Recommendations for Pre-Service Training in Cognitive Disabilities: Perceptions of Practicing Rehabilitation Counselors

Abstract

Given an increased prevalence of cognitive disabilities in the United States, and federal legislation aimed to reduce employment disparities among individuals with cognitive disabilities, a greater emphasis on this population is needed in rehabilitation counselor education (RCE) programs. A total of 33 graduates of a Cognitive Disabilities Certificate program were asked to offer recommendations for future training of Master's-level rehabilitation counseling students in the area of cognitive disabilities. A phenomenological approach was applied, using the constant comparative method for data analysis. Analysis resulted in four emergent themes. Participants recommended pedagogical approaches to incorporate cognitive disability-related issues into RCE curriculum; specialized training on cognitive disabilities should be required; and specialized training in other disability populations was also recommended. Lastly, participants discussed the need to provide specialized training on sub-populations such as autism, military veterans, and persons with co-occurring psychiatric and cognitive disabilities. Implications for pedagogy and research are provided.