The community work project: an occupational therapy programme

The Community Work Project is a work adjustment programme, part of a range of prevocational services offered in the occupational therapy department of the Royal Ottawa Hospital, in Ottawa, Ontario. The special feature of this work adjustment programme is the use of an integrated work environment. Compared to institutionally-based programmes, this work adjustment programme consists of clients undergoing treatment alongside regular competitive employees in a real work setting. Another important feature of this programme is its open length of stay. The Community Work Project is described, with information on programme need, components, referral process and goals/objectives. Data on sex, age, diagnosis, attendance rates, lengths of stay, graduation placements and client satisfaction are also given. The Community Work Project demonstrates how the use of a productive activity in a real work setting assists individuals with psychiatric disabilities to progress in their vocational rehabilitation process. Implications for the vocational rehabilitation of this population are discussed.