Affiliations: Stout Vocational Rehabilitation Institute, University
of Wisconsin-Stout, Menomonie, WI, USA | University of Wisconsin-Milwaukeem, Milwaukee, WI,
USA
Note: [] Address for correspondence: Al Noll, Ed.S., Director of
Development, Stout Vocational Rehabilitation Institute, University of
Wisconsin-Stout, Menomonie, WI 54751, USA. Tel.: +1 715 232 2379; Fax: +1 715
232 5008; E-mail: nolla@uwstout.edu
Abstract: The delivery of assistive technology (AT) within the state and
federal vocational rehabilitation systems in the United States has been
developing and refining itself over the last twenty years. Many challenges have
been confronted in an attempt to use this relatively new service to increase
the employment options and success for individuals with disabilities. In this
process, the rehabilitation counselor serves as a critical player in the
planning and delivery of AT as it articulates with other rehabilitation
services. This study investigated counselor views regarding their role and
competence in providing AT services and devices to individuals with
disabilities throughout the state of Wisconsin. The results of the survey
indicated, in general, that counselors find AT to be a cost-effective service
that can increase employment related outcomes. As with other service areas, the
counselors' role in AT service delivery involves coordinating, purchasing and
following up on services. Interestingly, while counselors expressed confidence
in performing these overall functions, they reported a lack of confidence in
identifying the need for AT services. Without a comfort level to make this
determination, benefits from the implementation of AT may be quite limited.
Results suggest that intervention is needed to improve counselors' abilities to
make decisions regarding AT services.
Keywords: Assistive technology, rehabilitation technology, vocational rehabilitation, employment, counselor training
