Affiliations: University of Oregon, Eugene, OR, USA | SPOKES, Unlimited, Klamath Falls, OR, USA | Oregon Commission for the Blind, Medford, OR,
USA | Oregon Vocational Rehabilitation Program, Medford, OR,
USA
Note: [] Address for correspondence: K. Brigid Flannery, Ph.D.,
University of Oregon, 1235 University of Oregon, Eugene, OR 97403-1235, USA.
Tel.: +1 541 346 2496; Fax: +1 541 346 5517; E-mail: brigidf@oregon.uoregon.edu
Abstract: For the past three decades, the vocational rehabilitation field has
been moving from a system controlled by professionals to one beginning to
promote the crucial role of consumers in decision making and planning for their
futures. This focus on empowerment of consumers reflects the Independent Living
philosophy developed in the late 1960s and promoted through Centers for
Independent Living. This focus requires a major shift in thinking and action on
the part of rehabilitation counselors and administrators so that all people
with disabilities can truly be legitimate partners. It also requires consumers
to be more knowledgeable and have the skills necessary to be more involved,
indeed directive, in choosing the goals and the services they want and need.
Oregon has developed a partnership between rehabilitation agencies and Centers
for Independent Living (CILs) to provide support and skills to consumers to
increase their involvement and role in developing their rehabilitation
plan.
Keywords: peer mentors, partnership, independent living, Center for Independent Living, Vocational Rehabilitation
