Vocational Services
The Occupational Therapy Department has a variety of services focusing on the goal of helping clients with physical disabilities attain their potential in the area of work. This continuum offers a unique collaboration between an occupational therapist and a vocational evaluator who design and coordinate the services. The following is a brief description of each available service.
Stepping Out Program
A ten-week program for brain injury and stroke survivors who desire to engage in meaningful and productive activities both in the home and in the community and who want to increase their independence. The program involves both individual and group sessions that help clients identify and work toward their goals in order to reintegrate into the community. Sessions are held two times a week for two hours.
Work Readiness Program
A comprehensive six-week program for clients with any disability who desire to work or go to a school/training program and are uncertain about what type of work they can do. The program involves both group and individual sessions to assist individuals in exploring their work interests, current skills, abilities, aptitudes and physical capabilities in order to help them develop a specific, realistic work goal. Upon completion of the program, clients are provided with specific recommendations and appropriate resources to work towards their individualized goals. Sessions are held three times a week for two hours.
Basic Computer Group
A group for clients who want to gain confidence in using the computer at home, school, or work. Basic instruction and practice are provided for setting up the computer and using accessibility features, using the Internet, using e-mail and using Microsoft Word. Sessions are held two times a week for two-to three weeks for each topic.
Worksite Evaluation
An individualized evaluation conducted at the worksite who have a job to return to. Reasonable accommodations are suggested and coordinated with the employer when applicable.
Vocational Evaluation
A three to five-day assessment designed for clients who have identified a specific work goal. An individualized plan is developed to assess the individual’s work-related potential for that specific occupation including cognitive and learning abilities, skills, aptitudes, interests, and physical and mental tolerances.
Functional Capacity Evaluation
A one-day computerized assessment to obtain objective, valid and reliable information to determine whether or not a client is capable of meeting the physical demands of a specific occupation or any occupation.
For more information, please contact:
Denise Ha, OTR/L or Kathleen Kelley, MS, Vocational Evalautor
Occupational Therapy Department
Vocational Services Continuum
Rancho Los Amigos National Rehabilitation Center
7601 East Imperial Highway, 900 Building, Room 89
Downey, CA 90242
Telephone: (562) 401-7722
Testimonials
Clara Denson's Story - "My mind was consumed with the fear of not being able to control my life and take care of myself. All I thought about was working. But how could I work - when I could not even manage my PPS (Post Polio Syndrome)?"
Denise Perkins' Story - "I have been through both the "Stepping Out" and "Work Readiness" programs. I learned a lot from "Stepping Out". I learned to keep a daily log of appointments and things that I do. They showed us how to manage money, and how to make goals for ourselves. "The Work Readiness" program taught me about my work strengths and weaknesses. I know that I could do office work, but I needed to brush up on my math and reading skills. So I decided to go to Cerritos College. Work Readiness also taught me to be independent."