A disabilitymanagement program, or DMP, is used by employers to assist employees who are unable to work due to injury or illness. The DMP consists of several components, however not all DMPs have all possible components. Smaller programs may only include the basic components while larger programs generally have more components. The purpose of the DMP is to benefit the employer by returning experienced, trained employees to work quickly. The central distinction required to plan and operated a DMP is between the terms "impairment" and "disability". Although physiciansdiagnose and treat impairments, employers determine disability. Disability management programs are applied in different ways. Their implementation depends on a nation´s social security system and disability policies.
Germany
In Germany, rehabilitation and social participation for people with disabilities, or people at risk of developing a disability, are covered by Book IX of the Social Code since 2001. The focus of the legislation is on social and occupational participation in society and elimination of barriers in order to achieveequal opportunities. Book IX of the German Social Code aims at ensuring the integration of people with disabilities into society and the labor market. The German disability management program, called “corporate integration management”, is covered by § 84, Book IX, Social Code since 2004. This paragraph stresses the need for preventive measures in the workplace, as well as occupational rehabilitation, and addresses employers` responsibility in this area:
Further information
Niehaus, M., Marfels, B., Vater, G., Magin, J. & Werkstetter, E.. Betriebliches Eingliederungsmanagement – Studie zur Umsetzung des Betrieblichen Eingliederungsmanagements nach § 84 Abs. 2 SGB IX. Forschungsbericht 374 Sozialforschung. Berlin: Bundesministerium für Arbeit und Soziales.
Niehaus M. & Vater G.. Aktueller Stand der Umsetzung des Betrieblichen Eingliederungsmanagements. In Badura, B., Schröder, H., Klose J. et al., Fehlzeiten-Report 2010. Vielfalt managen. Gesundheit fördern, Potenziale nutzen. Berlin: Springer.
Niehaus, M., & Marfels, B.. Competencies and Tasks of Disability Management Professionals in Germany. International Journal of Disability Management, 5, 67–72.
