Career Counseling PowerPoint produced by Melinda Haley, M.S., New Mexico State University. “This multimedia product and its contents are protected under copyright law. The following are prohibited by law: any public performance or display, including transmission of an image over a network; preparation of any derivative work, including the extraction, in whole or part, of any images; any rental, lease, or lending of the program.” “Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2004”

Career Counseling the Disabled Why Is This Needed? Effective and responsive career counseling can significantly impact and empower a person with a disability at the level of choices, inclusion and independence. If a person with a disability has choices, is included and has independence, he or she can have a satisfying and rewarding career. “Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2004”

Career Counseling the Disabled Current Issues that Effect Employment and Career Possibilities Disabilities and capabilities should be carefully considered when assisting a person with a disability in a search for a meaningful career. Due to globalization, increased technology and shifts in population it is more difficult, rather than less difficult, for people with disabilities to find jobs. Many disabilities hinder development of marketable job skills which can lead to lower income, underemployment and lower self-esteem. People with disabilities often experience (a) limitations in early life experiences, (b) difficulty in making decisions, (c) a negative worker self-concept. “Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2004”

Career Counseling the Disabled Current Issues that Effect Employment and Career Possibilities People with disabilities are often limited in the types and amounts of experiences they are allowed to have. They are often specifically restricted in: –Career opportunities. –Social experiences. This lack of experience can lead to: – Career development problems. –Failure to develop a consistent and differentiated personality. –Failure to develop a career identity. “Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2004”

Career Counseling the Disabled Current Issues that Effect Employment and Career Possibilities Many people with disabilities have decisions made for them and do not have an opportunity to become experienced in the decision making process. Many do not get the opportunity to test their own competencies. Many do not receive information that will aid in a realistic perception of what opportunities might be available to them. “Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2004”

Career Counseling the Disabled Current Issues that Effect Employment and Career Possibilities Social attitudes toward disabilities shapes the opportunities and therefore the life of a person with a disability. Long term exposure to prejudice, negative attitudes and paternalism may fundamentally undercut a person’s self- esteem and sense of self-efficacy. Classification Processes: Basically comes from the assumption that people with disabilities are less human and less capable. These are used to make decisions regarding services which are made largely by people who do not have a disability. “Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2004”

Career Counseling the Disabled Legislation Affecting People with Disabilities Americans With Disabilities Act of 1990 – Removes barriers to employment, public buildings and transportation, state and local government services. –It guarantees equal opportunity and prohibits discrimination in all aspects of the employment process. “Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2004”

Career Counseling the Disabled Legislation Affecting the Disabled 1992 Rehabilitation Act Amendments –Client's have choice in the service provision process. –Client’s have power in the selection of a vocational goal. –Vocational Rehabilitation counselors must consider an individuals strengths, resources, priorities, concerns, abilities, and capabilities when assisting the client in career exploration. –The goal is empowerment, independence and self-determination. “Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2004”

Career Counseling the Disabled Legislation Affecting the Disabled Ticket to Work and Work Incentives Improvement Act of 1999 –Designed to increase employment opportunities for individuals who are on Social Security Disability Insurance and Supplemental Security Income. –Protects people from losing their health benefits if they work. –Gives the client choice in the selection of employment related rehabilitation service providers. “Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2004”

Career Counseling the Disabled The Empowerment Perspective –People with disabilities should have the same degree of power and control over their lives as people without disabilities. –Each individual is worthy of respect ad dignity. –Each person should have equal opportunity to maximize his or her potential. –People as a rule strive to succeed and grow in a positive direction. –People should have the power and authority to make decisions that affect their own life. “Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2004”

Career Counseling the Disabled Things to Remember When Career Counseling a Person with a Disability –Career counseling is something you do with the person, not do to or for the person. –Clients should be involved in the planning process and given relevant information that will aid them in making their own decisions. –Clients should weigh alternatives, gather information, and explore career options. The counselor can aid in this but should not do this for the client. “Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2004”

Career Counseling the Disabled The Counseling Process –Identify the client’s career goals taking into consideration any specific issues or problems and whether or not the disability was pre- or post- career. This will shape a client’s attitudes toward the type of work he or she will prefer. –Form a positive working alliance. Counselors emphasize the client's role and responsibilities including decision making, responsibility for his or her own actions and that he or she is an active participant in the counseling process. “Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2004”

Career Counseling the Disabled The Counseling Process –Gather client information. This includes information about the client’s specific situation including how he or she views himself or herself, his or her abilities, barriers, worldview, and decision-making style. –Understand and make hypotheses about the client’s behavior. How does the information the client has presented relate to the client’s career development process? Identify the specific disability variables that will affect outcomes for the client. “Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2004”

Career Counseling the Disabled The Counseling Process –Take action. Treat your client in a age-appropriate manner and respect his or her values and beliefs. Client strengths should be utilized to the fullest. Use client resources (family, friends, spouses etc.) to the client’s benefit. –Develop a career goal and plan of action. Decide on an appropriate intervention that will best include the client in the decision-making process, as well as, best assist the client in his or her goals. “Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2004”

Career Counseling the Disabled The Counseling Process –Evaluate the working relationship. Was the client as involved as he or she should be in, (a) gathering information (b) generating ideas and alternative courses of action, (c) devising a plan for action? –Close the relationship. Establish a monitoring system to provide follow-up and support. Do NOT foster dependency but give the client freedom of choice. Teach client’s where to find other community resources. “Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2004”

Career Counseling Presentation Resources Gysbers, N. C., Heppner, M. J. & Johnston, J. A. (2003). Career counseling: Process, issues, and techniques, 2 nd ed. Boston, MA.: Allyn & Bacon. Brown, D. (2003). Career information, career counseling, and career development, 8 th ed. Boston, MA.: Allyn & Bacon. “Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2004”