by Jan Wright

Created on: October 14, 2009   Last Updated: October 15, 2009

Whether you are recently disabled or have been disabled for a great length of time, you might have the need for some rehabilitative services. There are two reasons to use some type of rehabilitative services. First, when a person is recently disabled, they might need services to help them regain and utilize any small ability that is left. It also helps them to adjust to their new life as either a temporarily or permanent person with a disability. There are always medical and psychological adjustments that will need to be made. Rehabilitation services are also used when a person needs some extra help in doing everyday life activities which could include becoming employed.

If you are a veteran, the Veteran's hospital offers some rehabilitation services. these services focus on evaluating your current injury and attempting to help you regain as much strength and ability as possible. For this, routine occupational and physical therapy is utilized. Rehabilitative services might also help you purchase any equipment that is related to performing daily living skills. Hospitals also offer limited therapy to disabled clients upon a Doctor's request. There are entities that will help you pay for rehabilitation services, but you will have to fill out paper work that details your need and/or the time and efforts that it will take to help you regain as much ability as possible. If you have the money, you might want to hire your own PT (Physical therapist) or OT (occupational therapist). These options are quite expensive, however.

Rehabilitation services are required when: loss of movement has been experienced due to an accident or medical problem. Sometimes psychological services are included in rehabilitation to help the client adapt to their disability.

Vocational Rehabilitation, a federal program which is run by each state Government, under the auspice of FSSA, focuses on daily living skills, but extends itself to employment. They might help any disabled person purchase equipment that is needed to be successful in college and/or the work place. Such equipment might include: a computer, a wheelchair, ramps for buildings, braille labeling, a note taker, specific software, an adapted vehicle,equipment that has been adapted to make performing specific tasks easier or mentoring services. VR (vocational rehabilitation) does help with medical expenses, if these will lead to a better quality of life and possible future employment. VR has been known to supply equipment and services for people who need assistance with their everyday skills at home such as cooking, cleaning and organization.

sources:

www.vba.va.gov/bln/vre/index.htm

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