Develops a heuristic model of independence and discusses it in reference to a hierarchy of fundamental human needs. Four major components of the model (perceived control of one's life, physical functioning, psychological self-reliance, and environmental resources) are identified and the relationships among them are explored. The model is then…

Examined perceptions of professionals employed in rehabilitation and rehabilitation-related human service programs serving consumers with severe disabilities and complex special needs regarding their training priorities. Findings suggest that vocational tasks related to community integration were perceived differently across rehabilitation…

The adaptations that might be advisable for rehabilitation practitioners working with older persons are outlined. Physiological and psychological changes related to aging are described, and social changes involving loss are mentioned. Accommodations that may help in working with older clients are recommended. (Author)

To fill a gap in the existing knowledge base the network of personal and community supports that may be mobilized by rehabilitation counselors in working with older, disabled persons is identified. (Author/BL)

Surveyed state rehabilitation counselors and administrators regarding their perceptions of mental health problems among individuals with physical disabilities. Results suggest that the state vocational rehabilitation counselors and administrators perceive a significant need for mental health services among individuals with severe physical…

To help disabled teenagers make the transition from the school-to-work environment, professionals must understand how chronic illnesses and disabilities affect the development and mastery of some important psychosocial tasks of adolescence. It is recommended that rehabilitation counselors use a holistic approach to counseling chronically ill and…

Describes a model hypothesizing that differential service prescription based on client characteristics improves successful rehabilitation outcome. Studies the validity of this model using entry characteristics and services rendered to Goodwill Industries clients (N=445) as independent variables. Treatment outcome or placement was the criterion.…

A survey of the use and usefulness of psychological reports was completed with rehabilitation counselors in Kentucky and Illinois. Results suggested that problems rehabilitation counselors have with services delivered by contract psychologists include nonspecific and unrealistic recommendations and too little individualization of reports. (Author)

A cluster analysis of 282 rehabitation-need profiles of alcoholic clients resulted in extraction of seven distinct groups. Each group was described in terms of its level of psychological-need satisfaction related to the seven scales of the Human Service Scale. Various problems of adjustment for each group were discussed. (Author)

Deals with women who have physical disabilities at midlife transition, identifies issues unique to them, and suggests strategies to help them cope with their concerns. (Author/BL)

Investigated human resource development needs of certified rehabilitation counselors (n=1,535). Counselors reported development needs in vocational services; medical/psychosocial aspects; case management/services; and social, cultural, and environmental issues. Significant differences in development needs were found across job levels, job…

Assesses the employment status of mentally retarded young adults. Results indicated that the total unemployment rate was 58 percent, almost three-fourths of those who were employed earned less than $500 per month, most individuals had never used professional job placement services, and those who were employed had obtained their jobs through family…

Individuals (n=32) with cancer rank ordered 15 psychosocial needs in terms of importance to themselves. Similarly, their family members (n=41), oncology nurses (n=45), hospital social support staff (n=40), and rehabilitation counselors (n=41) ranked same needs. Differences were reported among groups in nine need areas, indicating that perceptual…

Collected data concerning perceptions and expectations of services by rehabilitation counselors (N=7) and 12 of their severely disabled clients. Results showed differences between counselors and clients regarding (a) counselor's role in vocational aspects; (b) control over decision making for rehabilitation services; and (c) counselor perceptions…

Statistical analyses supported two conclusions: (a) The Physiological and Emotional Security subscales of the HSS are highly saturated with psychopathological symptomatology; and (b) the remaining five HSS subscales measure dimensions of clients' psychosocial and vocational adjustment that are relatively independent of psychopathology. (Author)