Psychology

The majority of wellness programs are offered at the worksite to full-time employees. Research about these programs indicates that participating employees experience improved health and work-related outcomes, and that outcomes are exaggerated for workers with multiple health risk factors. People who are not employed or are underemployed cannot access health promotion services at the worksite. This is a significant barrier for people with physical disability because they experience lower rates of employment and higher rates of secondary health conditions than the general population. Compromised health reduces the probability of full-time employment. Secondary health issues such as pain, depression, anxiety, fatigue, and sleep problems are each associated with worse employment outcomes. Many secondary health conditions, however, can be managed through health promotion activities. Increasing participation in wellness programs may be a viable strategy for improving health and employment outcomes of adults with physical disability. Vocational Rehabilitation provides one possible access point for this delivery