Evaluation
During this final evaluation, each member of the rehabilitation team provided feedback regarding Ben’s status in the intervention targets. The purpose of this evaluation was to assess whether there was improvement in the intervention targets identified during the assessment phase and whether the goals set were achieved.
Normally, the results of the final evaluation would have been documented using the ICF Evaluation Display, a “before and after” visualisation (bar chart) of Ben's functioning in terms of ICF qualifier ratings given at the beginning and at the end of the Rehab-Cycle®. The ICF Evaluation Display in intended to help with determining whether the goal set for each intervention target, the global, service-program, and cycle goals were achieved at the end of the Rehab-Cycle®. However, in the case study of Ben, only a verbal confirmation of the successes and open issues was provided.
""As a whole, the rehabilitation team concluded that the interventions performed before and during Ben’s Rehab-Cycle® had been successful in preparing him for community reintegration.""
As a whole, the rehabilitation team concluded that the interventions performed before and during Ben’s Rehab-Cycle® had been successful in preparing him for community reintegration.
Regarding Ben’s goal of vocational re-integration, a new apprenticeship in a new vocational field was arranged and an agreement for the 3-month-internship was in place.
Thanks to the initiative of the vocational counsellor at the clinic, I quickly found a new apprenticeship.
Ben at the end of Rehab-Cycle®
With regard to the goal of improving mobility, the wheelchair that the OT had ordered was delivered and adjusted to Ben’s specifications. Ben was also able to take the written exam to get the special driver’s license. However, the practical exam was still pending at the time of the final evaluation. Also pending was the final decision about the choice of car Ben would buy. Consequently, it was not possible to undertake the necessary adaptations to the car.
Regarding the goal of ensuring accessible housing, the architectural modifications to Ben’s home were almost finished. This meant that Ben’s goal of being discharged to an accessible home was achieved.
Despite these successes, some issues of cost coverage and financial support remained unresolved at the end of Ben’s Rehab-Cycle®. Specifically, the final approval of the applications for cost coverage for various products delivered and interventions that had already been initiated or completed was still pending. This included applications for assistive devices, home modifications, car adaptations, the language course in the United States, and income support.
Nevertheless, Ben was seen as ready for community reintegration. This included having knowledge about his rights as a person with disability and the processes for claiming benefits and cost coverage through the Disability Insurance and other funding sources. This knowledge is very important to have as a person with disability in the community. Although the rehabilitation team, especially the OT and the social worker, actively involved Ben in the process of clarifying and applying for cost coverage and income support, Ben stated that he acquired much of his knowledge about his rights and navigating the insurance and social security systems from his peers at the rehabilitation centre.
I learned most of what I know about my legal rights and how I can apply them from other people with SCI.
Ben shortly before discharge
To further support Ben in manoeuvring around the insurance and social security systems after discharge, the social worker prepared an information sheet with details of all relevant insurances and government authorities, including addresses and contact persons.