[2.7 million unemployed--nonetheless occupational rehabilitation of patients with severe physical handicaps?]

The concept of rehabilitation initially is defined as it is understood in the Federal Republic of Germany today. The potential opportunities and risks inherent in an outcome-oriented notion of rehabilitation are set out in light of its historical development. The reasons for unemployment among severely disabled persons are analyzed from various perspectives, dealing furthermore with the manner the vocational rehabilitation system is responding. Also mentioned are the difficulties where our system is working only to a limited degree, as well as the consequences this entails. Further, reasons are given to substantiate that the rehabilitation of severely disabled people remains an important and meaningful task in our country notwithstanding current unemployment.