PBIs usually face a lot of obstacles in returning to work. Though they usually make good physical recovery after the acute and �sub-acute phases of rehabilitation, many suffer from residual cognitive and neuro-behavioural deficits like memory impairment, poor attention span, poor problem-solving skills and agitation. Some may have difficulties in daily�activities like managing money and independent travelling within the community.�As a result, many PBIs are not able to return to work and many spend their �days at home doing nothing purposeful.�They frequently sink into�anxiety, depression and social isolation.

�There is currently no customised programme to help PBIs �re-integrate back into society and their worker roles. The few given a �chance at sheltered workshops did not quite succeed due to lack of personal meaning of the type of work (usually simple repetitive contract work) and meagre allowances. A voluntary welfare organisation that provides placement services for the disabled has low success rates with PBIs, mainly due to their cognitive and neuro-behavioural deficits. Yet, these difficulties are not insurmountable if a vocational rehabilitation programme that is specially tailored to their �needs can be developed.�Funding has always been an issue due to the resources required.

At the national level, from an economic perspective, returning PBIs to the workforce means lower �socio-economic burden to society. At a personal level, being productive and contributing members of society restores their sense of self- worth and quality of life.�In line with the Government's initiatives to maximise the nation's employability, can we aim higher towards starting an integrated national 'Return to work' centre to provide a comprehensive range of 'Return to work' services for all types of disabilities, as well as elderly workers?�After all, resources required for the disabled and elderly in vocational training are quite similar.

Doreen Yeo (Miss)