Responding to an Emerging Need in Rehabilitation Counselor Education: Development of a Cognitive Disabilities Certificate Program

Abstract

Overview:The article describes the development of a Cognitive Disabilities Certificate Program (CDC) in a Council for the Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Program accredited Rehabilitation Counselor Education (RCE) program. Specific areas addressed includes the CDC’s administrative foundations, curriculum design, student outcomes, sustainability activities, and future directions.Methods:The CDC program was established in 2009 with a training grant from the Rehabilitation Services Administration. The CDC requires 18 units of post-baccalaureate coursework and training activities focused on cognitive disabilities.Results:From Spring 2009 through Spring 2017 semesters, 42 students attained the CDC certificate. CDC graduates currently work in settings serving persons with cognitive disabilities in the State/Federal Vocational Rehabilitation System, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, post-secondary student support offices, and community-based rehabilitation provider agencies.Conclusion:The CDC program provides RCE programs a model approach for establishing specialized training to meet emerging rehabilitation needs among persons with cognitive disabilities.