Earticle

Information and communication technologies (ICTs) have a significant effect on our learning system. Beneath the transformation, there exists the advancement of software (S/W) technology. It has been developed from infrastructure S/W to information S/W and is going to evolve into interface S/W. Based upon the SST (social studies of technology) framework which postulates the reciprocal interaction between technology and society, this study attempts to forecast the future of learning fostered by the ongoing evolution of S/W technology. The changing pattern of learning can generally be described as shifting from the transmission of simple knowledge, through the understanding of abstract knowledge, to the mastery of contextual knowledge. In accordance with this transition, society is expected to move from knowledge through intelligence society eventually to semantic society. Along with this line of development, a totally different learning-scape will emerge.

Health Tourism is a trendy interest area as it allows individuals to travel another country for receiving health services while experiencing touristic opportunities. There are many benefits of health tourism in terms of costs, services, and experiences. By combining both health and tourism area, it welcomes many research directions in not only healthcare and tourism but also marketing and business management. Among these the area of Health Tourism is intensively connected with digital solutions since it is important to reach out individuals in different countries and enabling them to decide and come to the host country for receiving services. So, the data is very important for establishing innovative Health Tourism applications. However, one question arising is about how to analyze, process and use the data effectively within the purposes of such applications. This paper tries to answer this question from the perspective of Data Mining. As the Data Mining allows creating descriptive and predictive new knowledge from the known data, its use in digital Health Tourism applications has a remarkable value. In this context, this paper firstly ensures the connection between Health Tourism and Data Mining, and then discusses about present state as well as the future. It is believed that the outcomes from this paper will be a triggering factor for further research in Data Mining, which is currently a niche application way in Health Tourism.

The fourth industrial revolution, with its characteristics of “hyper-connectivity”, “hyper-intelligence” and “automation”, is a hot topic worldwide. It will fundamentally change industry, economy, and business models through technological innovations, such as big data, cloud computing, Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI), and 3D printing. In particular, the development of highly advanced information technology (IT) and AI is expected to replace human roles, thereby changing employment and occupation prospects in the future. Based on this, some predict that the profession of the pharmacist will soon disappear. To counter this, pharmacists’ attention and efforts are required to seek innovative transformations in their functions by responding sensitively and promptly to changes of the fourth industrial revolution. It is also necessary to recognize the new roles of pharmacists and to develop the competencies to perform them. The fourth industrial revolution is an inevitable change of the times. At this time, we should take comprehensive and open perspectives on how the future society will change economically, culturally, and socially, and use it as an opportunity to shape the new future of pharmacists.

본 연구의 목적은, 대학생들이 사회적 불안을 경험하면서 사회적 상황에 위축되는 불안감을 느끼고 있다. 이로 인하여 미래가 암울함과 심리적인 고통으로 인하여 스트레스를 받는 등 대학생을 둘러싼 여러 불안한 상황에서, 대학채플이 가지고 있는 역할이 바로 대학생들에게 올바른 자의식을 갖게 함으로 미래를 잘 준비할 수 있게 하고자는 데에 있다. 따라서 대학채플은 대학생들에게 건실한 사회의 일원으로서 성장할 수 있도록 복음을 제시하여, 믿음 안에서 올바른 자의식을 갖도록 하는 사명이 있다. 따라서 대학채플은 하나님을 만나며 신앙성장을 하게하여 미래를 신앙으로 준비를 할 수 있는 소망을 줄 수 있어야 한다. 이 소망은 자신을 이해하기 이전에 먼저 존재론적 측면에서 자신의 정체성을 이해해야 한다. 즉, 내가 무엇을 해야 할 것인가 묻기 전에 내가 어떤 사람이어야 하는 가를 먼저 물어야 한다. 내가 누구인지를 발견하고 나의 참된 정체성은 우리가 간절히 원하고 그 분 안에서 정체성을 찾기 위해 애쓰지 않는 한 발견될 수 없다. 즉 하나님과의 관계에서만 내가 누구인지 진정한 자기를 발견하게 된다. 이러한 연구 목적에 따라서 먼저 자의식에 대하여 살펴볼 것이다. 그 다음에 대학 채플이 가지고 있는 역할을 목적으로서의 채플과 교육과정으로서의 채플 그리고 예배로서의 채플을 논하게 될 것이다. 그런 다음에 올바른 자의식을 통한 미래준비를 위한 전략으로 채플은 영적성장을 위한 신앙교육을 하여야하며, 성경 속에 자의식을 발견하고, 발견된 자의식을 통한 올바른 기독교적 가치관을 갖게 한다는 고찰을 할 것이다. 이러한 연구는 대학에서 실시되고 있는 대학채플이 대학생들의 미래를 준비하고 미래를 삶아가는 삶의 의미와 목적을 찾는 기독교적 정체성 확립을 통한 자의식을 확립 하는 의미를 갖는다고 할 것이다.

This study examines the feelings of insecurity that university students can experience due to shrinking opportunities that they are faced with in today’s society. Due to many unstable situations surrounding the students such as stress due to a seemingly gloomy future and psychological suffering, the role of the university chapel is to assist students in developing an appropriate self-consciousness so that they may prepare properly for the future. Thus the mission of the university chapel is to assist students to grow into healthy contributors to the community as it presents the gospel and to help them develop a proper faith-based self-identity. Thus university chapel should give hope to students by allowing them to meet God and to grow in faith as they prepare for the future which is faith-based. The hope is, before understanding one’s self, one need to first understand one’s identity from the ontological point of view. In other words, before asking what one must do, one must first ask what kind of person one should be. Without searching for one’s identity in God, one cannot discover one’s true self and what we truly want in life. In other terms, one can only discover one’s true self within one’s relationship with God. For the goal of this study, an examination of self-consciousness will first be perused. A discussion then follows on the role of university chapel, its purpose and curriculum, and its function as worship. As a role of the university chapel is to assist students to grow in faith while leading them to discover a healthy self-identity so as to be able to prepare for the future, this study will look into self-identity through the Scriptures and how Christian values can be obtained. This study will assist in their discovery of their self-identity through the university chapel as they search for planning a meaningful future with Christian identity.

이 연구는 미래 직업의 변화에 대응하고 초등학교 현장의 요구를 반영하여 초등학교 진로교육의 방향을 모색하고, 실과교과에서의 진로교육 전개 방안을 탐색하는 데 목적이 있었다. 이를 위하여 주로 문헌연구 방법을 사용하였다. 초등학교 진로교육과 실과교육의 관계를 고찰하고, 미래 직업의 변화에 따른 미래 역량 및 교육에 대하여 검토하며, 초등학교 진로교육의 실태와 학교 현장의 요구 를 분석하였다. 이 연구의 결과 다음과 같이 초등학교 진로교육의 방향과 실과교과에서의 전개 방 안을 도출하였다. 첫째, 미래의 직업 변화와 미래 역량을 반영하는 진로교육을 추구한다. 둘째, 초 등학교에 맞춤하는 진로교육의 철학을 정립한다. 셋째, 초등학교 진로교육 목표와 성취기준을 개정 한다. 넷째, 단위학교 진로교육을 종합적으로 기획 및 운영한다. 다섯째, 초등 진로전담교사의 역 할을 정립하고, 현직 및 예비 초등교원의 진로교육 전문성을 제고한다. 여섯째, 초등 진로활동 프 로그램 개발과 교내외의 진로교육 인프라를 강화한다. 일곱째, 실과교과를 초등 진로교육의 중핵 교과로서 지속적으로 강화시켜 나가도록 한다. 여덟째, 실과교과의 전체 영역에서 교과통합 진로교 육을 활성화 한다. 아홉째, 실과교과 내에서 진로교육에 대한 교수·학습 및 평가 방법을 개발한다.

The purpose of this study was to explore the directions of elementary schools career education, and to explore the way of developing career education in elementary schools Practical Arts subject according to the future work change and the needs of schools sites. This study was conducted mainly by literature review. In order to accomplish the study purpose, the researcher examine the relationship between career education and practical arts education in elementary schools, analyze the change of human competencies according to future work change, and analyze the current status and needs of elementary school career education. The directions of elementary school career education and its development plans in Practical Arts subject derived from this study are as follows. First, pursue career education that reflects changes in future work and competencies. Second, establishes the philosophy of career education customized to elementary schools. Third, revise the goals and achievement standards of elementary school career education. Fourth, comprehensive planning and management of career education in each elementary school. Fifth, establish the role of elementary school career teachers and enhance career education capacity of elementary school teachers and pre - service teachers. Sixth, develop career education standard program and reinforce infrastructures inside and outside of schools. Seventh, we will continue to strengthen the Practical Arts subject as the core curriculum for elementary school career education. Eighth, promotes curriculum integrated career education in the field of practical arts subjects. Ninth, develop teaching & learning methods and evaluation methods for career education in the practical arts subject.

코로나 이후 펼쳐질 새로운 환경에 대응하면서 기술혁명을 인간에게 이로운 방향으로 활용하고자 하는 미래지향 적 논의가 사회 각 분야에서 활발하게 이루어지고 있다. 이민정책도 예외는 아니다. 이민정책은 특히 '사람'에 관 한 정책이기 때문에 무엇보다 사람이 중심이 되는 정책이 필요하다. 국민의 삶에 힘이 되는 이민정책, 외국인을 우리 사회 능동적인 구성원으로 만드는 이민정책이 필요하다. 기술혁명과 포스트 코로나 시대가 가져오는 변화 에 수동적으로 끌려가는 것이 아니라 사람이 중심이 되어 변화를 주도하면서 '사람'이 주는 긍정적인 영향력을 극대화하여 우리 사회 에너지로 활용하는 것이 미래 이민정책의 핵심이다. 디지털 시대가 몰고 올 일자리 혁명은 전에 없던 신기술 분야에서 새로운 일자리를 만들 것이라는 기대와 동시에 기술혁명이 기존의 일자리를 대체하 면서 대량 실업을 유발할 것이라는 우려를 동시에 낳고 있다. 이러한 기대와 우려 속에서 어떤 외국인력을 얼마 나 우리 사회로 받아들여야 할 것인지를 고민하는 이민정책은 보다 정교한 전략틀이 필요하다. 코로나가 가져온 비대면 환경, 정부의 역할과 국제연대 성격의 변화 등 이민정책이 담아야 할 미래의 정책변수에 대한 밀도 있는 탐색이 필요하다. 미래예측은 그것을 업으로 하는 미래학자들에게도 어려운 과제이지만 정책입안자와 집단지성과의 끊임없는 토론, 사회적인 연대를 바탕으로 하는 소통이 지속될 떄 충분히 예측 가능한 것이 될 수 있다. 이 러한 미래 예측을 통해 도달해야 할 이민정책의 궁극적인 지향점은 국민에게 힘이 되고 국가의 성장동력이 창출 되는 이민정책의 청사진을 그려내는 일일 것이다.

In the midst of Covid 19 and digital innovation, future-oriented discussions to be used in a direction beneficial to the human are actively conducted in various fields of society. Immigration policy is no exception. Not passively attracted to the changes brought by Covid 19 and digital revolution, future immigration policies should maximize the positive influence of 'people' and use it as our social energy. The immigration policy, which considers what kind of foreign power should be accepted as our social member, requires a sophisticated strategic framework. Future prediction is a difficult task even for futurists who do it as a job, but it can be predictable enough when constant discussion and communication based on social solidarity continue. The ultimate goal of immigration policy to be reached through these future prediction is to draw a blueprint for immigration policies that create growth engines.

본 연구의 목적은 입시위주의 교육풍토와 불확실한 취업환경 등 에코세대들을 둘러싼 여러 측면의 사회적 환경이 이들의 건강한 성장발달에 긍정적이지 않은 상황에서, 다가오는 미래사회 환경을 전망해 봄으로써, 오늘의 에코세대들이 올바른 그리스도인으로 행복한 삶을 만드는데 도움을 주고자 하는 필요성에서 시작되었다. 미래는 오늘을 사는 젊은이들의 몫이라고 할 때 틀린 말이 아닐 것이다. 젊은이의 중요성에 대한 의미는 재론할 여지가 없다. 대부분 사람들은 에코세대가 미래이며 장차 이 나라를 이끌 주역으로 여긴다. 그러나 사실 에코세대는 미래를 위해서만 중요한 것이 아니라, 현재에도 중요하다. 에코세대는 개별 가정에서는 물론 교회와 사회적으로도 희망과 기쁨 그리고 활력의 근원으로서 다른 구성원들에게 미래의 꿈을 가지게 한다. 이러한 에코세대의 미래를 위한 기독교 교육적 상담은 오늘을 살고 있는 젊은이들을 그리스도에게로 인도하여 구원을 얻게 하고, 나아가 확실한 영적성장을 할 수 있도록 그리스도의 주권 아래 자신들의 왕성한 젊음의 자원을 보전하여 개발하게 하는 것은 미래를 준비하는 에코세대들에게 가장 중요한 도전이다. 따라서 기독교교육과 상담은 공히 교육과 상담을 통하여 기독교적인 올바른 가치관을 확립하고, 그리스도의 인격을 닮아가는 올바른 관계를 회복하여 그리스도인으로서의 삶을 살아가도록 인도하는 하는 것이다. 그러므로 에코세대의 미래를 위한 기독교 교육적 상담은 하나님이 가르쳐주신 방법으로 문제를 해결하도록 돕는 것이다. 즉, 현실에 당면해 있는 문제들과 미래를 준비하는 것을 포함한다. 이러한 연구의 목적에 따라서 먼저 오늘을 살고 있는 젊은이들의 삶의 현실과 기독교 교육적 상담의 목적, 필요성 그리고 기독교교육과 상담의 관계를 살펴볼 것이다. 그 다음에 에코세대들이 지혜로운 결정을 하도록 도와주기 위하여 누가, 왜, 어떻게, 무엇을 상담을 해야 하는지를 고찰할 것이다. 이러한 연구는 에코세대들이 그리스도 안에서 올바른 영적인 성장을 하게 되고, 미래를 준비하고, 미래를 살아가는 삶의 의미와 목적을 찾는 기독교적 정체성을 형성하는데 중요한 의미를 갖는다고 할 수 있다.

The purpose of this study is to examine ways to assist the Eco Generation create happy lives as proper Christians. This is necessary for young people today who, surrounded by a society where the education climate is college entrance driven, career prospects are uncertain and are faced with an environment that proscribe positive healthy growth and development, are in preparations for the quickly approaching future where the outlooks do not look favorable. The most important challenge for the youth of today in the Eco Generation in preparing for the future is to conserve and develop resources of unblemished youth while under Christ’s sovereignty as they are guided to Christ through Christian education counselling, receive salvation and achieve genuine spiritual growth. Accordingly, counselling in Christian education in regards to the future for the Eco Generation is in helping to find solutions to problems through the teachings of God. In other words, it involves the problems that are currently being faced as well as for preparation for the future Therefore, for the purposes of this study, the realities of the lives of young people living today need to be examined, as well as the aim and necessity of Christian education and counselling. Furthermore, the relationship between Christian education and counselling will be examined. Thereafter, to help the Eco Generation make wise choices, the issues of the what, how, why and who of how counselling should be undertaken will be considered. This study will have important implications on the proper spiritual growth in Christ of young people of the Eco Generation and in their preparation and search to find meaning and goals for their lives while establishing a Christian identity.

Welty admits that she leads a sheltered and protected life mostly in Mississippi, growing up and that a sheltered life can be a daring life. The autobiographical elements of the writer who is an artist and a survivor are embedded in Welty's The Optimist's Daughter, in particular. The protagonist of this text has something in common with the writer herself. She is an artist who loses her family and is left alone in Mississippi like Welty. This study explores how the protagonist of The Optimist's Daughter, heals her mind wounds through recollecting her mother's death and her husband's after her father's funeral, and establishes her own identity as an artist who is isolated and independent in the Southern community where she grows up. The protagonist reexamines the layered relationship between her mother and father that is different from what she wants to remember. Also she tries to understand the past including her father's remarriage with a much younger woman. She comes not only to understand her parents' pain, but to realize her late husband's despair. She delves into the close relationship between the past and the present, and then the future. She tries to heal the wounds of the past through remembering and recollecting memories as a survivor in the family.

Many EFL students often find it difficult to grasp the exact differences between ‘will’ and ‘be going to’ as they think many English native speakers seem to use the two expressions without any difference in meaning or in use. The basic meaning of ‘will’ and ‘be going to’, prediction for the future and the future resulting from the present situation, respectively, can explain the different uses of the two expressions related to temporal meanings, but not those like formal and informal style, interpersonal function and ordering in discourse. This paper suggested that ‘will’ and ‘be going to’ should be given the revised basic meanings, hypothetic future of high probability and factual future resulting from the present, respectively; with which we could explain better the uses related to the temporal meaning and exceptional ones as well.

The aim of this study was to examine new materials and images in fashion collections of the 2000s to reveal the relationships between society, value, material, style and image and predict the fashion materials and images for the future from a fashion design perspective based on these analyses. Collections of the 2000s were selected from style.com. In case a new material was used for clothing, the social, fashion and value backgrounds for the new material were examined, and the intended image extracted. New fashion materials in the 2000s were found to be much lighter and softer and machine- washable. There were intellectual materials with particular functions and newly treated leather and silks. The images of the fashion collections of the 2000s can be divided into luxurious image, minimalist image, feminine image, ethnic image and futuristic image. In the future, demands for intelligent materials are expected to increase in a society of information. With globalization complete, ethnic style will only adopt traditional images but probably use new materials. Materials are expected to become even lighter and softer as technology advances and people pursue a healthy lifestyle, and with the importance of brands and designs, a variety of materials will be applied, mixed and matched in fashion.

파생상품거래의 과세는 과세요건을 구성하는 파생상품거래에 대하여 선도거래, 선물거 래, 옵션거래, 스왑 거래의 4가지 형태로 유형화하여 과세 제도를 정비하는 것이 바람직할 것이다. 파생상품 거래 손익에 대해서는 만기일, 반대매매일, 청산 일에 과세소득을 인식하 는 결제기준을 적용하되, 파생상품거래에 대한 인프라구축이 미흡한 현실을 고려하여 결산 일 현재의 공정가액 평가와 파생상품의 평가손익에 대한 과세는 거래소에서 거래되는 선물, 옵션, 외환 거래 등으로 한정하고, 스왑거래, 선도거래 등에 대해서는 거래 상대방이 파생상 품에 대한 합리적인 평가모형을 사용하고 있다고 인정되는 금융기관과의 거래에 대해서만 가능하다고 생각된다. 또한 위험회피 회계를 수용하는 경우라면 위험회피대상인 자산ㆍ부채 의 공정가액평가를 허용해야 하며, 위험회피수단인 파생상품의 평가손익은 위험회피대상의 공정가액 변화로 발생되는 평가손익이 과세대상으로 귀속되는 시점과 동일한 시점에 과세소 득으로 인식하여야 한다. 이외에도 파생상품거래의 과세제도 합리화를 위하여 옵션거래에 있어 행사 일에 옵션을 행사하는 것이 유리함에도 불구하고 행사하지 아니한 경우와 행사하 지 않는 것이 유리함에도 불구하고 행사하는 경우 거래 상대방에게 이익을 제공하는 것으로 간주하여 부당행위계산부인 또는 증여의제 규정을 적용할 것을 제안한다. 마지막으로 파생 상품 거래와 결합하여 평가 증 된 포지션으로부터의 이익을 아무런 과세부담 없이 향유하거 나 조세부담을 이연시킬 가능성을 배제하기 위하여 평가증된 포지션에 대해 공정가액으로 양도, 처분, 종료된 것으로 간주하여 이익을 인식하도록 하는 간주매출규정의 적용을 제안한 다.

I suggest taxing qualifying derivative contracts by classifying into four categories such as forward, future, option and swap contracts. The gain or loss from trading derivative instruments should be included in taxable income in the year that covers maturity date, offsetting sales date or payment date. However, the gain or loss from measuring derivatives at year-end is taxable for exchange-traded contracts. Otherwise, it is taxable only when one of the parties to the contracts is a financial institution that uses reliable valuation models for derivative instruments. To the extent that hedge accounting is accepted, fair value measurement of hedged items should also be allowed. And the gain or loss on a derivative contract must be recognized as taxable income in the same period during which the change in value of the item being hedged affects taxable income. To enhance effectiveness of the taxation of derivative contracts, we suggest taxing certain option contracts under which one party transfers gain to the other through exercising or not exercising his/her right by applying the recalculation rule for unfair practices or the constructive rule. Finally, to minimize the likelihood that the gain on appreciated financial position together with derivative contracts is realized without paying or deferring taxes, I suggest treating the appreciated financial position as constructive sales-as if the derivative instruments of concern are sold at fair value.

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PurposeThis study aimed to identify the factors influencing nursing students' future perceptions of securing decent work by focusing on career adaptability, nursing professionalism, and social comparison orientation. MethodsThis descriptive correlational study included 169 third- and fourth-year nursing students with clinical experience. Data were collected through an online survey conducted in October 2024 and analyzed using descriptive statistics, the t-test, one-way analysis of variance, Pearson correlation coefficients, and hierarchical multiple regression analysis with SPSS version 25.0. ResultsSignificant positive correlations were found between future perceptions of securing decent work and career adaptability (r = .35, p < .001) and nursing professionalism (r = .51, p < .001). However, social comparison orientation did not show a statistically significant relationship with future perceptions of securing decent work (r = ?.09, p = .232). Hierarchical regression analysis revealed that intrinsic motivation, academic satisfaction, perceived economic constraints, and nursing professionalism significantly influenced future perceptions of securing decent work, explaining 45% of the variance. ConclusionTo improve nursing students' perceptions of securing decent work, it is necessary to foster a strong sense of nursing professionalism. Additionally, addressing perceived economic constraints and enhancing academic satisfaction can contribute to better preparedness for entering the professional workforce.

This paper offers an in-depth exploration of semantic communications, focusing on its integral role in wireless networks. We dissect its foundational architecture and the key elements that enable seamless AI integration. Our research categorizes semantic communications into various multimedia and task types, evaluating their applicability in both single and multitasking environments. We also investigate resource allocation and goal-oriented strategies, supported by empirical case studies. The paper concludes by spotlighting emerging trends, including AI, IoT, and 5G beyond. It identifies pressing challenges such as standardization, security, and efficiency. Our work provides a holistic understanding of contemporary semantic communications paradigms.

Purpose: This study compared COVID-19 vaccination intentions in those with and without chronic diseases (CDs and non-CDs) in South Korea. We hypothesized that the factors associated with COVID-19 vaccination intentions would differ between CDs and non-CDs in South Korea. Methods: Using survey data collected through a Korean online panel in June 2021, we conducted a cross-sectional secondary data analysis. Of the 2292 participants, 411 had at least one chronic disease. To construct a comparable dataset, we selected non-CDs via a 1:1 case-control matching for age and gender. We then utilized a multivariable binary logistic regression model to explore the factors contributing to COVID-19 vaccination intentions in CDs and non-CDs. Results: All told, over 75% of participants in both groups indicated that they intended to vaccinate against COVID-19. In both groups, those who mistrusted general vaccine benefits reported significantly lower COVID-19 vaccination intentions. Regarding factors associated with vaccination intentions, CDs identified anxiety regarding coronavirus and exposure to COVID-19 vaccination promotions at the community level, while non-CDs highlighted hesitancy regarding vaccines and confidence in government/health services. Conclusion: Improving vaccination acceptance will require the development and implementation of tailored approaches for CDs and non-CDs and efforts to minimize general vaccine mistrust.

Purpose: Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) plays a crucial role in helping patients with diabetes manage their blood sugar levels. This review aimed to understand the context and scope of CGM-related studies in Korea and identified areas for future research, particularly in nursing science. Methods: The search strategy involved examining eight electronic databases for published studies on CGM, with the search period ending in March 2022. Four independent reviewers conducted screening, selection, and narrative review of the studies. Results: Descriptive and substantive analyses were performed for 68 studies on CGM, which covered diverse areas, including: (1) evaluating the CGM performance through comparisons with self-monitoring of blood glucose and correlations with existing indices; (2) validating the efficacy of CGM in improving patient outcomes and assessing various interventions; and (3) expanding the use of CGM, such as clinical guidelines and reviews, developing predictive models, and other clinical studies. Conclusion: Research on CGM has expanded to include early performance evaluation, efficacy verification, and utilization in various clinical settings. However, there is a lack of nursing-focused studies of CGM. It is recommended to incorporate CGM in nursing research aimed at enhancing self-management for patients with diabetes. Future projects should focus on developing and applying patient-customized CGM user manuals, comparing the effectiveness of CGM among patients with different types of diabetes, exploring qualitative experiences of CGM use, and addressing related issues.

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In the United States(U.S.), since 1985 the Social Security Administration(SSA) Disability Insurance(DI) program has experienced significant growth in the number of people receiving disability benefits, such that by 2005, some 6.5 million disabled workers were drawing benefits. Since that time, except for a few years, the number of applications and new benefit awards has continued a constant, often significant growth, with awards tending to keep pace with new applications. As would be expected, this growth has resulted in spiraling expenditures, in large part because once on the benefit rolls, very few ever leave for any reason, but particularly not because of return to work. The purpose of this article is to provide an explanation of the United States public program efforts, particularly those of the U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA), to promote employment and return to work by Americans with disabilities. The authors focus on the various programmatic and policy changes aimed at encouraging work and reducing existing barriers to employment by persons with disabilities. The context within which Social Security Insurance program for persons with disabilities operates in the U.S. is described, as are SSA’s disability program and definition of disability, Social Security Disability Insurance(SSDI), Supplemental Security Income(SSI), and existing work incentives for each. Also presented are the new work incentives available through the more recent legislation entitled the Ticket to Work and Work Incentives Improvement Act, including expedited reinstatement of benefits, Medicaid Buy-in, and extended Medicare coverage. The article concludes with a description of some complementary government programs to further address these issues, and suggested approaches to research, practice applications, and key policy issues and implications.