capacity evaluations in vocational rehabilitation**

Functional capacity evaluations are an objective measurement method that evaluates the activity status, activity limitations, physical requirements of the work and the general work situation of people with disabilities and those who have experienced work injury and gives suggestions for ultimately taking part in the job-related and participatory role [24–27]. These assessment methods have been used in North America since the early 1980s [13]. This term coincides with the time when ergotherapy is developing rapidly. The desire to find valid data in order to increase the return of persons to safe work has increased the importance of functional capacity evaluations. For the last 40 years, with the development of technology, more objective and computerized measures began to be used, resulting in healthier work choices and successful job placements [27–29]. Functional capacity evaluations are implemented by physiotherapists, occupational therapists, physicians, occupational rehabilitation consultants and many other professional occupations [9]. It is stated that the person who made the mea-

For people with physical disabilities to be employed, functional capacity needs to be evaluated first and then placed in appropriate jobs [8, 9, 30, 31]. Functional capacity evaluations can be made from medical, functional, psychological, physical and occupational aspects. Following the determination of the functional capacity, it is stated that the work analysis should be carried out at a later stage to assess the requirements of the work and the functional capacity should be adjusted to meet the needs of the job [4]. The decision should be made to place the person with disabilities in the work course or job [4]. As a result of the functional capacity evaluations, it is aimed to determine the capacity of the person to meet the demands of the job and the appropriate jobs [8–10]. If there is a problem to continue to work, an action plan should be made [10]. This plan should be to place the person in a modified job, to train the person about job demands, to direct the person to a treatment center when there is a medical problem, or to prepare the person for a new job with vocational rehabilitation if it is not

The purpose is very important when choosing a functional capacity evaluation method [24, 31]. If it is the intention to return to the old job, job requirements should be determined by job analysis [24]. Functional capacity evaluation results should be compared with the physical

rehabilitation programs [23].

surement should be trained in this subject [9, 11].

possible to return to the previous job [10].

In vocational rehabilitation, the person's disability, cause, nature and age do not matter [6]. What is important is whether the disability situation creates a barrier from a professional point of view [6]. If the present obstacle situation is a real problem for the present or future work, it indicates the need for vocational rehabilitation [6].

#### **2.3. The scope of vocational rehabilitation**

Like all other rehabilitation services, vocational rehabilitation will continue to be a developing field based on the evidence gained through research. Described by H. Kayıhan in 2009 [17], vocational rehabilitation includes steps of assessment, guidance, training, placement, protection and monitoring. In the assessment, an analysis of the physical, mental and vocational abilities of a person who is injured or remains after the disease is made. During this analysis, it is very important for the evaluator to evaluate the findings effectively and efficiently and to know that the findings can vary according to personality traits during this process [11]. Proposals are made in the field of guidance for vocational education and employment opportunities. In the training section, the person is trained and prepared for the job. The next step is to help the person find a suitable job. Special arrangements make it easier for the recruited person to work. In the last step, the person is followed until the full adaptation to the job is secured [17].

In vocational rehabilitation, the cause of disability, the nature of disability and the age of the disabled person do not matter. The important thing is whether there is an obstacle to work. If the physical and/or mental disability of the person is an obstacle to the current or future work, then professional rehabilitation is needed [18, 19]. People with disabilities should be assessed on the basis of their capacities, competencies, potential and relevance before starting vocational training. Akel et al. [19] reported that even adolescents with chronic diseases should be educated about possible future occupations. Functional and work capacity of the people is investigated. Parallel to the results obtained, training is provided to increase the work potential of the person and to prepare him to the activities. Vocational rehabilitation team includes people from professional groups such as doctors, physiotherapists, occupational therapists/ergotherapists, psychiatrists, psychologists, course teachers, social workers, professional advisers and some other professionals as architects or engineers [17].

The 'International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health' (ICF), created by the World Health Organization in 2002, classifies health and health-related areas by defining body functions and structure, activities and participation [11, 20]. These areas are categorized by physical, personal and social aspects. Since the function and disability of the subject are in the same context, ICF also includes environmental factors [11]. The social model and ICF are the models that professional rehabilitation practitioners can use. Even if the content of the models is not fully used, general order and principles can be used, while vocational rehabilitation programs are being created [11, 21]. In a study published in 2011 by Escorpizo et al., relevant results were found between assessment methods used in vocational rehabilitation and some ICF categories and pointed out the importance of using this model in vocational rehabilitation [21]. In another study in the United States, it was argued that the ICF model is a new turning point in understanding and addressing health and health problems [22]. It has been determined that this method may assist in occupational rehabilitation team, determine the necessary treatments, develop effective placement strategies and evaluate outcomes [22]. The ICF's core set for vocational rehabilitation has been formed to serve as an international standard and to measure and/or report concerning functioning of individuals at vocational rehabilitation programs [23].
