is emerging as the career of choicefor high-energy people who wantto be creative and independentwhile they make a very realdifference in the lives of others.

Vocational rehabilitation

Newcomers can expect to find a diverse range ofopportunities offering competitive salaries

and benefits.People in this field will tell you

right up front that vocationalrehabilitation is not about

disabilities, it’s aboutpossibilities. The

objective of therehabilitation sciencesis to facilitate theability of peoplewith disabilities togainempowerment,employment,and full accessto society.

CONTENTSRehabilitation Counseling..................8

Rehabilitation Counselors

Rehabilitation of Individuals Who Are Blindor Have Vision Impairments..................10

Orientation and Mobility SpecialistsRehabilitation Teachers

Vocational Evaluation and Work Adjustment..................12Vocational EvaluatorsWork Adjustment Specialists

Job Development and Placement..................14Job Development and Placement Specialists

Rehabilitation for Individuals Who Are Deafor Hard of Hearing.........16

Deafness Rehabilitation ProfessionalsInterpreters for Deaf Individuals

Undergraduate Education in theRehabilitation Services..................18

Rehabilitation Administration..................20Rehabilitation Administrators

Rehabilitation Medicine..................23PhysiatristsRehabilitation Nurses

Prosthetics and Orthotics..................23Prosthetist-Orthotists

Rehabilitation Technologists..................24

Rehabilitation Psychologists..................24

Speech-Language Pathologistsand Audiologists..................24

People who have acquired one or more disabilitiesdue to disease, injury or congenital causes weretraditionally left with few choices. Today this is notthe case.

Vocationalrehabilitation

empowers peopleto make informed

choices, buildviable careers, and

live moreindependently inthe community.

The best rehabilitation professionals are those whoare educated to work behind the scenes assistingpeople with disabilities to build skills, confidence, andthe expectation of success in helping themselves. Inthis way, individuals with disabilities are empoweredto take full control of their lives and take their rightful

place as valued, contributing citizens.Knowledge and practice of these

principles, combined with a solidfoundation of specialized education in thevocational rehabilitation field, enablededicated rehabilitation professionals tohelp individuals with physical or mentaldisabilities who are pursuing meaningfulcareers to obtain gainful employment andlive more independently. This is achievedthrough the provision of such supports ascounseling, medical and psychologicalservices, local job searches, job trainingand other individualized services.

The demand for qualified vocationalrehabilitation professionals is expected toincrease steadily during the next severalyears. The impact of vocationalrehabilitation steadily gained momentumafter Congress passed the RehabilitationAct of 1973 and subsequentgroundbreaking legislation, including the1990 American With Disabilities Act.Many of the professionals who havecontributed to this field since the 1970sare preparing to retire after enjoying long,rewarding careers.

This booklet has been prepared forthose of you who want to know moreabout building a satisfying career invocational rehabilitation. Inside is anoverview of 17 career choices and thespecific educational information you’llneed to prepare for the exciting career ofyour choice in vocational rehabilitation.

By becoming a professional in thefield of vocational rehabilitation, youwill have many excitingopportunities:

• Work in a creative, compelling,professional environment infusedwith passion, idealism, andrealism;

• Achieve your potential whileempowering others to reach theirs;

• Enjoy long-term career growthpotential with increasinglycompetitive salaries and benefits;

• Know that the goal isempowerment and the bottom lineis meaningful employment; and

• Experience the deepsatisfaction of making a significantimpact on the quality of manylives, including your own.

3

Graduate and undergraduate degree programs are available atuniversities across the country. Some offer distance educationprograms. Generous federal financial assistance is often available forthose preparing for vocational rehabilitation careers. Recipients areusually required to repay this stipend by two years of paidemployment in the public rehabilitation program forevery year of receiving the stipend.

The primary focus of preparing for acareer in vocational rehabilitation is onlearning about theories, techniques,counseling, and their application;becoming an expert on disability andemployment; and gaining awareness andsensitivity regarding people withdisabilities. An important component ofcareer preparation for any well-roundedprofessional in vocational rehabilitation isgaining knowledge about employmentlaw. This includes the Rehabilitation Act,Americans with Disabilities Act, SocialSecurity Work Incentives ImprovementAct, and the Individuals With DisabilitiesEducation Act, among others.

Preparing for a Career inVocational Rehabilitation

5

QuestionsQ: What is vocational rehabilitation?A: Vocational rehabilitation is a field that encompasses a broad range of careers with one thing in common—the goal ofempowering people with disabilities to access the resources and knowledge to live successfully, be meaningfullyemployed, and enjoy being productive members of the community.

Q: Why is there such a great need for vocational rehabilitation professionals?A: Some 20 percent of the American population has one or more disabilities, and 70 percent of people with disabilitiesare unemployed. This creates a great demand for rehabilitation counselors, educators, therapists and other professionalswho can help children and adults reach their goals.

Q: What other factors are causing the shortage of vocational rehabilitationprofessionals?A: This is an exciting time in the vocational rehabilitation field. Many of the social and physical barriers that oncerestricted people with disabilities have been overcome. Technology has provided a wealth of new options. More andmore professional leadership and guidance is needed—often on a one-to-one basis—so that people with disabilities cantake advantage of these new opportunities. In addition, career professionals predict that the demand for professionals inthis field will continue to rise as the demand for its services grows and many of today’s vocational rehabilitationprofessionals retire.

Q: How do I find out more?A: Contact your local or state vocational rehabilitation office or the Rehabilitation Services Administration for moreinformation about careers in vocational rehabilitation. You can access a list of state vocational rehabilitation offices athttp://www.ed.gov/offices/OSERS/RSA/Resources/State/index.html. For additional information from the RehabilitationServices Administration, visit its website at http://www.ed.gov/offices/OSERS/RSA or write to them at the followingaddress:

US Department of EducationOffice of Special Education and Rehabilitative ServicesRehabilitation Services AdministrationRoom 3329-MES400 Maryland Avenue, S.W.Washington, DC 20202-2551

www.rehabjobs.orgwww.rreehhaabbjjoobbss.org

7

“All labor thatuplifts humanity has

dignity andimportance and

should beundertaken with

painstakingexcellence.”

—Martin Luther King, Jr.

First and foremost is the Rehabilitation Counselor. RehabilitationCounselors work one-on-one to help people of all ages with physical,emotional or learning disabilities discover their potential asindependent, self-sufficient citizens. It is a challenging job that oftenrequires creativity and vision to see possibilities where others see onlyproblems. It’s a good choice for someone with high energy who wantsto make a very real and measurable difference in the lives of others.

The foundation of rehabilitation counseling is one of empowermentin which individuals exercise control over their own lives. The goal ofthe Rehabilitation Counselor is to assist people with disabilities inachieving maximum psychological, social, vocational and economicindependence, which empowers them to enhance the quality of theirlives to their fullest capacity. Rehabilitation counseling focuses on thewhole person, including family, work and social relationships as wellas physical and psychological aspects.

It is the Rehabilitation Counselor who pulls all of the otheravailable services and resources together. The RehabilitationCounselor’s role includes personal counseling and guidance,individual assessment, evaluation of medical and psychologicalreports, vocational guidance, job placement, and working withindividuals and organizations to eliminate environmental andsocial barriers for people with disabilities.

Rehabilitation Counselors may work for state vocationalrehabilitation agencies, social service organizations,independent living centers, alcohol and drug programs, mentalhealth centers, or community or private non-profitrehabilitation programs. Many go on to teach in universities,preparing undergraduate and graduate students for successfulcareers in vocational rehabilitation.

PreparationRehabilitation Counselors are required to hold a master’s

degree in rehabilitation counseling. Most educational programsrequire 18 months to two years of academic course work and600 hours of supervised clinical experience. Many master’sprograms offer a student stipend plus support for payment ofstudent fees and tuition.

Many doctoral programs offer student stipend support aswell. A doctorate in rehabilitation counseling is a necessaryqualification for those who intend to remain in teaching oradministration of rehabilitation training programs in highereducation.

CertificationUpon completion of an approved internship and satisfactory

performance on the certification exam, graduates of accreditedmaster’s degree programs in rehabilitation counseling areeligible for certification by the Commission on RehabilitationCounselor Certification (CRCC), obtaining the credential ofCertified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC). This certification isstandard for employment in the rehabilitation field. Many statesalso offer certification as a Licensed Professional Counselor(LPC).

OpportunitiesRehabilitation Counselors are in high demand nationwide.

Many recognized experts in the field predict that this demandwill increase during the next several years. In addition topositions that are available in the federal, state and localgovernment programs, a growing number of rehabilitationprograms in the private sector hire Rehabilitation Counselors.

Randy AndersonVocational Rehabilitation Counselor

Randy's assignment as a VocationalRehabilitation Counselor is to work in localhigh schools to help students with disabilitiesgraduate prepared for further education orready to join the work force.

The bell rings. Turbulent waves of studentsflood the hallways, surfing from one class toanother. It is chaotic and intimidating to anoutsider, but Randy sails along. He callsstudents by name and is quick to laugh andshare a joke. He seems to know everybody inthe school. Not only his clients and theirsupervising teachers, but lots of students, all theteachers, and everybody else—the librarian, thejanitor, the nurse, and the principal.

"I make it my business to know everybody.It's my job to help these kids successfullytransition from high school to the work force,"he said. Randy begins working with students in9th and 10th grade to find out what they wantto do after high school. He tries to get them intoemployment during their junior and senioryears. Students earn credits while gainingvaluable on-the-job experience. Randy serves asa liaison between employers and students."In their first job experiences, Iwant to keep them on the joband help them be successfulthere. In the long run, I want tosee them in an occupation thatthey really enjoy and that meetstheir future financial needs andgoals," Randy said.

"If you are thinking of going into this field,I'd say you have to be the kind of person whoisn't rigid in their ideas and thinking. You haveto be willing to take the time to develop arapport and trust," Randy said. "But the payoffis there. You really can have an impact onpeople's lives."8

Rehabilitation Counseling

“Only those who risk going too far can possibly findout how far one can go.” —T.S. Eliot

Rehabilitation of Individuals Who Are Blindor Have Vision Impairments

Orientation and Mobility (O&M) Specialists andRehabilitation Teachers provide essential services thatare designed to empower blind and visually impairedpeople to live and travel independently. Successfulpractitioners are personable, creative, and insightful tothe viewpoints of others.

Orientation and Mobility Specialists work closelywith people who are blind or visually impaired to helpthem develop the skills necessary for independent andsafe travel. The use of the sighted guide technique, thelong cane, and electronic travel aids are some of thesystematic techniques by which blind or visuallyimpaired people orient themselves to theirsurroundings and move about safely and efficiently.Orientation and Mobility Specialists also monitor andsupport the development of the basic concepts, sensoryskills and protective techniques for safe travel.

Daily professional activities of Orientation andMobility Specialists may include interviewing andmaking assessments and referrals as well as providingdirect, one-on-one orientation and mobility services.Some opportunities are available in low-vision clinicsfor assessing vision and determining training needs.

Rehabilitation Teachers perform a broad variety ofactivities to teach independent living skills, activities ofdaily living, homemaking skills, and personalmanagement. They are the ones who teach blind andvisually impaired people how to read and write Braille,use assistive technology to communicate, and perhapshire and manage personal care assistants. Activities ofdaily living are the simple, daily acts we perform everyday to look after ourselves to be productive and enjoylife—telling time, preparing meals, eating, dressing,grooming and personal hygiene. Rehabilitation Teacherscoach blind and visually impaired individuals in thoseareas and in the use of technology such as computers,telephones, and Braillewriters.

Rehabilitation Teachers often work with vocationalrehabilitation counselors to evaluate and plan teachingactivities to meet a client’s needs, and with home healthworkers to make individual assessments. They sometimeswork with blind and visually impaired individuals in theirhomes and places of work to set up their physicalenvironments and adaptive equipment.

It takes a team of professionals from several fields to meetthe needs of people who are blind or have vision impairments.Orientation and Mobility Specialists and RehabilitationTeachers often work with allied health professionals such asophthalmologists, opticians, rehabilitation counselors, specialeducation teachers, low vision practitioners, or deaf-blindspecialists. It is important that these professionals understandeach others’ roles and functions and the complementarynature of the rehabilitation team.

PreparationThe positions of Orientation and Mobility Specialist and

Rehabilitation Teacher typically require a bachelor's degree inrehabilitation or related fields, with specialized trainingrelated to serving people who are blind or visually impaired.A master's degree is usually preferred. Orientation andMobility Specialists hold a degree in rehabilitation oreducation with an emphasis or major in Orientation andMobility. The Association of Educators and Rehabilitators ofthe Blind and Visually Impaired (AER) must have approvedthe degree program.

CertificationGraduates of approved university programs are eligible for

certification in Rehabilitation Teaching or in Orientation andMobility from the Academy for the Certification of VisionRehabilitation and Education Professionals.

OpportunitiesOrientation and Mobility Specialists and Rehabilitation

Teachers work in public and private rehabilitation agencies,including state vocational rehabilitation agencies for the blindand visually impaired, low vision clinics, and educationalinstitutions. Many professionals provide services undercontractual arrangements with agencies.

11

"The worst job I everhad was no job."

—Rehabilitation Client

Stephanie MonroeRehabilitation Specialist/VocationalEvaluator

"We help people with their goals foremployment. We test, score and let themdiscover their interests, abilities, and workvalues. This identifies what they want to do andwhat they are able to do with their particulardisabilities," said Stephanie, a rehabilitationspecialist in the area of vocational evaluation.

"Often the people who come here aresurprised when an interest they hadn'tconsidered before surfaces. Maybe they'lldiscover a flair for nursing or science. Or theyrealize capabilities they had previouslydismissed," she said.

"We're able to help themrealize how much potentialand how many differentoptions they have."

Her working environment is a careerplanning center that features three labs—a roomfull of well-equipped clerical work areas, aworking kitchen, and another lab with sometwenty "work samples." The work samplessimulate the activities of different occupationsranging from telecommunications testing tosmall engine repair to soil testing to cosmetology.Adults from high school age to senior citizensvisit the career planning center for one to twodays of exploration of employment options.

As they watch videos about each job andcomplete related tasks, Stephanie is there withencouragement and support. She will combineher own observations and assessment results toformulate recommendations that may launcheach individual in positive directions towardtraining and successful employment.

"I think this is a great field for people wholove working with people," Stephanie said. "Ilove helping people get on the road to getting aproductive job that they care about."

Vocational Evaluation andWork Adjustment

Successful Vocational Evaluators and Work Adjustment Specialists mustbe imaginative and practical, able to think outside the box to create uniquesolutions for the accommodation of individuals with disabilities in theworkplace.

Vocational evaluation is a comprehensive process of vocationalexploration and assessment designed to assist individuals in identifyingtheir vocational options. Vocational Evaluators must have anunderstanding of a variety of physical and mental disabilities and above-average communication skills. They are responsible for selecting,administering and interpreting a broad assortment of evaluationinstruments including psychometric tests, commercial work samplesystems, and situational assessments. They often modify standardinstruments or develop new instruments in order to effectively respond tolocal labor markets or accommodate individual needs.

Work Adjustment Specialists provide services focusing on pre-employment skill development and the implementation ofsystematic, individualized treatment and training programs forpeople with disabilities. These specialists must have skills inbehavior change techniques, individual and group counseling,instructional techniques, job development, job placement andcommunity integration.

PreparationMinimum requirements for individuals seeking employment as

a Vocational Evaluator or Work Adjustment Specialist are abachelor's degree in rehabilitation or closely related field withextensive approved work experience and specialized training.Individuals with a master’s degree in their respectiverehabilitation specialty areas are preferred for work in eitherposition.

CertificationGraduates of vocational evaluation specialization programs

may apply to the Commission on Certification of WorkAdjustment and Vocational Evaluation Specialists (CCWAVES) fornational certification as a Certified Vocational Evaluator (CVE).The CVE is awarded to individuals having competence in essentialperformance areas as demonstrated by education, training,professional experience, and successful completion of a nationalcertification examination administered by CCWAVES. CCWAVESalso administers certification for the Certified Work Adjustment(CWA) specialty.

While most states do not have licensure or other specificcredentials for Vocational Evaluators or Work AdjustmentSpecialists, they may rely on the CVE and CWA as a standard forprofessional qualifications. The Commission on Accreditation ofRehabilitation Facilities (CARF) requires the CVE credential whencertifying programs in vocational evaluation.

OpportunitiesVocational Evaluators and Work Adjustment Specialists may be

employed in any setting that concentrates on facilitating theintegration of people with disabilities into the communityworkplace. Employment settings may include state vocationalrehabilitation agencies, private non-profit rehabilitation agenciesor facilities, independent living centers, psychiatric and addictiontreatment centers, head injury treatment centers, hospitals, publicschools, mental health and developmental disability programs,correctional facilities, and university-based programs.

12

“When we accept toughjobs as a challenge and

wade into them withjoy and enthusiasm,

miracles can happen.”—Harry S. Truman

Job Development andPlacement Specialists

14 15

Individuals who enjoy working closely with thebusiness community can have a stimulating career as aJob Development and Placement Specialist. Theseprofessionals help corporate, business and serviceorganizations identify individuals with disabilities whohave the desired skills and qualifications foremployment. At the same time, they are helpingindividuals with disabilities link up with the employersand secure suitable employment.

Job Development and Placement Specialists areusually called upon at the final stage of therehabilitation process to work with vocationalrehabilitation counselors and other personnel atagencies that serve persons with disabilities. Theirspecialized skills must include researching data aboutindustries, companies, labor market statistics, andemployment trends by using the Internet and otherresources. They must also translate these researchfindings into meaningful information that can facilitatethe employment of specific individuals who are readyfor job placement.

Direct, one-on-one services provided by JobDevelopment and Placement Specialists to persons withdisabilities are based upon individual needs and mayinclude instruction in searching, applying, andinterviewing for a job; resume development; and post-employment follow-up. The focus of this position isoften placed entirely on job development activities,which include locating employment opportunities forindividuals with disabilities and facilitating theirsuccess. On any given day, Job Development andPlacement Specialists may work with individualemployers or groups of employers to identify jobvacancies or to arrange for special accommodationneeds to be met.

Job Development and Placement Specialists oftenprovide services to employers such as teaching themabout the benefits of hiring persons with disabilities;performing a job analysis to determine jobrequirements; identifying possible accommodationneeds; demonstrating accessibility technology;consulting with the personnel or human resourcedepartment about hiring practices; and working withsupervisors to educate them about the accommodationneeds of an individual with disabilities. They must beknowledgeable about the requirements of theAmericans with Disabilities Act.

PreparationThe position of Job Development and Placement

Specialist usually requires a bachelor's degree inrehabilitation or a related field. It is desirable to haveexperience working in the business sector or in aposition that provides practical skills in jobdevelopment and placement.

CertificationPresently, there are no certification or licensure

requirements for Job Development and PlacementSpecialists.

OpportunitiesJob Development and Placement Specialists work in

public and private community rehabilitation programsand agencies, including state vocational rehabilitationagencies, community mental health programs, Projectswith Industry, and other agencies and programs thatprovide services to individuals with disabilities.

“Work is love made visible.” —Kahlil Gibran

Rehabilitation of Individuals Who AreDeaf or Hard of Hearing

An important personal quality of effective DeafnessRehabilitation Professionals and Interpreters for DeafIndividuals is an appreciation for the value ofcommunication and its impact on people’s lives. Anessential professional quality is to be aware ofthe varied needs of deaf individuals and familiar withthe unique characteristics of the Deaf culture andcommunity.

Services provided by Deafness RehabilitationProfessionals include assessment, vocational andadjustment counseling, interpreter referral, advocacy,job placement, and independent living skills training.Interpreters for Deaf Individuals help meet the needsof individuals who are deaf or deaf-blind throughmanual, tactile, oral, and cued speech interpretation.Both often assist consumers in legal, medical, andother settings in the community.

A critical factor for success is the ability tocommunicate with each individual in his or herpreferred mode of communication. These professionalsare skilled in using several methods of communicationsuch as American Sign Language (ASL) and PidginSigned English (PSE). Familiarity with the use ofvarious assistive listening devices is helpful.

PreparationMany states require a master's degree for

employment as a Deafness Rehabilitation Professional.While many agencies may hire graduates from generalrehabilitation counselor training programs,employment opportunities are greater for those whohave graduated from programs offering master'sdegree specialization related to deafness or services forpeople who are deaf or hard of hearing. Some collegesand universities offer stipends or scholarships to

students interested in pursuing careers in providingspecialized rehabilitation to people who are deaf orhard of hearing.

Interpreters for Deaf Individuals can receivetraining in public and private agencies, schools, andother institutions. A college degree is not alwaysrequired, but is often preferred by employers.

CertificationDeafness Rehabilitation Professionals are eligible

for the same types of certifications as vocationalrehabilitation counselors. These include Commissionon Rehabilitation Counselor Certification (CRCC),Nationally Certified Counselor (NCC) and others.Many states and programs are implementing signlanguage proficiency evaluations to assistprofessionals in developing and improving theirAmerican Sign Language skills. While certification insign language proficiency is not currently required,national certification or state screening levels for signlanguage proficiency are often stated as a hiringpreference.

To work as an Interpreter for the Deaf, state ornational certification is required. Nationalcertification is through the Registry of Interpreters forthe Deaf (RID). States use a variety of screeninginstruments.

OpportunitiesDeafness Rehabilitation Professionals and

Interpreters for Deaf Individuals may be employed ina variety of settings including vocationalrehabilitation agencies, universities, communityrehabilitation programs, mental health settings,independent living agencies and community servicecenters.

16

19

“Your work is todiscover your work,and then with all yourheart to give yourselfto it.”—Buddha

Undergraduate Educationin the RehabilitationServices

Graduates of four-year university programs with an emphasis onrehabilitation may qualify as Rehabilitation Practitioners, whoassist people with disabilities in achieving the greatest physical,mental, social, educational and vocational potential of which theyare capable. This can be a satisfying entry-level career choice forpeople who are interested in helping individuals with disabilitiesand enthusiastic about beginning a career in rehabilitation.

Common job titles for this position include rehabilitationspecialist, case manager, vocational caseworker, rehabilitation aideor technician, vocational evaluation technician, alcohol and drugcounselor, personal adjustment trainer, work adjustment trainer, jobplacement specialist, and employee assistance counselor.

Rehabilitation Practitioners perform a broad range of services andoften work within teams of professionals and specialists in thevocational rehabilitation field. A typical work day might includecoordinating the diagnostics and evaluation; interviewing;individual planning; arranging various rehabilitation services;assisting in selecting a vocational goal; job placement activities;providing supported employment or job coaching services; orproviding personal and social adjustment services. They providefollow-up services to individuals with disabilities after otherservices are completed.

PreparationIndividuals seeking employment as Rehabilitation Practitioners

should complete a four-year university training program that resultsin a bachelor's degree in rehabilitation or a bachelor’s degree withspecial emphasis on rehabilitation. Frequently, students enter anundergraduate rehabilitation training program with the intention ofeventually obtaining a master's degree in rehabilitation counseling,psychology or related areas. Many gain valuable experience as aRehabilitation Practitioner before obtaining their graduate degree.

There are approximately 50 undergraduate rehabilitationprograms in colleges in the United States. In some instances, theseprograms offer student stipend support plus the payment of studentfees and tuition.

CertificationThere are currently no certification requirements for the bachelor's

degree level Rehabilitation Practitioner.

OpportunitiesRehabilitation Practitioners may work in public and private

rehabilitation agencies such as state vocational rehabilitation agencies,community rehabilitation programs, mental health and developmentaldisability units, evaluation and treatment centers, correctionalinstitutions and agencies (including probation departments),voluntary organizations, client assistance programs, and centers forindependent living. Many work in private industry, includingpersonnel departments of corporations and insurance companies. Inpublic vocational rehabilitation agencies, assistance is available forfurther education.

Karla WheelerRehabilitation Technician

As a rehabilitation technician, Karla plays akey role on a team of professionals who assistclients in achieving their goals. She works withrehabilitation counselors, rehabilitationteachers, job placement specialists, andorientation and mobility specialists.

"I've gotten to know more about each of thesespecialties and have learned first hand how theyall work together to help the clients," Karla said.

"I'm totally involved in eachcase and have a lot of interactionwith individual clients. It'sexciting to be part of theirprogress from their first interviewall the way to getting a job."

Karla describes her work as taking care of the"business side" of each case. Her responsibilitiesrequire her to be a self-starter and to beextremely well organized. She sets up necessaryappointments and makes sure aids andappliances are on hand and that teachers havebeen scheduled. As she monitors these details,she remains ready to switch gears to respond toincoming calls from new clients.

"Since the rehabilitation technician is oftenthe first person in the system a new client talksto, I concentrate on listening to make sure Iunderstand all I can about their situations," shesaid. Karla added that many people, when theycontact her, are experiencing a period oftransition and wondering what the future holdsfor them.

"When we get off the phone I want them tobe more at ease and to be reassured that as ateam we have many options for helping them,"she said.

After eight years as a rehabilitationtechnician, Karla is now working on hermaster's degree. Her goal is to become avocational rehabilitation counselor.

"I tell people who are interested inrehabilitation that if you have a genuine desireto help people you'll love this field. Realproblems are being solved here."

RehabilitationAdministration

The demand for professional administrators in the VocationalRehabilitation field is rising quickly and will continue to increaseduring the first decades of the twenty-first century.Rehabilitation Administrators manage and direct a widevariety of rehabilitation service programs in the public andprivate sectors. They often come from the ranks of experiencedbusiness administrators and rehabilitation professionals whohave leadership qualities, can build cooperative relationships,and can marshal the resources necessary to lead and managegrowing agencies.

The mission of Rehabilitation Administrators is to ensure thatrehabilitation programs serve people with disabilities in the mostefficient and effective ways possible. They apply the principles ofbusiness and public administration along with program-specificknowledge on the practical and societal implications ofdisability. Their responsibilities typically involve planning,programming, budgeting, operations and management,supervision and human resource development, informationmanagement, reporting, program evaluation, research, andpublic relations.

Rehabilitation Administrators must be sensitive to the needsof people with disabilities and have knowledge of rehabilitationand labor law. Successful administrators understand governmentand how it works, make effective use of public and privatefinancial resources, and have the knowledge and commitmentnecessary to provide quality clinical counseling services andsupervision.

PreparationRehabilitation Administrators are hired from many kinds of

private businesses and nonprofit organizations as well as fromprofessional staff in such disciplines as rehabilitation counseling,psychology and education. Most obtain a bachelor's degree, andoften a master's degree, in a rehabilitation-related field beforeentering management. To qualify for first-level, middle, and topmanagement positions, individuals are advised to obtainadditional education such as a master's degree in rehabilitation,business, or public administration. Individuals interested inpursuing Rehabilitation Administration may increase theirknowledge and skills through in-service and continuingeducation venues.

CertificationThere are no mandatory certification requirements for

Rehabilitation Administrators, but they are generally expectedto have met the certification requirements that are mandatoryfor the professionals they supervise. The Commission onRehabilitation Counselor Certification (CRCC) offers an adjunctdesignation for specialized practice within rehabilitationcounseling, the CRC-Clinical Supervisor (CRC-CS) for first-levelsupervisors of vocational rehabilitation counselors.

OpportunitiesRehabilitation Administrators work in state and federal

agencies, nonprofit organizations, educational institutions,medical rehabilitation facilities, and private rehabilitationbusinesses. Many serve in managerial positions such assupervisor, unit director, planner, human resource developmentdirector, district administrator, or grants manager.

“Never doubt that asmall group of committedcitizens can change theworld. Indeed, it is theonly thing that ever has.”—Margaret Mead

Ray HopkinsVocational Rehabilitation Administrator

"In vocational rehabilitation, we help peoplewho have had their dreams dashed or who don'thave dreams. We have the ability to give themback hope for enjoying their lives and theirfamilies, and for making a contribution to thecommunity," Ray, an administrator at a statevocational rehabilitation agency and a formerrehabilitation educator, said.

"My greatest rewards as a rehabilitationeducator came from working with clients one-to-one. I enjoyed seeing people surprise themselvesby doing something they never expected to doagain," Ray said.

"Now as an administrator, Ifocus on affecting policies andpractices that will have a positiveeffect on many people. Mygreatest satisfaction is in helpingothers in the profession,especially those new to the field."

He said that his past experiences, as arecipient of vocational rehabilitation services (hehas vision impairment) and in a variety of jobs inthe field, give him an understanding of the needsof vocational rehabilitation professionals andtheir very diverse clients.

"If you're going to be an administrator, youcan't be afraid of challenges. Some of the greatestsuccesses start out as the biggest challenges,"Ray said. "There is no cookbook forrehabilitation and there is no recipe for success."

"In rehabilitation administration, we needpeople who can think beyond the status quo tohelp those with disabilities gain access. We needrehabilitation professionals who are ready tostep forward and focus on the bigger picture."

21

Rehabilitation Medicine

Prosthetics & Orthotics

Physicians who specialize in rehabilitation medicineare called Physiatrists (fizz-ee-at'-trists). Physiatristsprovide rehabilitation medical care to persons whosephysical function capacity is limited by theconsequences of injury, disease, or congenital disorder.Physiatrists team with other physicians andrehabilitation professionals such as nurses, physicaltherapists, occupational therapists, psychologists,prosthetists and orthotists to provide theinterdisciplinary care needed to increase the functionalabilities of persons with disabilities.

Some physiatrists provide services to customers ofthe public rehabilitation programs, while others serveas faculty in rehabilitation medicine and conductresearch to improve rehabilitation processes andoutcomes.

Rehabilitation Nurses have an important role ininterdisciplinary teams, working cooperatively withrehabilitation counselors, social workers, occupationaland physical therapists and physiatrists. RehabilitationNurses begin to work with individuals and theirfamilies soon after a disabling injury or chronic illnessstrikes, and they are still there after the individuals gohome, back to school, or to work. During that time,rehabilitation nurses help individuals function asindependently as possible and minimize complicationsof injury or illness. They accomplish this goal byeducating, motivating, and working with individualsand their families, friends, and employers.

Rehabilitation Nurses can practice in rehabilitationcenters, hospitals, long-term care facilities, nursinghomes, clinics, community and governmental agencies,sub-acute facilities, insurance corporations, and privatecompanies.

A Prosthetist-Orthotist provides care to people whoneed to be fitted with an artificial limb (prosthesis) toreplace a missing extremity, or need a custom-madeorthopedic brace (orthosis) fitted to a disabled spine orextremity. Professional practice includes assessment ofpatient needs, recommendation of prescriptions, andthe fabrication, fitting and evaluation of the prosthesisor orthosis. In addition to functioning in the clinicalsetting as an active member of the professional health

care team, the Prosthetist-Orthotist is responsible foreducating patients, their families, other health careprofessionals and the public about prosthetic andorthotic care and services.

Students with a degree in prosthetics-orthotics areemployed nationwide and generally have residencyprogram employment offers prior to graduation. Theytypically work in research facilities, hospitals, andprivate and non-profit agencies.

23

Rehabilitation TechnologistsRehabilitation technology is an emerging field

involved with the design, development andapplication of assistive technology devices to assistpeople with disabilities in achieving greaterindependence. Rehabilitation Technologists assess theneeds of individuals with disabilities and therequirements of the environment or setting, then theydesign and develop solutions, often customizingcommercially available products and assistive devicesto suit the need of the individual. The devices may bemechanical, electronic or digital (computerized). Oncethe modifications have been made, they evaluate thesuccess of their solutions.

Rehabilitation Technologists work closely with theclient within teams of rehabilitation professionals thatinclude doctors, physical therapists, occupationaltherapists, rehabilitation counselors or others. Theymay address problems related to wheelchairs andmobility, corrective postural positioning, independentliving, workplace modification, adaptive driving andaugmentative communication.

Rehabilitation Technologists work in universities,community rehabilitation settings, hospital settingsattached to acute rehabilitation units, municipal masstransportation authorities, and school districtsproviding special education services.

Rehabilitation PsychologistsRehabilitation Psychologists perform

psychological, neuropsychological, vocational and/orclinical evaluation of people with mental illness orother disabilities to determine strengths andweaknesses that may affect long-term personal, social,and vocational adjustment and adaptation to disability.Such information may also contribute to treatment,interdisciplinary planning or disability determination.Rehabilitation Psychologists may provide counselingand psychotherapy to help individuals cope with

mental illness or another disability, and with dailyliving issues. In the academic area, they may performindependent clinical work and research or join thefaculty of a university.

Rehabilitation Psychologists work in a wide varietyof settings, including public and private rehabilitationcenters, hospitals, psychiatric or head injury treatmentcenters, state institutions, community mental healthcenters and academic institutions.

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Speech-Language Pathologists and AudiologistsSpeech-Language Pathologists work with people of

all ages to address a variety of speech, language, voice,swallowing, and cognitive problems that may resultfrom such conditions as stroke, brain injury,degenerative disease, learning disability, and attentiondeficit disorder. Speech-Language Pathologists areresponsible for evaluation, goal setting, treatmentimplementation, patient and family education andreintegration of patients. The goal is to improve patientskills so they may function in their environment to thebest of their ability.

Audiologists work closely with otolaryngologists orear, nose and throat specialists. The goal is to obtain aclear determination of hearing status and makerecommendations for hearing aids or follow-upmedical treatment.

Audiologists and Speech-Language Pathologistswork in hospitals, private and public clinics,rehabilitation centers, nursing homes, home healthagencies, contract agencies, private practices andpublic/private schools and universities.

The contents of this publication were developed under a grant fromthe Department of Education, however those contents do notnecessarily represent the policy of the Department of Education, andyou should not assume endorsement from the federal government.

A project of the Region VI Education Forum Marketing CommitteeProduced by Phil Card Designwww.philcarddesign.com

More information about careers invocational rehabilitation is available at theNational Clearinghouse for RehabilitationTraining Materials on the Web atwww.rehabjobs.org