Document Actions
MH Disabilities
The forward to the first-ever Surgeon General's report on mental health states that "...despite unprecedented knowledge gained in just the past three decades about the brain and human behavior, mental health is often an afterthought and illnesses of the mind remain shrouded in fear and misunderstanding.”
This section provides guidance on how to consistently and proactively manage students with mental health disabilities1, so they can benefit from vocational training and become employable. The guide provides information, case examples, suggested activities, and resources to assist center staff most involved in accommodating and supporting students with mental health disabilities. Those staff include the disability coordinator, center mental health consultant, health and wellness manager, career counselor, and center physician. However, all staff may find particular sections of this guide useful.
Mental health disabilities can be primarily categorized into two areas—affective impairment and cognitive impairment. This guide focuses on how to support students with affective impairments.
Affective impairments are often called mood disorders, emotional disorders, or psychiatric illnesses. Examples are depression, bipolar disorders, schizophrenia, personality disorders, anxiety disorders, and post-traumatic stress disorder. For general information on affective impairments, including, recognizing signs of mental illness, and myths and facts about mental illness, visit the Job Corps Disability Common Disabilities, Affective Impairments webpage.
Cognitive impairments have to do with how an individual processes information and environmental stimuli. Examples are learning disabilities, attention deficit hyperactivity disorders, and mental retardation. For more information about cognitive impairments, see the Job Corps Learning Disabilities and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Technical Assistance Guide and the Job Corps Disability website, Module 2, Common Disabilities, Cognitive Impairments.
Most persons with mental health disabilities are more challenged by workplace stress, handling criticism from staff, and relationships with coworkers than by the work tasks.
Job Corps’ focus is on the employability of all students; students with mental health disabilities are no exception. It is important that center staff:
- Discuss career expectations with students and not assume that a mental health disability will be a barrier.
- Ensure that students with mental health disabilities have leadership opportunities and are assigned projects that match their interest and skill level.
- Attempt to unlearn misconceptions about persons with mental health disabilities.
By developing a better understanding of the needs of students with mental health disabilities, we can better serve and support all Job Corps students.
1 Psychotic disorders, mood disorders, anxiety disorders, and personality disorders.