Employment Experiences of People with Mental Disabilities in the Community

Employment Experiences of People with Mental Disabilities in the Community

Health Systems Research Institute, Ratchasuda College, Mahidol University , Srithanya Psychiatric Hospital, MOPH, Health and Society Creation Foundation

Project Title:

Empowering by education and employment

Research Title:

Employment Experiences of People with Mental Disabilities in the Community

Researcher (s):

Praew Eiamnoi, Wachara Riewpaiboon, Paitoon Samuthrsindn, Kanokporn Kavinkaewkoson, Hatairat Warin, Jularat Wirekarat, Apsorn Jindapong, Benjang Sukjumnong, Chalothorn Khieosaard

The study aims at exploring employment experiences of people with mental disability living in a community. Both employee and employer perspective had been used. The qualitative method of data collection was used including in-depth interview and focus group discussion. The employment experiences of 19 employees with mental disability and 21 employers who hired them and their partners were collected. It revealed that 1) the community awareness of mental illness, its recovery, functional capability, and rehabilitation was rather poor, 2) there was no practical measures for functional and needs assessment to develop appropriate rehabilitation plan, 3) low job opportunities for those with mental disability in a community, and 4) there was no explicit and continuous follow up activities in term of functional rehabilitation and job performance assessment.

Research Result Utilization: to be used in developing rehabilitation and capacity building process for persons with mental disability in order to increase job opportunities.

Publishing:
•   Oral presentation and Seminar’s proceeding

Award Grant related to the Project:
•   Excellent technical paper

Key Contact Person:
Wachara Riewpaiboon
Ratchasuda College, Mahidol University
+668 1829 6094
wachara16@gmail.com