As we help our clients put their lives back together after a serious illness or injury, Rehabilitation professionals stand in the gap between the hospital and the workplace. We provide professional services based on scientifically guided expertise, dedicated to the idea that a valued worker role is central to each person’s quality-of-life.

Since the Rehabilitation professions began to develop in the early 20th century, we have worked as clinicians on an interdisciplinary basis guided by scientists within each profession, and we have reciprocated with guidance to our scientific colleagues as they move from hypothesis to data to application in "the real world". This reciprocal clinical-science enterprise has matured from being available as a charitable afterthought, to become a regular and necessary component of health care, now including legislatively supported interfaces with employers. In the process, we have developed (and continue to develop) knowledge and expertise and tools with steadily improving efficacy so we can speak with confidence about our abilities.

This column will provide case examples of what has been demonstrated to have utility in helping our clients to bridge the gap and return to their worker role in competitive employment. Information about effective approaches to evaluation, therapy, and accommodations will be exemplified by anonymized case studies presented by senior members of our disciplines with the intent to encourage and guide ongoing professional development.

Leonard N. Matheson, PhD, CRC, CVE
AOTA 2021 Health Advocate Award Recipient
Neurorehabilitation Psychologist
California Psychologist License #PSY 9294
Certified Rehabilitation Counselor #5177
Certified Vocational Evaluator #57366

EPIC Neurorehabilitation & Psychology Services, Inc.
Suite 2, 48 Hanover Lane
Chico, CA 95973