Career selection and use of accommodations by students with disabilities in rehabilitation education programs

The Rehabilitation Counselor Disability (RCD) Survey was administered to 186 rehabilitation students throughout the United States. Data were gathered related to disability (prevalence and type), program awareness of disability, influence of disability upon career choice, levels of functional limitation, and use of accommodations. Sixteen percent (n = 30) of rehabilitation students surveyed reported disabilities. Most indicated moderate functional limitations, and about half required accommodations. A large majority of students having a disability intend to work with persons with the same disability. Implications for rehabilitation educators are discussed in terms of personal and professional student needs.