Re-employability assessment of persons with traumatic brain injury

Ph.D (Industrial Psychology)Brain injuries often occur suddenly and without warning, and from that instant, a normal life can be changed. Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) may result in significant impairment of an individual’s physical, cognitive and psychosocial functioning. Although there is a fair amount of research on the concept of brain damage and the consequent effects on the family and return to work (RTW) prospects, there is far less information available on the actual assessment of workplace capability or workplace potential following the head injury incident. This is important, since the concept of work or job value has been well documented. Employment is far more than just a job; it not only provides for basic sustenance needs and decent living conditions, but also allows someone to fit into the world, create relationships, use talents and skills, learn, grow and build, and develop a sense of identity and belonging. While the value of work is well-documented, the statistics regarding unemployment following a head injury are concerning. It is estimated that approximately 1.5 million Americans sustain head injuries each year, with the majority of these people being under the age of 35 and in their prime years of vocational productivity. A baseline figure of 2% of the American population is currently living with disabilities as a result of head injuries. In South Africa, the rate of occurrence seems to be even more alarming, with published rates of 89,000 cases for 2009. In 2001, this was a baseline figure of 5% of the population living with disabilities resulting from head injuries. Various sources put the occurrence of head injuries in South Africa at 1.5 to 3.5 times higher than the estimated global rate. The negative impact of this on the individual, the family, community and economy is clear