Extending the Considering Work Model to Persons with Aphasia

Abstract Purpose The purpose of this article is to show how the client-focused considering work model (CFCWM) can be adapted to persons with aphasia as a way to provide a framework for rehabilitation counselors to use when helping persons with aphasia assess their readiness to work.

Method This article first provides a basic overview of aphasia and the communication challenges that persons with aphasia experience. We then provide a review the CFCWM as well as a rationale for extending it to persons with aphasia. Finally, we present a case study that walks through the barriers and facilitators to returning to work for persons with aphasia, framed within the CFCWM.

Results Extending the CFCWM to persons with aphasia provides much needed guidelines for professionals working with this population, creates opportunities for education among stakeholders, and provides a theoretical foundation for needed research aimed at understanding and better addressing the vocational needs of persons with aphasia.

Conclusions This article shows how the CFCWM can be extended to the population of persons with aphasia and highlights how vocational counselors and speech-language pathologists can work together to better serve this population.