Towards a model of rehabilitation

This article describes, and argues for an integration of behavioural methods to deal with a wide range of persons suffering from disabilities regardless of age.Practitioners require simple straightforward practical and effective strategies, which can help them to select appropriate social, behavioural, and educational strategies along with effective programme components. These are relevant to those who suffer from a wide range of disabilities, including those relating to aging, emotional disorders, physical and mental handicaps. Such an integrated model has relevance to work with families. They, too, are affected by the stresses of disability, and are susceptible to behavioural dysfunction. A number of examples are provided which addresses aspects of behavioural intervention and counselling. The behavioural strategies and attitudes of staff are examined, along with the degrees of structure required in effective rehabilitation counselling, including the processes of empowerment and consumer control.This paper arises from a presentation by the authors at IRTAC Vienna, 1987, and is based in part on Behavioural and Social Rehabilitation and Training by Brown, R.I. and Hughson, E.A., published by Wiley, Chichester, 1987. We are grateful to Wiley for their permission to use Figure 1 from this book.