WORK: A Journal of Prevention,Assessment & Rehabilitation

The objective of this article is to examine current medical, economic, and social trends affecting the provision of rehabilitation services for rural citizens with disabilities. While the population of interest is citizens of Louisiana, the concepts are applicable across all geographic boundaries. The article is a review of clinical practice, job placement alternatives, economic trends, and assessment of process applications. It is concluded numerous steps may be taken to enhance the availability and quality of services provided for rural citizens with disabilities: greater statistical inquiry into rural disability trends, increased incorporation of the Internet into all aspects of rural economic and educational developments, further development of distance learning, promotion of sensitivities towards rural cultures, and continued recruitment of rural allied and vocational rehabilitation professionals.

A defining difference between rural and urban circumstances for people with disabilities involves opportunities for work. One of the most significant elements of the rural context is that economic conditions in rural communities consistently trail the national economy. This paper presents an overview of disability in rural America and outlines an ecological model for guiding the development of rural solutions to rehabilitation problems. Two promising examples of such solutions, self-employment as a rural vocational rehabilitation employment option and rural economic leadership by people with disabilities, are outlined.

Through the use of professional experience and case studies, this article will examine the occurrence of injuries and work site accommodations for employees in a pipe fabrication facility. Specific means early injury intervention and environment or ergonomic controls can benefit both worker and employer regarding return-to-work transition will be discussed. Three case studies will be cited to specifically describe means a condition of events may contribute to a successful return-to-work outcome.

Although humankind has long suffered from dental ills, and despite progressive efforts by the field of dentistry to provide dental healthcare in a compassionate and anxiety-free manner, the profession of dentistry has suffered a tarnished reputation. Going to the dentist is considered painful and induces fear among most people; however, this mindset is changing. Dentists of today are beginning to take their rightful place as integral members of the health care team, including disability management initiatives. The public and other health care providers are beginning to recognize the importance of oral health to the overall health of the body. Dental care is a vital component to rehabilitation planning. Unfortunately, some government agencies, insurance companies, and other policy making bodies have failed to grasp the importance of this concept. Also, professionals within the field of dentistry have not fully grasped the important of continued dental care for persons with disabilities, geriatric patients, the deinstitutionalized, and others in need of rehabilitation services. Problems associated with the delivery of dental care to patients with disabilities are discussed.

The current trend of cost containment in health care has prompted a search for innovative methods of providing the best quality care at the lowest possible cost. One method that has received much attention is the use of telemedicine to conduct evaluations at rural locations. There has been much research conducted in the area of telemedicine for radiology, and some other medical specialties, however there has been very little research examining the utilization of telemedicine for allied health, vocational rehabilitation, and Assistive Technology evaluations. In addition to providing an overview of telemedicine service delivery history and mechanisms, results of a focus group are discussed, and specific applications for the field of vocational rehabilitation are considered.

Logging is a dangerous occupation, as documented through reported injuries and fatalities. Accidents in the logging industry account for pain, suffering, employee turnover, and high insurance costs. Worker injuries and high insurance costs, in addition to other factors, may be minimized and reduced through safety education and improved logging practices. Furthermore, the injured logger, or logger with a disability may return to logging or other employment through development of viable medical and vocational rehabilitation planing. This article addresses the economic impact of logging, reviews logging injuries, describes a safety program designed to reduce logging injures, discusses rehabilitation considerations for specific injuries, and outlines particular reemployment prospects for loggers with disabilities.