Affiliations: Department of Community Health, University of Illinois
at Urbana-Champaign, IL, USA | Department of Special Education and Rehabilitation,
University of Kentucky, KY, USA | Department of Counselor Education, Counseling
Psychology, and School Psychology at Auburn University, AL, USA
Note: [] Address for correspondence: Reginald J. Alston, Department of
Kinesiology & Community Health, University of Illinois at
Urbana-Champaign, 127 Huff Hall, Champaign, IL 61820, USA. Tel.: +1 217 333
3789; E-mail: alston@uiuc.edu
Abstract: The concept of social justice appears to offer a new and appropriate
context for examining the interplay between race and rehabilitation policy and
service provision. The principles of social justice encourage a fairer
distribution of power and resources in society through politically conscious
advocacy and interventions. The intent of this paper is to explore the
assumptions of social justice in relation to the fundamental goals of
rehabilitation. In particular, the exploration will focus on the common
principles (e.g., protection of human rights, promotion of equity) inherent to
both philosophies. Special attention is given to the interaction between social
justice and the rehabilitation experience for minorities with disabilities.
Keywords: Social justice, ethnic minorities, equity, rehabilitation
