reSearch: A collection of research reviews on rehabilitation topics from NARIC and other information resources.
In this edition of reSearch we explore the topic of ethics in vocational rehabilitation. reSearch was originally created as a vehicle to further explore disability related topics presented by patrons through our information service via phone, mail, email, and our chat-based reference service. In November, NARIC received an email and chat request for information regarding ethics in vocational rehabilitation:
This request challenged our information retrieval skills! We were unable to locate sample discussion questions or scenarios in REHABDATA, outside databases, or general Internet searches. We were able to locate additional resources to assist this patron in his/her search, including two specific documents located online by our information specialists:
These and other resources are included in this research brief under the “Quick Looks” section.
The research presented in this issue provides a “snapshot” of ethics in vocational rehabilitation over a 10-year period. Combined search terms included: “ethics and rehabilitation” and “ethics and vocational rehabilitation”. A listing of approximately 30 additional descriptor terms between the NARIC, ERIC, NCRTM, and PubMed databases can be found at the end of this document. A search of the REHABDATA database resulted in eight documents published between 1999 and 2006. The ERIC database search resulted in one document from 2001; and a search of the National Clearinghouse of Rehabilitation Training Materials resulted in two documents from 2002. Finally, a search of PubMed resulted in two documents published in 2002 and 2008. The complete citations are included in this research brief.
Documents from NARIC’s REHABDATA search listed are listed below:
2006
Roessler, Richard, T., & Rubin, Stanford, E. (2006). Case management and rehabilitation counseling: Procedures and techniques, fourth edition.
NARIC Accession Number: R08747
ABSTRACT: Text provides information on the skills critical to effective rehabilitation counseling and case management in public and private sector service delivery systems. Chapters focus specifically on the skills of diagnosis, information processing, planning, service arrangement, program monitoring, job placement, accommodation planning, ethical decision making, multicultural counseling, and caseload management. This fourth edition continues to draw on research completed at the Arkansas Research and Training Center in Vocational Rehabilitation at the University of Arkansas with support form the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR).
Smith, Scott. (2006). Confronting the unethical vocational counselor in forensic practice. Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, 25(2), 133-136.
NARIC Accession Number: J51862
ABSTRACT: Article provides examples of situations in which vocational counselors, when reviewing the opinions of another counselor, may determine that erroneous conclusions were made based on unethical practice. Steps for confronting the unethical colleague are outlined.
2005
Parker, Randall, M., Patterson, Jeanne, B., & Szymanski, Edna, M., (eds.) 2005. Rehabilitation counseling: Basics and beyond, fourth edition.
NARIC Accession Number: R08746
ABSTRACT: Text provides an overview of the profession of rehabilitation counseling and its various subsystems, including the state-federal vocational rehabilitation program. Chapters address: the profession of rehabilitation counseling; philosophical, historical, and legislative aspects of the rehabilitation counseling profession; professional practice in rehabilitation service delivery systems and related system resources; ethics and ethical decision making; rehabilitation counseling theories; practice considerations and interventions; psychosocial impact of disability; an ecological approach to vocational behavior and career development of people with disabilities; people with disabilities in the workplace; psychological assessment, research, and technology in rehabilitation counseling; and the sociopolitical context of rehabilitation counseling practice.
Saunders, Jodi, L. (2005). Understanding ethical decision-making and behaviors: An important prelude to improved service delivery and employment outcomes.
NARIC Accession Number: O16374
Available in PDF — www.naric.com/research/rehab/download.cfm?ID=101451
ABSTRACT: Study examines the ethical decision-making of rehabilitation counseling students and professionals. Quantitative analyses examines the relationship among cognitive complexity, moral development/reasoning, and personality in relation to ethical decision-making behavior and the development of strategies for improving the services and vocational outcomes for people with disabilities. Preliminary results indicates no significant relationship between cognitive complexity and ethical decision-making.
2002
Belcas, E.M., Blackwell, T.L., Burton, K.A., & Strohmer, D.C. (2002). Ethics in rehabilitation counselor supervision. Rehabilitation Counseling Bulletin, 45(4), 240-247.
NARIC Accession Number: J43996
ABSTRACT: Article addresses some of the ethical issues facing rehabilitation counselors who provide clinical supervision. Ethical issues related to competence, evaluation and due process, dual relationships, confidentiality, and informed consent are discussed.
2000
Parker, R.M., Patrick, A., & Patterson, J.B. (2000). Choice: Ethical and legal rehabilitation challenges. Rehabilitation Counseling Bulletin, 43(4), 203-208.
NARIC Accession Number: J40008
ABSTRACT: Article on ethical and legal issues for rehabilitation counselors in relation to consumer choice within the rehabilitation process. Topics include: legislative requirements in regard to consumer choice in rehabilitation; ethical foundations of choice; barriers to choice as perceived by 17 vocational rehabilitation (VR) counselors (the most frequently cited barrier was an unrealistic vocational choice); and how a VR counselor can help a client to make realistic choices.
Riemer-Reiss, M. (2000). Vocational rehabilitation counseling at a distance: Challenges, strategies and ethics to consider. Journal of Rehabilitation, 66(1), 11-17.
NARIC Accession Number: J38806
ABSTRACT: Article on issues related to vocational rehabilitation (VR) distance counseling (telecounseling) through use of telephones, e-mail, or interactive real-time video via television or the Internet. Discusses challenges of telecounseling such as counselors’ technology anxiety, questions of efficacy, inequities in technology access, and client confidentiality. Also discusses advantages of VR telecounseling.
1999
Magee, H. (1999). Ethical issues in vocational expert witness testimony. The Rehabilitation Professional, 7(4), 29-32.
NARIC Accession Number: J37353
ABSTRACT: Article discussing ethical standards for vocational rehabilitation (VR) professionals in relation to the current rules and procedures of the U.S. Social Security Administration. The discussion focuses on the demand that VR professionals appearing as expert witnesses in SSDI and SSI appeal hearings testify about claimants’ eligibility based on a pre-hearing case file review and the claimant’s in-hearing testimony, without a thoroughgoing vocational assessment. The author discusses how this demand conflicts with professional standards, and how it may leave the VR professional vulnerable to lawsuits. The article ends with a recommendation that professional organizations take up this issue.
Full-text copies of many of these documents may be available through NARIC’s document delivery service. To order any of the documents listed above, note the accession number and call an information specialist at 800/346-2742. There is a charge of 5¢/page for copying and shipping with a $5 minimum on all orders.
Document from the National Clearinghouse of Rehabilitation Training Materials (NCRTM) search at http://ncrtm.org are listed below:
2002
(2002). On-Boarding Handbook-General Knowledge Georgia Department of Labor; Vocational Rehabilitation Program. Georgia Department of Labor, Vocational Rehabilitation Program, 2002.
NCRTM #: 923.004
Available in PDF – library.ncrtm.org/pdf/923.004.pdf
ABSTRACT: This handbook is designed for use by the new employee. It contains basic information that will be needed to work within a Vocational Rehabilitation Agency. Some of the topics covered are the VR process, code of ethics, evaluation, assessment, and interpretation and how to use special equipment.
Duffy, Tom, & Oehler, Marie, E. (2002). Fundamentals of rehabilitation. Buffalo, NY: Region II Rehabilitation Continuing Education and Community Rehabilitation Programs, 2002, p. 118.
NCRTM #: 745.034
Available in PDF – library.ncrtm.org/pdf/745.034.pdf
ABSTRACT: This workbook, which is an introductory course, contains sections on history, philosophy of rehabilitation ethics, medical and psychosocial aspects, vocational issues, and theory of change.
