This course is designed to assist the student in developing skills in obtaining, synthesizing and creating new knowledge in rehabilitation. An emphasis is placed on conducting research that is relevant for the practice of vocational rehabilitation placement or counseling. Students are expected to identify an appropriate area of research interest, develop a research question, conduct a thorough review of the professional literature, and design and conduct a study that adds new knowledge or techniques to the field. This course provides students with an overview of the history, legislation, concepts, current issues and practices in the transition of students with disabilities from school to the community. Theories of placement as practiced in educational and rehabilitation settings.
Students learn about current methods and techniques of placement and employer development.
They explore innovative placement approaches such as supported employment, projects with industries and demand-side placement. Students develop strategies for implementing placement in various work settings. This course is designed to familiarize students with the special needs of clients from under-represented groups, including ethnic and religious minorities, women, people with disabilities, senior adults and people of different sexual orientations. The course discusses the situations these groups face as they seek counseling and educational services. Students learn how to empathize with clients from populations other than their own and how to access useful resources.