Disability services offer a range of supports to individuals living with disabilities. They assist individuals in finding resources to meet their needs, enhance their quality of life, and become independent.
Disability services employ the social model of disability, acknowledging that disabilities are often caused or exacerbated by structural inequities and many disabled individuals do not desire to be “cured.” They focus on society’s role in creating these barriers and how these impacts disabled individuals’ ability to participate in society.
Assistive Technology
Assistive technology is a term that refers to equipment, devices and software designed to assist individuals with disabilities in reaching their daily living objectives. This can range from electronic devices like wheelchairs and walkers, braces and educational software to power lifts, pencil holders, eye-gaze devices and head trackers – the list is endless!
Assistive technologies can be beneficial for individuals with various disabilities, such as visual impairments, hearing loss, developmental delays and chronic illnesses. It also enhances their capacity to learn or communicate effectively.
When planning for assistive technology, the IEP team must take into account the student’s current environment, tasks that need to be accomplished and any existing aids or services. This information can help them decide if assistive technology will enable the student to reach their objectives.
Around the world, access to assistive technology remains limited with an estimated 75% shortage in prosthetics and orthotics. Addressing this unmet need will help us reach our Sustainable Development Goals, provide universal health coverage and implement the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with disability support services .
Counseling
Counseling can be a beneficial process for individuals with disabilities. It provides them with insight into their disability and its effect on their lives, as well as an awareness of substance use issues related to the disability.
It can also teach them how to advocate for themselves and assert themselves during interactions with physicians and healthcare providers. This skill set can give them confidence during decision-making processes, making medication compliance less of a burden during recovery.
Counselors should take time to understand the specific limitations and coping strategies associated with each client’s disability. Doing this will enable them to provide appropriate accommodations during counseling as well as in the community.
Transportation
Transportation can be a major obstacle for those living with disabilities. Whether you use a wheelchair or need other forms of assistance, not having reliable transportation can have an immense effect on your daily life.
Thankfully, there are several programs that can assist you with getting around town as well as to your doctor or job. These services are known as Paratransit and mandated by both the American Disabilities Act and federal government regulations.
Charities, non-profits and volunteer driver programs may offer free rides in your area. They may even be called Dial-a-Ride and provide a range of options like transportation to the post office, grocery store or medical appointments.
ACCES-VR will cover transportation services when functional limitations prevent using public transportation such as buses, subways or other common carriers. However, the vocational rehabilitation counselor must document in the individual’s record of services the reasons why a particular type of service was chosen.
Employment
Finding and keeping a job is an integral part of independence for people with disabilities. Employment offers them a sense of worth and confidence, which are necessary elements for living independently.
Employers can gain from hiring workers with disabilities, as their unique experiences and perspectives enhance the products and services they offer. Furthermore, companies which promote and hire employees with disabilities tend to experience lower turnover rates since these employees feel a sense of loyalty to the organization and feel connected.
Employers can simplify the hiring and retention of employees with disabilities through several federal and state financial incentives, such as tax credits. These subsidies help offset some of the expenses related to accommodating workers’ needs such as workplace accommodations and training sessions.
