Exploring the Knowledge, Perceptions and Practice Patterns of School Counselors Regarding Vocational Rehabilitation for Transition Age Youth With Disabilities

Abstract

There is a dearth of research exploring the potential impacts of collaborative partnerships between vocational rehabilitation (VR) and school counselors for transition age students with disabilities. The purpose of the current study was to explore school counselor\u27s beliefs and behaviors related to VR collaboration. Study participants were identified through national and state level professional school counselor associations and included 178 secondary school counselors. Participants completed the VR beliefs scale which was developed to attain information regarding secondary school counselor\u27s knowledge and practice patterns to VR counseling. Results indicated that while the majority of participants reported some familiarity with VR services, school counselors were not significantly involved with connecting students with disabilities to VR services. Three recommendations for future practice were provided (i.e., rehabilitation counselor initiated collaboration efforts and information dissemination, professional accountability and, interdisciplinary counseling training programs)