Vocational Rehabilitation Training Simulation for the Psychiatrically Disabled

描述(由申请人提供)：缺乏活动和丧失生产功能通常伴随着严重的精神障碍(例如精神分裂症、其他精神障碍、情绪障碍、创伤后应激障碍)。然而，调查(Becker，2002)表明，超过75%的患有这些疾病的人希望重返某种生产性活动。然而，当他们试图重返工作岗位时，他们往往无法获得适当的就业机会。SIMmersion LLC与莫里斯·贝尔博士合作，提议通过开发一种基于计算机的、交互式的角色扮演培训模拟来解决这一问题，以促进精神残疾个人的职业康复。求职面试是在获得带薪工作的道路上最常见的第一个障碍。为求职面试做好充分准备，将使他们能够强调自己的就业优势，并就适当的工作条件进行谈判，从而增加他们能够获得能够留住的工作的可能性。玩建议模拟游戏的用户将能够参加模拟工作面试，并练习协商各种话题，包括资格、薪酬和日程安排。用户还将有机会在无风险的模拟环境中进行残疾披露和不披露的练习，以评估两者的结果。拟议的培训模拟将为受训人员提供即时和一致的指导和反馈，同时使他们有机会反复练习和应用技能。大量研究支持以学习为基础的干预措施对精神障碍患者的有效性，其中几乎总是包括角色扮演练习。到目前为止，还没有为精神障碍患者提供侧重于角色扮演工作面试的标准化培训方法。公共卫生相关性：改善残疾人的就业机会具有极大的社会效益。它为客户提供金钱和心理上的好处，并让他们重新融入主流社会。社会受益于恢复那些本来可能被边缘化的人的生产潜力，并得益于增加我国劳动力的多样性。

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): Inactivity and loss of productive function commonly accompany severe psychiatric disorders (e.g. schizophrenia, other psychotic disorders, mood disorders, PTSD). Yet, surveys (Becker, 2002) indicate that more than 75 percent of people with these disorders wish to return to some kind of productive activity. However, when they attempt to return to work, they often have no access to appropriate employment. SIMmersion LLC, in cooperation with Dr. Morris Bell, proposes to address this issue by developing a computer-based, interactive, role-play training simulation to facilitate vocational rehabilitation for individuals with psychiatric disabilities. The job interview is the most common first hurdle to be overcome on the way to paid employment. Preparing individuals adequately for job interviews will allow them to emphasize their employment strengths and negotiate appropriate working conditions, thereby increasing the likelihood that they will be able to obtain jobs they can keep. Users who play the proposed simulation will be able to participate in a simulated job interview and practice negotiating various topics, including qualifications, compensation, and schedule. Users will also have the opportunity to practice with disclosure and non-disclosure of disability to evaluate the results of both in a risk-free, simulated environment. The proposed training simulation will provide trainees with immediate and consistent coaching and feedback while allowing them the opportunity for repeated practice and application of skills. A large body of research supports the efficacy of learning-based interventions for people with psychiatric disabilities, which almost always include role-play exercises. To date, there is no standardized training method available for people with psychiatric disabilities that focus on role-playing job interviews. Public Health Relevance: Improving access to employment for people with disabilities is of great societal benefit. It provides clients with monetary and psychological benefits and reintegrates them into mainstream society. Society benefits from regaining the productive potential of people who may otherwise be marginalized and from increasing the diversity of our nation's workforce.