Providing instruction in independent living and vocational rehabilitation for individuals with head injuries within an entry-level occupational therapy curriculum.

With the goal of occupational therapy being to assist persons in living independently, few occupational therapists (OTs) work in independent living and vocational settings or are heavily engaged in independent living and vocational interventions. Ultimately, clients suffer when attempting to reintegrate into the community without adequate resources, especially persons with head injuries who present with numerous disabilities. Perhaps OTs are not well-trained to provide these services. This paper describes the incorporation of information about service provision within the independent living and vocational rehabilitation models, especially related to individuals with head injuries, into the University of Kansas' occupational therapy curriculum. Evaluations indicated success in increasing knowledge about and improving attitudes regarding service provision within these models and the community integration of individuals with head injuries.