Vocational Rehabilitation

NRC Feldman and Associates Inc. has developed a client-centred vocational rehabilitation program. Our practice model, named the Feldman Acquired Brain Injury Return to Work Plus (FABI-RTW+) has evolved from more than 25 years of clinical experience, and is integrated with published research, and on-going self-evaluations of our program. The “plus” sign represents the holistic nature of our model that guides clinicians to address work and life goals concurrently to increase the probability of successful return-to-work (RTW).  

Our unique and successful model incorporates the diverse and complementary skills of occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists, vocational counsellors, social workers, physicians, psychologists, physiotherapists, clients and significant others.

The FABI-RTW+ model has four stages:

  • Initial Assessment:
    • Assess the client’s suitability for our vocational program.
    • Conduct a comprehensive Job Analysis that incorporates cognitive, communication, physical and behavioural/psychosocial demands. 
  • Pre-Vocational Assessment/ Re-Training/Work Hardening
    • Assess vocational interests and aptitude.
    • Evaluate and teach work behaviour and basic work skills in community job stations using our interdisciplinary assessment protocol.
    • Educate employers and human resource professionals.
    • Train a ‘work-site specific’ job coach.
  • Vocational Rehabilitation
    • Evaluate and teach specific skills on-the-job to optimize return to either pre-disability, modified pre-disability or alternate employment.
    • Provide on-the-job occupational, cognitive and communication interventions, along with psychosocial and vocational counselling.
    • Provide ergonomic assessment, training and modifications.
    • Train a ‘work-site specific’ job coach.
  • Job Stabilization
    • Coach clients, employers and human resource professionals on a long-term basis.
    • Provide psychosocial / behavioural counselling. 

NRC Feldman and Associates Inc. also offers Job Placement if one is unable to return to his/her pre-disability job.

  • Job Placement
    • Locate employment through job surveys.
    • Assist in the development of interview skills, job search techniques, and resumes.