Journal of Counselor Preparation and Supervision
Author ORCID Identifier
0000-0002-3147-9398
Document Type
Article
Keywords
ableism, critical disability theory, clinical supervision, discrimination model, rehabilitation counseling
Abstract
As a specialized counseling discipline, vocational rehabilitation aims to support individuals with disabilities in obtaining integrated and competitive employment within their communities. Within the rehabilitation counseling profession, the practice of clinical supervision is considered an essential function of the job; however, most professionals report inadequate or nonexistent supervision within their professional settings. Research on this topic is scarce, and few clinical supervision models exist specific to the needs of rehabilitation counselors. In this manuscript, we present an adaptation of the discrimination model for counselors that incorporates vocational rehabilitation and critical disability theory to encourage the challenging and dismantling of ableism. The model is extended with components that can support multicultural and social justice competence and anti-ableist applications that were previously missing. The limitations of the model and future areas of research are discussed.
Public Significance Statement
This manuscript introduces an innovative supervision model for vocational rehabilitation counselors and supervisors, integrating the Discrimination Model and Critical Disability Theory. The model advances multicultural and social justice competencies by addressing gaps in current supervision practices and promoting the dismantling of ableism, offering a crucial framework to enhance the professional development of rehabilitation counselors and support their clients with disabilities.
Recommended Citation
Tichy, N. G. & Peters, H. C. (2026). Counseling supervision in vocational rehabilitation: An integration and extension of the discrimination model and critical disability theory. Journal of Counselor Preparation and Supervision, 20(2), 1-19
