Hofstra University
School of Education & Allied Human Services
Counseling, Research, Special Education, and Rehabilitation
Fall, 2006
REHB 230: Philosophy and Principles of Vocational Rehabilitation
Time: T: 4:30 pm – 6:20 pm
Location: Hagedorn Hall, Room 033

Instructor: Andrea Perkins, Ph.D., CRC, CVE
Office: 143 Hagedorn Hall Phone: (516) 463-6492
Office Hours: T: 6:30—8:00 pm CRSR Office: (516) 463-5782
Th: 2:00—4:00 pm E-mail: Andrea.Perkins@hofstra.edu
or by appointment

COURSE OBJECTIVE

Students will develop a basis of understanding about vocational rehabilitation counseling from both a historical and contemporary perspective that includes the legislative as well as the philosophical underpinnings of the profession. Attention will be directed towards the various vocational rehabilitation systems at the local, state, and federal levels, as well as the interdisciplinary nature of the field. Students will also learn about the process of service delivery and the types of services provided to individuals with disabilities.

COMPETENCIES

Through course lecture, assigned readings, in-class & on-line activities, and discussion, the student will, at minimum, develop knowledge competencies in the following areas:

• History, philosophy, ethics, and values of rehabilitation counseling
• Rehabilitation legislation
• The rehabilitation process
• Organizational structure of rehabilitation systems & independent living
• Medical, psychological, socio-cultural, & vocational issues
• Role of the rehabilitation counselor in various settings
• Knowledge of community resources and services
• Current issues in rehabilitation

REQUIRED TEXTS

Rubin, S. E., & Roessler, R. T. (2001). Foundations of the vocational rehabilitation process. (5th ed.) Austin, TX: Pro-Ed

Riggar, T. F., & Maki, D. R. (2004). Handbook of rehabilitation counseling. New York, NY: Springer Publishing, Co.

Other readings as assigned by the instructor

COURSE ASSIGNMENTS

Examinations
Midterm Exam: Lectures and readings through October 10th

Final Exam: Lectures and readings beginning from October 24th

The midterm will consist of multiple choice questions and short answers based on the material presented in the first half of the semester. The final semester will be essay questions based on the material presented in the second half of the semester. Content for each exam will be taken from class lectures and the assigned book/articles.

*Topics covered on the exams are subject to change depending on what material has been covered to date.

Current Issue Paper
You will be required to complete an 8-10 page research paper on an approved topic related to a current issue in rehabilitation counseling. Your paper should follow the outline provided. Your literature review should be comprehensive and focus on topics from the past 10 years (in keeping with the theme of current!). Focus on defining the issue and identifying varying points of view regarding the topic. Then, discuss your position on the issue and future directions/implications for rehabilitation counseling practice. You should have at least 8-10 references of which the majority must come from academic journals. The research paper should be written in APA 5th edition format; therefore it is recommended that you purchase a copy of the APA manual for guidance on appropriate formatting and citation documentation. An abstract of your paper and reference list should be posted on Blackboard to share with classmates. Due date: 11/20/06

Topic Selection: By the 5th week of class, the topic for your Current Issue Paper should be approved by the instructor. To enhance the learning experience of all students, only one person will be allowed to cover each topic. Topics will be approved on a first come, first served basis. Due date: 10/03/06

Research Paper Outline: By the 9th week of class, a brief outline of your paper, including prospective references is due. Discuss your thinking for each of the sections and address any problems you are having. The following are examples, but not an exhaustive list, of scholarly journals that can be used in your literature review: Journal of Applied Rehabilitation Counseling, Journal of Rehabilitation, Rehabilitation Counseling Bulletin, Rehabilitation Psychology, Rehabilitation Education, and Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation.
Due date: 10/31/06

Current Issue Presentation
During the final two weeks of class, you will give a 10-minute presentation based on your Current Issue paper. Presentations should follow the outline provided. Grading will be based on content, as well as presentation and clarity. Due date: 12/05/06 & 12/12/06

Online Forums
Several times throughout the semester, the instructor will post questions and assignments on Blackboard. These activities will not be time consuming, but are required as supplementary to the in-class lectures. Material discussed and presented in the online forums may be included on examinations. You will be expected to contribute thoughtfully to the online discussions to receive full credit for these assignments. Forum content will be posted on Wednesdays and will address topics for the upcoming week. Responses should be posted by the Monday before the following class. Please read all contributions from classmates prior to class that week. Due date: Weeks 4, 5, 6, 9, & 13

GRADING POLICY

Class Activity Grade Weight
Online participation 10%
Midterm Exam 30%
Final Exam 30%
Current Issues Presentation 10%
Current Issues Paper 20%
Total: 100%

Grading Scale
Course grades will be calculated from class activities outlined above and converted to letter grades using the following scale below:

93% - 100% = A 73% - 76% = C
90% - 92% = A- 70% - 72% = C-
87% - 89% = B+ 67% - 69% = D+
83% - 86% = B 63% - 66% = D
80% - 82% = B- 60% - 62% = D-
77% - 79% = C+ Below 60%= F

LATE ASSIGNMENT POLICY
All assignments are expected to be submitted when scheduled. Please notify the instructor of any unforeseen or emergent delays. Excessive or unannounced late assignments are subject to a reduction of earned grade.

ATTENDANCE POLICY
It is important to make every effort to attend class. However, in the event you cannot make it, please notify me ahead of time. If repeated absences occur, your grade may be lowered by one grade level for each absence.

CELL PHONE POLICY
Cell phones should be turned off at the beginning of each class.

POLICY ON ACADEMIC HONESTY
All students are expected to abide by the University’s Policy on Academic Honesty as specified in the Hofstra University Graduate Studies Bulletin.

POLICY ON ACCOMMODATIONS OF STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES
Accommodations are provided for students with disabilities on an individualized, as-needed basis after the student’s needs, circumstances and documentation have been evaluated by the appropriate University office: the director of the Program for Higher Education of the Disabled (PHED) in 101 Memorial Hall (516-463-6770) handles accommodations for physical and/or psychological disabilities and the director of the Program for Academic Learning Skills (PALS) in 202 Roosevelt Hall (516-463-5840) handles accommodations for learning disabilities and ADHD. Students who believe they will require an accommodation may either (1) contact the appropriate University office and request that the professor be notified of the accommodation by the office or (2) directly notify the professor, who will then refer the student to the appropriate office. In order to implement the accommodation in a timely manner, students are encouraged to notify the professor and/or appropriate office during the first two weeks of the semester. All information provided to a professor regarding a student’s disability will be kept in confidence.







COURSE SCHEDULE FOR REHB 230
Date Topic
Reading Assignment Deadlines
Session 1: 09/05/06 Introduction
Review of Syllabus
Overview of rehabilitation systems and professions
Models of disability Handouts
Session 2: 09/12/06 History of rehabilitation counseling
Early policy and legislation Chapter 1 (R & R)
Session 3: 09/19/06 Policy and legislation Chapter 2 (R & R)
Chapter 3 (R & M) Online forum
Session 4: 09/26/06 Current policy and legislation Chapter 3 (R & R)
Chapter 5 (R & M)
Handout
Online forum
Session 5: 10/03/06 Philosophical, sociological, and ethical considerations in rehabilitation counseling
Chapter 5 & 6 (R & R)
CRCC Code of Ethics
(www.crccertification.com)
Handout
Topic due for Current Issues paper
Online forum
Session 6: 10/10/06
The Rehabilitation Process Chapter 10 & 12 (R & R)
Chapter 11 & 12 (R & M)
Handout
Midterm review
Session 7: 10/17/06 Midterm Exam Midterm exam


COURSE SCHEDULE FOR REHB 230

Date Date Date Date
Session 8: 10/24/06 Psychosocial aspects of disability
Characteristics of consumers
Multicultural considerations Chapter 2 (R & M)
Online reading for Session 8 Online forum
Session 9: 10/31/06
Happy
Halloween! Professional Identity
Scope of Practice for Rehabilitation Counselors Chapter 8 (R & R)
Chapter 7 (R & M)
CRCC Scope of Practice
(www.crccertification.com)
Outline and references due for Current Issues Paper
Session 10: 11/07/06
Public sector rehabilitation
Job placement models Online reading for Session 10
Session 11: 11/14/06
Private non-profit rehabilitation
Community rehabilitation providers
Supported employment Online reading for Session 11
In-class speaker panel (TBA)
Session 12: 11/21/06
Private for-profit rehabilitation
Workers compensation/Insurance
Disability management
Chapter 16 (R & R)
Chapter 13 (R & M)
Online reading for Session 12 Current Issues Paper Due
Online forum
Session 13: 11/28/06 Independent living
Assistive technology
Reasonable accommodations Chapter 14 & 15 (R & R)
Chapter 15 (R & M)
In-class speaker (TBA)

Session 14: 12/05/06
Services for transitioning youth
Current Issues presentations Online reading for Session 14 Presentations
Session 15: 12/12/06
Current Issues presentations
Future issues in rehabilitation Presentations
Final review