The clinical attitude in rehabilitation

Toward the Necessary Universalizing of a Disability Policy

“…The latter, while not necessarily eschewing the importance of work, does, however, decry the traditional emphasis on measuring rehabilitation potential almost exclusively in work terms (Stubbins 1982(Stubbins , 1987Cornes 1984). For the Independent Living Movement, success and independence are measured in terms of an individual's control of his/her own life and the ability to make decisions (Crewe, Zola, and Associates 1983;DeJong 1983;Scotch 1984).…”

“…Yet, studies show that these groups, even though they may be professionals (Lorber 1984), enter at the lowest rung of their occupations (Cornes 1984). Moreover, while people with disabilities may be less disadvantaged in the abstract (i.e., computer literacy and usage are relatively "friendly" to this population), it will require a massive change in attitudes of society as well as their agents-in this case, vocational rehabilitation counselors (Stubbins 1982(Stubbins , 1987to support the increased expenditure and education which are necessary for these new jobs.…”

Public Support for Rehabilitation Programs: The Analysis of U.S. Disability Policy

“…Perhaps the most distinctive American contribution to rehabilitation policy, however, is the extensive role of professional rehabilitation counselors who tend to place more emphasis on therapy and counseling than upon the enforcement of legal rights in their efforts to prepare disabled clients for employment (Camrnes, 1979). This approach may reflect the influence of the 'clinical model' and of a 'romanticized individualism' that has long permeated American culture and traditions (Stubbins, 1982). In almost all industrialized nations, however, disability and rehabilitation policy seems to reflect an implicit presumption that a person's capacity to work is determined largely by his or her individual capabilities.…”

Redefining the scope of responsibilities and resources for rehabilitation counselors

“…A recent monograph by Stubbins (1982), based on his cross-cultural analysis of rehabilitation service systems, presented a cogent attack on the philosophical presumptions and pragmatic pitfalls of the clinical attitude. In short, he explained how the rehabilitation profession's romantic philosophy of rugged individualism and person-focused techniques to remediate disability-related problems combine to perpetuate: (1) the devalued status of persons with disabilities; (2) the deceptive aura of effectiveness of the rehabilitation counselor expert; and (3) the detrimental competitiveness of their dyadic relationship.…”