This study examined the relationship between acceptance of disability, perceived stigma of students on a college campus and adaptation to college for students with disabilities. One hundred forty-five surveys were collected from student participants via the disability support services offices at sixteen colleges or universities in the northeast and mid-west United States. The results of a hierarchical multiple regression analysis revealed two statistically significant relationships, students with a higher level of acceptance of disability were more adapted to college, and higher GPA was associated with less adaptation to college. The exploratory test of mediation revealed that the relationship between acceptance of disability and adaptation to college was significantly mediated by perception of stigma on a college campus. The implications for higher education support services and recommendations for future research are discussed.

This study evaluated whether a direct skills training (DST) approach for persons with disabilities can better prepare participants for job interviews. Twenty graduate students in a master's program in rehabilitation counseling at various agency internship sites were trained in a 4-session Presenting Qualifications curriculum based on DST administered to 126 participants in 20 group settings. Participants reported greater confidence and preparedness in the interview process, in answering difficult questions, and in highlighting past accomplishments after the group. Results support the feasibility of training entry-level rehabilitation counselors in the DST approach to teach job interview skills to individuals with disabilities.

Work-related soft skills such as cultural awareness and effective communication, along with cognitive factors, influence success in school and in the workplace. This pilot study evaluated the feasibility of a small group intervention using the direct skills teaching (DST) approach to teach basic conversational skills in a work setting. A four-session group intervention using the “Conversing With Others” curriculum based on the DST approach was delivered to 146 participants in 22 groups by graduate counseling students. Participants reported greater confidence with engaging a coworker in conversation as well as high satisfaction with the group intervention in general. This pilot study provided data on the feasibility of this intervention and supported its use as a pedagogical tool for counselors-in-training.

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