Disabled individuals face numerous limiting prejudices and challenges in mainstream society. Fortunately, current disability legislation has improved, mandating:
- Greater involvement of individuals with severe disabilities
- Alternative approaches to vocational placement
- Provision of independent living services
- Expansion of rehabilitation/habilitation services for those individuals with developmental disabilities
- Protection of the civil rights of people with disabilities and the removal of environmental barriers.

This book presents theoretical and practical assistance in translating those mandates into positive action. It is this dual process of individual and environmental proactivity that can maximize the rehabilitation of disabled individuals. This book is not only for the dedicated rehabilitation counselor, but also for students attending an introductory course at the master’s- or senior-level and in-service directors who design informative training programs.

Content includes: Historical roots of modern rehabilitation practices -- Current rehabilitation history -- The Americans with Disabilities Act : major mandates and ambiguities -- Philosophical and economic considerations in regard to disability rights and support for rehabilitation programs -- Sociological aspects of disability -- Societal values and ethical commitments that influence rehabilitation service delivery behavior -- Rehabilitation clients and their needs -- The role and function of the rehabilitation counselor -- The vocational rehabilitation process : evaluation phase -- Planning the rehabilitation program -- Utilizing rehabilitation facilities and support services -- Job placement -- Assistive technology : prospects and problems -- Women with disabilities : special issues in rehabilitation -- Independent living -- Rehabilitation in the private-for-profit sector : opportunities and challenges.