APPLIED SOCIAL STUDIES IN DISABILITIES

Applied social studies in disabilities

Abstract

The empowerment concept has gained more attention over the past decade. How this concept can be implemented in selected phases of the vocational assessment process is discussed. The highlighted phases are the interview, involvement in other assessment approaches, interpretation of results, and rehabilitation planning. Particular emphasis is given to the interview, and suggestions are provided on how to utilize this approach to enhance consumer empowerment.

Applied social studies in disabilities



Discuss the overall concept of empowerment in all our lives

The concept of "empowerment" is a relative newcomer as a component of the philosophy and practice of vocational rehabilitation. As early as 1973 there were references to the term in the social work, community psychology, and mental health literature (Boehm & Staples, 2004; McWhirter, 1991). Recently, the 1992, 1998, and 2004 Amendments to the Rehabilitation Act of 1990, focusing on the process of vocational rehabilitation, have emphasized the values of active participation and self-determination to facilitate improved rehabilitation outcomes (Hagen-Foley, Rosenthal, & Thomas, 2005).

While there has been increasing usage of empowerment in the delivery of rehabilitation services, there is no consensus nor comprehensive definition of what empowerment means (Boehm & Staples, 2004; Houser, Hampton, & Carriker, 2000). Beck (1994) believed that the way empowerment is generally viewed in the area of disability rights and rehabilitation is that the experience of empowerment can lead those with disabilities to viewing life differently, to the creation of a new perspective, and to a focus on living interdependently with the full use of one's assets. The literature indicates, moreover, that many terms are associated with the concept of empowerment, such as choice, control, mutuality and involvement, sharing of power, joint responsibility, and self-determination (Boehm & Staples, 2004; Hagen-Foley, Rosenthal, & Thomas, 2005; Kosciulek, 2004; McWhirter, 1991; Savage, Harley, & Nowak, 2005).

Explain how empowerment is a vital part of how we support people with disabilities to achieve self defined visions of a desirable future

Empowerment is culture-specific and assumes "that the differing experiences of socially stigmatized groups lead to different attitudinal and response sets." (Savage, Harley, & Nowak, 2005, p. 131). Though empowerment can be applied, consequently, to individual and community levels, within both of these levels it can refer to process and to outcome (Boehm & Staples, 2004; McWhirter, 1991). As a process, it may identify the way or approach by which people move from relative powerlessness to increased power and growth in participatory competencies, such as enhanced decision making and ongoing responsibility. Also, as a process, the utilization of empowerment can assist those with disabilities to develop and increase their self-esteem and skills to make informed choices and to generate self-determination. As an outcome, when empowerment is employed in rehabilitation, control is exerted over a vocational-related situation, and further satisfaction is gained.

Vocational assessment, especially when undertaken at the beginning of the vocational rehabilitation process, can be an excellent opportunity to operationalize the concept of empowerment. The field of rehabilitation practice has already considered many empowerment approaches, but certain areas ...