Work readiness tools for young adults with chronic conditions.

BACKGROUND

Young adults with chronic health conditions can experience barriers to work performance, ability, and their present and future worker roles.

OBJECTIVE

Work readiness resources can expand individuals' work skills, abilities, and interests.

METHODS

Five work readiness tools are presented (1) building an occupational profile, (2) generating environmental strategies, (3) on-the-job strategy use, and exploration of online tools (4) O*NET® and (5) O*NET® Interest Profiler, along with two theories (Knowles's Andragogy and Lawton's Ecological Model) to guide tool use.

RESULTS

Use of these tools can assist young adults to better manage their health and expand their vocational identities for success at work.

CONCLUSIONS

These approaches and tools support health professionals, community partners, and vocational organizations in their efforts to help young adults with chronic conditions.