Applications of Computer-Meditated Communication Via the Internet in Rehabilitation Counseling

Abstract

The Internet is a rapidly growing communication resource that is becoming mainstream in the American society. To better serve our clients, rehabilitation counselors need to understand the many aspects of the Internet and begin to explore its uses in rehabilitation counseling. The purpose of this article was to initiate a discussion regarding the impact of the Internet on rehabilitation counseling services. The current use of the Internet in counseling practices was reviewed. The relationship between the Internet usage and the empowerment of people with disabilities was explored, the roles of rehabilitation counselors in regard to the computer-mediated communication (CMC) via the Internet were outlined, and ethical and professional development-related issues concerning possible applications of CMC via the Internet for rehabilitation counseling services were discussed. CMC via the Internet may be offered as an adjunct to traditional face to face rehabilitation services. Professional organizations such as the National Rehabilitation Counseling Association (NRCA) and the Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification (CRCC) should develop professional standards and ethical codes to guide such services before we fully embrace the technique.