XXXX , work, and vocational enablement.

@entity1 @entity393 @entity3675
Within the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF; WHO), participation in work is acknowledged as one of the major areas in life (D8). Difficulties that make it impossible for the @entity1 to optimally partake in work result in participation restriction. An increasing number of @entity1 with @entity393 are seeking help for @entity3675 . Various studies identified issues that should be addressed in the management of employees with @entity393 and emphasized the importance of a tailored vocational enablement program. This paper describes a recently developed vocational enablement protocol (VEP) addressing the specific needs of those with @entity393 in the workforce. It is characterized by an integrated approach (occupational physician, otolaryngologist, audiologist, social worker/psychologist, speech-language pathologist). The goal is to facilitate participation in, and retention of, work. The protocol is currently implemented in a few audiological centers in the Netherlands. This paper presents data collected at the audiological center of the VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam. Thus far, 86 @entity1 , aged 19 to 64 years (mean 48, SD 23), have completed the protocol. Experiences with the procedure are described, and recommendations for future practice and research are discussed.
