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Research Article  |   May 1992
The Americans With Disabilities Act of 1990 and Employees With Mental Impairments: Personal Efficacy and the Environment
Patricia A. H. Crist; Virginia C. Stoffel
Author Affiliations
  • Patricia A. H. Crist, PhD, OTR, FAOTA, is Chair and Professor, Department of Occupational Therapy, the John Rangos School of Health Sciences, Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15282. At the time of this study she was Chair and Professor, Department of Occupational Therapy, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, Texas
  • Virginia C. Stoffel, MS, OTR, is Assistant Professor, Department of Health Sciences, Occupational Therapy Program, University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Article Information
Advocacy / Education of OTs and OTAs / Mental Health / Practice
Research Article   |   May 1992
The Americans With Disabilities Act of 1990 and Employees With Mental Impairments: Personal Efficacy and the Environment
American Journal of Occupational Therapy, May 1992, Vol. 46, 434-443. doi:10.5014/ajot.46.5.434
American Journal of Occupational Therapy, May 1992, Vol. 46, 434-443. doi:10.5014/ajot.46.5.434
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Abstract

The Americans With Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) (Public Law 101–336) provides persons with mental health problems basic rights resulting in full access to community resources, especially the rights and privileges associated with the work role. This paper discusses the law, personal self-efficacy, and four environmental aspects as they relate to the employment of persons with mental impairments: (a) employer and co-worker attitudes, (b) essential job functions, (c) reasonable accommodations, and (d) community access. Areas of intervention for occupational therapists in mental health include attitude and advocacy training, assisting employers in providing reasonable accommodations, and preparing persons with mental impairments to be successful employees. Examples in occupational therapy are reviewed to illustrate the implementation of the ADA with persons with mental health problems.