Utilizing Telerehabilitation to Deliver Vocational Rehabilitation Services Remotely as an Alternative to Traditional Counseling

Abstract

Telerehabilitation has emerged as a promising option for vocational rehabilitation to address barriers with consumers. Pilot programs like the one described here are being used to remotely train counselors and serve consumers by providing treatment and support through technology. This program delivers training and service through an online portal that allows consumers specific options tailored to individual needs. Counselors have been trained in 43 states via webcasts, videoconferencing, and in-person trainings. Telerehabilitation can enhance employment outcomes by improving access for consumers, strengthening the counselor-consumer relationship, and increasing contacts with consumers. Counselors can also augment traditional services and increase engagement without increasing travel time and associated costs. Consumers are able to take a more active role in the vocational rehabilitation process, have a better understanding of VR services, increase their knowledge about what to expect of VR services, and be more accountable and involved in the progress and outcomes of VR services.

Rehabilitation Counselors and Technology, Social Media, and Distance Counseling: Contemporary Considerations

“…In VR Counseling, virtual counseling has emerged to reduce access barriers for persons with disabilities and increase engagement in service delivery methods to enhance employment outcomes (Castillo & Cartwright, 2018; Embree et al, 2018). Implementing virtual counseling strategies presents an opportunity to address challenges and barriers to rehabilitation services, such as budgetary constraints or geographical location (Castillo & Cartwright, 2018; Ipsen et al, 2012).…”

“…Some professionals face difficulty knowing how to speak with their clients due to privacy and confidentiality concerns because they do not know who else is listening or do not have sufficient space to engage in services privately (Hezel et al, in press). At the same time, significant research supports the use of virtual counseling and notes little difference in outcomes (Castillo & Cartwright, 2018; Embree et al, 2018; Holmes & Reid, 2018). Additional research notes that using platforms such as Zoom limits a clinician’s ability to engage with the whole person or fully interpret nonverbal communication (e.g., handwringing, foot-tapping, and skin picking; Hezel et al, in press).…”

Small Town Transition Services Model: Postsecondary Planning for Students With Autism Spectrum Disorder

“…Problems with school-to-work transitions may be intensified by the features of rural communities. It has been documented that schools in rural areas encounter several educational challenges that can negatively affect the transition experience of students (Embree et al, 2018;Evans-Thompson et al, 2016;Francis et al, 2020;Hoover et al, 2020;Test & Fowler, 2018). Some of these challenges include limited financial resources for activities and programs, an absence of community supports, lack of public transportation, and fewer employment opportunities (Embree et al, 2018;Evans-Thompson et al, 2016;Francis et al, 2020;Hoover et al, 2020;Test & Fowler, 2018).…”

“…It has been documented that schools in rural areas encounter several educational challenges that can negatively affect the transition experience of students (Embree et al, 2018;Evans-Thompson et al, 2016;Francis et al, 2020;Hoover et al, 2020;Test & Fowler, 2018). Some of these challenges include limited financial resources for activities and programs, an absence of community supports, lack of public transportation, and fewer employment opportunities (Embree et al, 2018;Evans-Thompson et al, 2016;Francis et al, 2020;Hoover et al, 2020;Test & Fowler, 2018). Fortunately, data indicate that the impact of these barriers can be mediated with post-secondary planning (Burgess & Cimera, 2014;Collier et al, 2016;Evans-Thompson et al, 2016;Francis et al, 2020;Mazzotti et al, 2016;Morningstar et al, 2010;Shogren & Wittenburg, 2020;Test & Fowler, 2018).…”