Work support for persons with mental disabilities in Japan

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this paper is to review the methods and the activities of occupational therapists (OTs) in the field of work support for persons with mental disabilities in Japan. METHODS: Necessary information is gathered through review of literatures. RESULTS: Japanese OTs are working in myriad locations across a number of areas in the field of mental disabilities, including medical institutions, self-support facilities, public employment security offices, employment and life support centers for persons with disabilities, public health centers, and vocational rehabilitation centers. Work support has been implemented in each setting, and there is a diverse range of implementations. In discussing work support in Japan, it is important to note that it is still often implemented in a conventional way – that is to say, through a gradual-support methodology, based on the working-readiness model. However, some of the work support initiatives have begun to embrace cutting-edge approaches, such as network-oriented implementation. CONCLUSION: It is necessary for OTs in Japan to implement work support using the most effective means available. Repeating such efforts will drive a paradigm shift facilitating a transition from the outdated working-readiness model, andhelp persons with disabilities to have decent jobs.