RP&SE; 983
Seminar: Professional Issues in Rehabilitation Psychology
Spring 2005

Instructor: Fong Chan
432 N. Murray Street, Room 414
(608)262-2137 W; chan@education.wisc.edu

Course Objectives

This is a core course for doctoral students in the rehabilitation psychology program. The focus of the seminar is on professional issues related to the rehabilitation psychology and rehabilitation counseling profession. The section of the Ph.D. preliminary examination covering this content area will follow the course, and the course should assist participants in preparing for that examination.

The following objective is to promote knowledge in the following areas:

1. History and philosophy of rehabilitation; legislation; current perspectives on rehabilitation counselor/psychologist roles and functions.
2. Professional preparation (pre-service and in-service training) for rehabilitation counselors/psychologists.
3. Professional standards (qualifications, ethics, and affiliations) for rehabilitation counselors/psychologists.
4. Rehabilitation service delivery systems in terms of organizations, service coordination, community resources, and staff requirements.
5. Approaches for program and staff evaluation in rehabilitation agencies.
6. Contemporary issues related to the rehabilitation psychology and rehabilitation counseling professions.

Required Text:

Chan, F., Leahy, M. J., & Saunders, J. (2005). Case management for rehabilitation health professionals (Vol. 1): Foundational aspects. Osage Beach, MO: Aspen Professional Services.

Recommended Text:

Frank, R., & Elliott, T. (2002). Handbook of rehabilitation psychology. Washington, DC: American Psychological Association.

Parker, R.M. & Szymanski, E.M. (1998). Rehabilitation counseling. Basics and beyond. Austin, TX: Pro-Ed.


Szymanski, E.M. & Parker, R.M. (2003). Work and disability: Issues and strategies in career development and job placement(2nd ed.). Austin, TX: Pro-Ed.

Rubin, S.E., & Roessler, R.T. (2000). Foundations of the vocational rehabilitation process (5th ed.). Austin, TX: Pro-Ed.

Rubin, S.E., & Rubin, N.M. (Eds.) (1988). Contemporary challenges to the rehabilitation counseling profession. Baltimore: Paul H. Brookes.

Thomas, K.R. (1991). Rehabilitation counseling: A profession in transition. Athens, GA: Elliot and Fitzpatrick.

Course Requirements

1. Prepare and present to the seminar on one mini topic. This will involve a short presentation with a focus on a specific professional issue/trend related to rehabilitation counseling/psychology. The instructor will provide the presenter with two to three relevant articles related to the topic. The students will augment the presentation with their own research through a review of the literature.

2. Prepare and present to the seminar on one course topic as assigned. This will involve a major presentation and will focus on in-depth treatment to a specific professional issue related to the rehabilitation counseling or rehabilitation psychology profession. Presentations should incorporate a thorough review of published literature relevant to the topic, including original research reports. Computerized bibliographic retrieval services may be helpful in identifying relevant literature. It is expected that presentations will be thoroughly prepared and well presented and that they will have sufficient substance and depth for an advanced seminar. The instructor will be available for assistance in preparing for presentations.
a. A required reading list must be submitted to the instructor at least one week before the presentation. Reading list should include representative research reports, comprehensive review papers, and theoretical/position papers.
b. The presenters are required to identify the three most salient articles on the reading list. One photocopy of the reading materials must be submitted to the instructor one week before the presentation. The copies will then be placed on reserve for the use of other seminar participants. It the articles are available in pdf format, the presenters are required to email the articles to seminar participants.
c. The student will assume responsibility for duplicating reading list materials to be distributed to the seminar participants.

3. The major written assignments will be one scholarly paper (approximately 20-25 pages, double spaced) covering the topic of the major presentation. The paper should be written in accordance with APA style. Due day for each paper is preferably the day of the presentation but no later than May 11. The instructor will have all papers duplicated for the entire class to prepare for the Ph.D. preliminary examination. Because seminar participants will need the materials to prepare for their Ph.D. preliminary examination, no extension can be granted.

4. Read all required items on the reading lists prior to the class period in which they will be discussed.

5. Participate actively in class discussion.

Attendance Policy
Students are expected to attend all scheduled class meetings. Missing two or more classes without prior approval of the instructor will result in the lowering of the final grade by one level (i.e., A to AB, AB to B, B to BC, BC to C, etc.). Coming to class more than 15 minutes late will count as missing a class.

Mini topics:
1. Rehabilitation counselor education models (e.g., 48 vs. 60 credits)
2. Internet, disability, and rehabilitation
3. The state-federal vocational rehabilitation program
4. Community-based rehabilitation agencies
5. Supported employment and transition from school to work
6. Assistive technology and computer applications
7. Managed care
8. Independent living
Major topics:
1. Licensure, certification, and accreditation issues related to rehabilitation psychology and rehabilitation counseling
2. Evidence-based rehabilitation counseling/psychology practice
3. Ethics and risk management in rehabilitation counseling/psychology
4. Multicultural issues in rehabilitation counseling/psychology
5. Empowerment, consumerism, and self-determination
6. Insurance rehabilitation, forensic Rehabilitation, and disability management
7. Disability related legislation
8. Quality of life, program evaluation, and outcome measurements
9. Career development and job placement

EVALUATION:

Final grades in the course will be computed on the following basis:
1. Minor presentations (20%)
2. Major presentation (40%)
3. Term Paper (35%)
4. Class participation (5%)

Course Schedule

January 19
Introduction and Overview
Exercise: identify trends and critical issues related rehabilitation counseling and rehabilitation counselor education
Tracing the development of these issues and trends through a review of disability-related legislation
Demystifying the process of becoming a successful rehabilitation counselor educator.
• Teaching
• Research/Grant Writing
• Services

January 26
Professional issues related to rehabilitation psychology
• The Scientist/Practitioner model
• The Practitioner model
• Issues related to the training of rehabilitation psychologists
• The model psychologist licensing law
• Accreditation, licensure and certification

February 2
Professional issues related to rehabilitation counselor training
• Accreditation, licensure, and certification issues (CORE, CACREP, NBCC, CRCC, etc.)
• Roles and functions of rehabilitation counselors and related professionals
• CSPD
• Distance education

Minor topics

2/9/2005 Topic A: _________________________________________________________
Topic B: _________________________________________________________

2/16/2005 Topic A: _________________________________________________________
Topic B: _________________________________________________________

2/23/2005 Topic A: _________________________________________________________
Topic B: _________________________________________________________

3/2/2005 Topic A: _________________________________________________________
Topic B: _________________________________________________________

3/9/2005 Topic: ___________________________________________________________

3/16/2005 Topic: ___________________________________________________________

3/23/2005 Spring break

3/30/2005 Topic: ___________________________________________________________

4/6/2005 Topic: ___________________________________________________________

4/13/2005 Topic: ___________________________________________________________

4/20/2005 Topic: ___________________________________________________________

4/27/2005 Topic: ___________________________________________________________

5/4/2005 Topic: ___________________________________________________________



Email addresses of seminar participants:
[email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], Smithcl2@aol.com