abilities. These groups express common concerns regarding the need for sustained employment, increased employer awareness of their work capabilities, and the problems of discrimination and stigma. ⁶²

 

Noted academic institutions

The U.S. has numerous academic institutions that conduct research, organize conferences, and disseminate information on mental health as well as provide mental health services. These institutions often work closely with government agencies, such as the National Institute of Mental Health, the Center for Mental Health Services, the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research, and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. They usually work in partnership with one another, often with the government agency funding a particular research study or conference. For example, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health recently sponsored the conference, Work, Stress and Health:Organization of Work in a Global Economy, in which many academic institutions and professional organizations participated.⁶³

It is not possible to provide a comprehensive list of every academic institution that engages in some type of research, training, or technical support in the field of mental health. The following academic institutions have been highlighted due to their extensive work in the area of employment and psychiatric disabilities:

BOSTON UNIVERSITY, CENTER FOR PSYCHIATRIC REHABILITATION

Boston University's Center for Psychiatric Rehabilitation is the leading academic institution in research, training, and service dedicated to improving the lives of people with psychiatric disabilities. The Center is supported in part by the Center for Mental Health Services and the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research. The Center is noted specifically for developing the psychiatric rehabilitation model that is now being replicated and used in mental health facilities in the U.S. Briefly, this model is consumer-driven with an emphasis on independence and integration in the community though employment, education, and independent living.⁶⁴

CORNELL UNIVERSITY, NYS SCHOOL OF INDUSTRIAL AND LABOR RELATIONS

Through its Program on Employment and Disability (PED), Cornell conducts research, trains, and provides technical support in such areas as the Americans with Disability Act, Social Security disability work incentive programs, employment and disability policy, and vocational rehabilitation and supported employment. PED is partially funded for specific programs by the U.S. Department of Education, Rehabilitation Services Administration. For example, PED is involved in a long term training project for community rehabilitation program personnel. Topics in the training program include employment law, working effectively with employers and unions, and placement of individuals with psychiatric or physical disabilities in gainful employment.⁶⁵

 

MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY (MSU), OFFICE OF REHABILITATION AND DISABILITY STUDIES

MSU is a leader in the field of disability management in the public and private sectors. Specifically, MSU focuses on assisting employers in addressing and minimizing disability-related costs in the workplace through resources and technical support. MSU tracks and develops program models for human resource managers and employment policy specialists in this area of disability management.⁶⁶