Jimma University

College of Education and Behavioral Science

Department of Psychology

Program: PhD in Counseling Psychology

Assignment submitted for in partial fulfillments of the course special

Population counseling and rehabilitation
Course Code: Psych 8111

Title: Characterization of special population and wisdoms of rehabilitate an

individual with disability: Review of literatures

By: Fikadu Tafesse ID. NO. Rp0118/2012

Advisor: Getachew Abeshu (PhD, Associate Professor)

May 20/2022

Jimma/Ethiopia
Contents
1. Introduction..............................................................................................................................3
1.1. Philosophy of Rehabilitation Counseling.........................................................................3
2. Understanding special populations...........................................................................................5
2.1. Who are the special population?.......................................................................................5
2.2. Why do we rehabilitate individuals with disability?.........................................................5
3. Major services, treatments and support in rehabilitation.........................................................7
3.1. Assessment process...........................................................................................................7
3.2. Intervention /Implementation............................................................................................9
3.3. Referral............................................................................................................................10
3.4. Evaluating and making follow-up during and after rehabilitation..................................10
4. Summery................................................................................................................................11
References......................................................................................................................................12
 1. Introduction

Special populations refer to a group of disadvantaged individuals within the entire population,
equally the children and adults of both gender inclinations. According to Sebastian and Bushy,
(1999) special populations have special needs, and they are defined by many characteristics such
as medical, racial, cultural, physical, and cognitive. Disability can be defined as functioning, or
activity limitations, and participation restrictions (WHO, 2007).

Rehabilitation was defined in relation to the WHO, (2001) definition as a “set of measures that
assist individuals who experience or are likely to experience, disability to achieve and maintain
optimal functioning in interaction with their environments. Therefore broad range of
interventions that may be required to maximize functioning this population.

Rehabilitation seeks to optimize functioning of people with impairments and includes a range of
specific health services diagnosis, treatment (counseling, therapy or medication), surgery,
assistive devices, and therapy.

Rehabilitation counseling is defined “as a profession that assists persons with disabilities in
adapting to the environment, assists environments in accommodating the needs of the individual,
and works toward full participation of persons with disabilities in all aspects of society,
especially work” (Szymanski, 1985). Hence this paper discussed and conceptualized the essences
of characterization of special population, the importance of rehabilitation of an individual with
disability, service delivery and beneficiary’s response toward rehabilitation. The document
developed through searching and analyzing related work of others, policies, legislations and
manuals about conceptualization and rehabilitation of special population.

1.1. Philosophy of Rehabilitation Counseling

Philosophy of rehabilitation counseling: within the passage of the 1973 Rehabilitation Act Amendments
emphasizing services to people with severe disabilities, the philosophy of rehabilitation has evolved from
an economic _return philosophy to a disability rights received considerable attention, particularly in
recent years, in field of vocational rehabilitation. The demand for consumerism was first reflected in the
legislative arena with the passage of the 1973 Rehabilitation Act Amendments, when consumer
involvement was mandated in the rehabilitation planning process.
The traditional hierarchical counseling structure, where the counselor occupies the power position, is
generally perceived by consumers as detrimental to the optimal rehabilitation of people with
disabilities. Active participation by both consumers and counselors is viewed as the most viable
alternative to the traditional helping relationship. This evolved philosophy of rehabilitation
emphasizes consumer involvement and empowerment, which should lead consumers to take more
responsibility and ownership in their vocational rehabilitation program.

Within the disability rights context, the goals of rehabilitation have been identified as: (a) inclusion,
(b) opportunity, (c) independence, (d) empowerment, (e) rehabilitation, and (f) quality life. Both
rehabilitation professionals and consumers generally accept the notion that the goals of the
rehabilitation process can be better achieved when there is maximum consumer involvement in the
development, implementation, and use of vocational rehabilitation services. The concept of consumer
informed choice is intended to maximize the involvement of consumers in their vocational
rehabilitation programs. Rehabilitation counselors assist consumers in exercising informed choice
throughout the vocational rehabilitation process by (a) providing consumers with information
pertaining to various options (e.g., job development service providers, vocational evaluation service
providers, IPE development), (b) providing recommendations and professional opinions, and (c)
providing consumers with information concerning the policies and procedures on service provision
(e.g., comparable benefits, licensure and accreditation of service providers).

Another the philosophy of rehabilitation is premised by a belief in the dignity and worth of all
people. It values independence, integration and the inclusion of people, with and without disabilities,
in employment and in their communities. Rehabilitation embodies the philosophy that, whenever
possible, persons with disability will be integrated into the least restrictive environments. Inherent in
this philosophy is a commitment to equalizing the opportunities for persons with disabilities to
participate in all rights and privileges available to all people and to providing a sense of equal justice,
based on a model of accommodation. In advocacy activities, in order to enable them to achieve
independence and thus further empower themselves.
 2. Understanding special populations

2.1. Who are the special population?

It is a science of mental life, in terms of both its phenomena (feelings, desires, decisions,
cognition, and reasoning) and their conditions (James, 2007). Special populations refer to a
group of disadvantaged individuals within the entire population, both the children and adults of
both gender inclinations.

The special populations are challenged physically in terms of visual, hearing impairment, mental
retardation, and movement disorders. Such individuals have special needs, and they are defined
by many characteristics such as medical, racial, cultural, physical, and cognitive (Sebastian and
Bushy, 1999). Their physical, mental, and behavioral performance usually deviates substantially
from the norm. This separates them from others within the same population.

In professional psychology, particular population defines both children and adults with the
following special needs; education, where the majority of the individuals are unable to
comprehend and derive full benefits from the curriculum. The special populations also include
the elderly, abused individuals (both domestic and sexual), gays and lesbians, and minority
groups. Such individuals have traumatic experiences that pose a danger in terms of their
decision-making.

2.2. Why do we rehabilitate individuals with disability?

Special needs populations have encountered a number of the issues concerning them being
neglected, for example, the people with cognitive and or intellectual disabilities, and most of
them have a fear of being stigmatized for special treatment, as this kind of situation might
embarrass them.

These challenges promote inequality in the community in terms of resource allocations, access to
essential services such as education, medical and counseling. Because of such problems, special
populations require special attention and treatment compared to normal individuals (McBrayer
and Lian, 2002).
Given the special needs that arise because of the demands from the special population, this has
influenced professionals in various ways. For example, a sample of individuals who have had
their rights being violated, either sexually or within a domestic setting have a more significant
influence on confidentiality as an ethical requirement in the professional field.

This is because some of the individuals tend to be reserved to disclose specific issues concerning
their traumatized lives, which leaves the whole process with an option to look for information
from other third parties to provide professional counseling services to the victims.

This kind of situation frequently occurs also to individuals who believe and see themselves as
outcasts from the community norms in terms of their sexual orientations (gays and lesbians) that
might be faced with specific problems and they may conceal information that is needed to help
them and the entire population.

Majority of the disabled individuals within the population have a fear of stigmatization and
victimization due to certain conditions that they feel will not be taken well by other individuals
within the community. This condition influences their decisions for accessing professional
counseling, and hence the overall effectiveness of professional psychology services to such
individuals is minimal because of their immobility and low self-esteem compared to the other
individuals.

The conditions arising from the special populations is challenging to the professional psychology
because many individuals are faced with sophisticated problems and conditions which require
specialized equipment and experience which sometimes the profession has an inadequacy of
such expertise that is necessary to combat and treat certain situations.

The overall result is that the individuals having such conditions end up not being availed such
professional services profitably (Nevid and Rathus, 2010). Professional psychology is a field that
studies human behavior and mentality, providing services that help individuals suffering from
certain mental and physical conditions.
The special population consists of individuals who are marginalized because of the conditions
that they face physically and mentally. This type of community has a significant demand for
rehabilitation; because of the complexity of their conditions.

3. Major services, treatments and support in rehabilitation

The rehabilitation counselor performs four essential functions in the delivery of services to
persons with disability: counseling and case management in working with the client, and
consultation and advocacy in working with their significant others and environments impacting
the person. Technology is a strategy for working with both the individual and the environment.
Services are selected that will allow the client to achieve their goals, such as acquiring skills and
behaviors appropriate for the designed outcomes.
According to commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification, (1994); the specific
techniques and modalities utilized in the rehabilitation counseling process may include, but are
not restricted to:
 Assessment and appraisal
 Diagnosis and treatment planning
 Career (vocational) planning
 Individual and group counseling treatment interventions
 Case management, referral, and service coordination
 Program evaluation and research
 Interventions to remove environmental, employment, and attitudinal barriers
 Consultation services
 Job analysis, job development, and placement services, including assistance with
reasonable accommodations
 Provision of consultation about and access to rehabilitation technology

3.1. Assessment process

 Demonstrate sensitivity

Rehabilitation counselor should demonstrate sensitivity about how some tests and assessments
are products of an ableist culture and may reflect and/or reinforce stereotypes or disability-
negative perspectives about the abilities and characteristics of PWDs. When scoring and
interpreting test results, counselors should remain cognizant of the potential ways disability,
culture, or other considerations may result in misinterpretation of results.

It is important to exercise caution when using tests and assessments that lack normative data for
PWDs and when making interpretations or diagnoses based on the results of such tests. Select
tests and assessments normed on PWDs when appropriate and possible. When such assessments
are unavailable, counselors will consider accessing and incorporating other useful information
(e.g., behavioral observations, interviews, and contextual/environmental assessments).

Another understand that the commonly held view of disability as a deficit may result in biased
interpretations of tests and assessments and lead to misdiagnoses is very crucial.

 Aware of group difference

Remain aware of notable within group differences among PWDs and exercise caution in
interpreting data normed on the general population or disability groups other than that with
which the client identifies.

 Realize contextual environment

Realize that contextual/environmental conditions in an individual’s life (e.g., worksite, family,

and housing) may impact function and goal attainment. Comprehensive assessment should
examine barriers/complications as well as environmental resources/supports rather than an
exclusive focus on factors within the PWD.

 Understand the necessity of accommodations

Understand that accommodations may be needed during the administration of tests and
assessments (e.g., due to the physical requirements for responding to the test items, cognitive or
physical load imposed by testing that may affect performance). Adaptations may include the use
of computers or adaptive technology, additional time, or test administration in different locations
to minimize the effects of disability on test-taking. Further, standardized administration may
result in invalid results if it requires tasks and functions that are affected by disability. If the
counselor is uncertain about the appropriateness of accommodations, the counselor will consult
with the PWD and others with expertise relevant to the situation.

Counselors will apply this understanding during the supervision of trainees or other personnel
charged with test administration.

 Ensure the clinical impression

When performing an assessment and prior to establishing a diagnosis, make every attempt to
ensure the clinical impression reflects an enduring psychological state and is not a function of
current psychosocial adaptation to the disability (e.g., initial impact; shock and anxiety, anger,
denial, changing perceptions of disability or life circumstances).

 Consider the risk of trauma

Understand that PWDs are at greater risk for trauma and abuse and screen for these issues during
initial assessments.

3.2. Intervention /Implementation

As we was defined rehabilitation as a set of measures that assist individuals who experience or
are likely to experience, disability to achieve and maintain optimal functioning in interaction
with their environments. Using this definition; the major and relatively common interventions
that may be required to maximize functioning was included: access to medical rehabilitation,
access to counseling, therapy, coverage of assistive devices, social skill training and adherence to
medication.

Medical rehabilitation is defined as improving functioning through the diagnosis and treatment
for health condition, reducing impairments and preventing or treating complications. Therapy is
defined as restoring or compensating for loss of functioning, and preventing deterioration in
functioning which may include physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy.
Assistive devices are defined as any equipment that is used to increase or maintain functional
capabilities (United Nations, 2006).
Therefore counseling treatment intervention is the application of cognitive, affective, behavioral,
and systemic counseling strategies which include developmental, wellness, pathologic, and
multicultural principles of human behavior.

Such interventions are specifically implemented in the context of a professional counseling

relationship and may include, but are not limited to: appraisal; individual, group, marriage, and
family counseling and psychotherapy; the diagnostic description and treatment of persons with
mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders or disabilities; guidance and consulting to facilitate
normal growth and development, including educational and career development; the utilization
of functional assessments and career counseling for persons requesting assistance in adjusting to
a disability or handicapping condition; referrals; consulting; and research.

3.3. Referral

In rehabilitation counseling process evaluating and identifying the needs of a client to determine
the advisability of referrals to other specialists, advising the client of such judgments, and
communicating as requested or deemed appropriate to such referral sources.

3.4. Evaluating and making follow-up during and after rehabilitation

Evaluation is the effort to determine what changes occur as a result of a planned program by
comparing actual changes (results) with desired changes (stated goals), and by identifying the
degree to which the activity (planned program) is responsible for those changes.
 4. Summery
This paper deduced that the primary goal of rehabilitation counseling is to assist special
population gain or regain their independence through some form of meaningful activity. This
goal is based on the fundamental assumption that meaningful activity provides one venue to
which individuals with disabilities can become productive members of society, establish social
networks and interpersonal relations, and ultimately experience a good quality of life.
Rehabilitation seeks to optimize functioning of people with impairments and includes a range of
specific health services diagnosis, treatment (counseling, therapy or medication), surgery,
assistive devices, and therapy.

While the goals of rehabilitation counseling are relatively different; the final goal is improving
life quality. The paper inferred also the process by which rehabilitation counselor’s work with
clients to achieve these goals also has become increasingly diverse and complex due to the
broadening scope of disability groups served, and the various settings in which rehabilitation
counseling services are provided.
References

Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification. (1994). CRCC Certification

Guide.Rolling Meadows, IL: Author.

James, W. (2007). The Principles of Psychology. Volume 1. New York: Cosimo, Inc. Web.

McBrayer, P. F. K., Lian, M. J. (2002). Special needs education: children with exceptionalities.
Hong Kong: Chinese University Press. Web.

Nevid, S. J. and Rathus, A. S. (2010). Psychology and the Challenges of Life. NJ: John Wiley
and Sons. Web.

Sebastian, G. J., and Bushy, A. (1999). Special populations in the community: advances in
reducing health disparities. NY: Jones & Bartlett Learning. Web.

Szymanski, E. M. (1985). Rehabilitation Counseling: A profession with a Vision, an Identity,

and a Future. Rehabilitation Counseling Bulletin.

United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Articles (2006). [(accessed
on 21 may 2022)].web.

World Health Organization (2007) The International Classification of Functioning, Disability

and Health, Children and Youth version Geneva: WHO. Web.

World Health Organization (2018). The World Report on Disability. web.

World Health Organization 2001. The International Classification of Functioning, Disability and
Health (ICF). Geneva WHO. Web.