[Vocational and occupational counseling of handicapped patients--a comprehensive social federal responsibility].

The extensive vocational and employment information and counselling possibilities available in the framework of our social services system in the FRG, are aimed at attaining optimum vocational integration of the disabled clients. The legal foundations are in particular to be found in the Social Code and the rehabilitation adjustment act. Servicing some 80% of all disabled clients in this field, the Federal Employment Institute is the main financially responsible administration in vocational rehabilitation. The services and benefits provided are based on the employment promotion act and the directive of the Institute's governing body concerning industrial and vocational rehabilitation of disabled persons (AReha). Successful vocational counselling outcomes presuppose client participation; counselling contacts are free of charge to the rehabilitee, and are sought on a voluntary basis. The local employment office's medical and/or psychological services will in many cases by called in by the counsellor. If these services do not arrive at a satisfactory proposal either, vocational assessment and work testing measures in vocational training or retraining centers are indicated. Vocational preparation may in addition be useful, e.g. in the form of promotional courses and/or pre-rehabilitation courses. The catalogue of services and benefits available is complex and adjustable to individual needs. The rehabilitation measures provided invariably are aimed at achieving entry into long-term employment. When necessary, the disabled clients are followed-along by the counsellors until this goal is attained.