Access to work: Employment services for people with disabilities in Scotland

Abstract

Employment services, including work rehabilitation, for people with disabilities have traditionally been delivered through the voluntary and public sectors in Scotland. The three main statutory agencies are the Department of Employment, the National Health Service, and the Social Work Department. Although occupational therapy is an established component of work rehabilitation programs in several countries (e.g., the United States, Canada, and Australia), it is a comparatively small area of practice in Scotland. However, recent changes in health and social service development, proposed changes to government benefits schemes, as well as health and safety legislation are among the factors that will influence the continued development and expansion of employment services. As such, occupational therapy practitioners will need to look to the public, private, and voluntary sectors as potential new purchasers and employers to bring their skills to this area of professional practice.