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2.5.4 COMMUNITY AITITUDES
Sakuma (1997:98) states that the disabled patients who progress favorably in the
psychological accommodation to disability and restoration ofphysical function still face
a formidable hurdle. He adds that disabled patients experience staring rejection, intimate
personal questions concerning the disability and degree of dysfunction, or intrusive
assistance, which they do not need. Wright (I998:258) stresses that healthy acceptance of
the disabled is related to qualities in the non-disabled, such as a positive self-image,
sound, stable interpersonal relationships, personal confidence and security in their own
concept ofbody image and self-worth.
2.6 VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION
Vocational rehabilitation is commenced while the patients are still admitted in the
hospital. It forms part ofdischarge preparation. Vocational training is the responsibility
of the vocational rehabilitation counselor working in conjunction with the occupational
therapist The vocational rehabilitation counselor prepares the patient psychologically and
physically to return to the old work or change to light duty in the same employment,
depending on the results ofvocational assessment done by the occupational therapist If
the patient cannot return to the old employment then the vocational rehabilitation team
liaisewith the Department ofManpower to place such a patient in sheltered employment
workshops (Dittmar, 1989:137 cited by Siyothula & Kubheka, 2002:26). These
vocational team members work together with the disablement resettlement officer who is
placed in the nepal tment ofManpower. The disablementresettlement officer assesses the
patient's potential ability for work, provides training and places the patient within
specialized centres.
A vocational study that was done by NdIovn and Couper (1998:59) at Manguzi Hospital,
Northern Zululand, revealed that amputees who were well rehabilitated had limited
opportunities for placement in the sheltered employment workshops or light duty in their
old work place. Couper (1999:64), an occupational therapist in this hospital added that
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