Work readiness tools for young adults with chronic conditions

Area of Science:

• Vocational Rehabilitation
• Health Psychology
• Occupational Science

Background:

• Young adults with chronic health conditions face significant barriers to work performance and career development.
• These challenges impact their current work roles and future employment opportunities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present work readiness tools designed to enhance skills, abilities, and interests in young adults.
• To support individuals in navigating the complexities of work with chronic health conditions.

Main Methods:

• Utilized five distinct work readiness tools: occupational profiling, environmental strategy generation, and on-the-job strategy implementation.
• Incorporated online resources such as O*NET® and O*NET® Interest Profiler.
• Guided tool application using Knowles's Andragogy and Lawton's Ecological Model.

Main Results:

• The application of these tools aids young adults in better managing their health status.
• These interventions facilitate the expansion of vocational identities, crucial for workplace success.
• Empowers young adults to achieve greater work performance and ability.

Conclusions:

• The presented approaches and tools offer valuable support for health professionals.
• Collaborative efforts with community partners and vocational organizations are essential.
• These resources are vital for assisting young adults with chronic conditions in their career journeys.