Glossary O-P

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O

Orthopedic Medicine- the treatment of problems in bones or muscles.

Outcomes Based Program - a program that monitors its effectiveness based on carefully defined and measurable results. In theory, this makes all employees focus on final goals instead of becoming distracted by intermediate steps.

Peer Model - Someone who has successfully adapted to life with their disability(s) and who can help others with their own adjustment to disabilities. Peer models act as successful examples of living independently, working at a paid job, joining community activities, and staying healthy. Many rehabilitation programs (and all Independent Living Centers) provide peer models to help persons with a new disability or experiencing problems with their disability.

Pell Grant - A federal grant program that provides people money to continue their education after high school. The amount a person can get depends on their "financial need."

Periodic Review of IWRP - The Rehab Act requires that an Individualized Written Rehabilitation Plan be reviewed at least once a year. The client and counselor discuss progress towards the employment outcome and make any changes needed. See the Rehab Act's discussion. (T1, sec 102, b, 2)

Person First Language - Language about persons with disabilities that is carefully designed to acknowledge the person and not focus on the disability. Person first language is a major issue in the rehabilitation field. (see longer encyclopedia entry)

Person with a Disability - Anyone with a physical or mental impairment that makes it difficult ("substantial impediment") to find a job. See the Rehab Act's definition. (Sec. 7, 8)

Person with a Severe Disability - a person whose disability substantially limits their ability to function in society but whose ability to function can improve with help. This is in contrast to a Person with a Disability, which is defined in terms of ability to get and keep a job, not ability to function in society. Missouri VR evaluates seven areas of "functional capacity" in considering severe disabilities: mobility, communication, self-care, self-direction, interpersonal skills, work tolerance, and work skills. Serious limitation in one of these areas indicates a person with a severe disability. Limitation in four or more areas indicates a person with most severe disabilities. See the Rehab Act's definition (Sec. 7, 15)

Physical Rehabilitation - exercises designed to restore or improve motor skills in a person with a physical disability.

Psychiatrist - someone with a medical degree (MD) who specializes in mental illness. A Psychiatrist can prescribe drugs for patients, and psychologist cannot.

Psychologist - someone who studies the mind and human behavior. A psychologist will treat patients with mental illness, but cannot prescribe drugs.