Reviewer: Linda M Olson, MS, OTR/L(Rush University Medical Center)
Description: This overview of the development and delivery of rehabilitation services was last updated in 2000.
Purpose: The purpose is to provide the historical, philosophical, legislative, and sociological foundations for the habilitation/rehabilitation of persons with disabilities and a comprehensive overview of the rehabilitation process. The book meets these objectives and makes a significant contribution to the field.
Audience: According to the authors, the book is designed for students enrolled in vocational or independent living rehabilitation programs. It is also beneficial for individuals who are planning to become certified rehabilitation counselors as well as experienced rehabilitation professionals wishing to keep abreast of current issues. The main authors have extensive experience in the area of rehabilitation of persons with disabilities.
Features: This book provides background on the development and delivery of rehabilitation services for individuals with both physical and mental disorders. Information on a broad range of factors impacting these services, as well as the roles and function of the rehabilitation counselor, is presented. Finally, the emerging area of assistive technology and the unique challenges that women with disabilities encounter are covered. The discussion of legislative issues that impact rehabilitation services and use of case vignettes to clarify various aspects of these issues is especially helpful. However, the title is misleading. Although vocational rehabilitation is covered, the majority of the book focuses on general rehabilitation issues. The currency of references is also a concern, especially in the section related to other rehabilitation services. These services have developed significantly over the past 25 years, and the authors should present the most up-to-date information.
Assessment: Although initially I was disappointed to discover that this book focused more on general rehabilitation and less on the vocational rehabilitation process, I found the information incredibly useful. This is an excellent overview of the rehabilitation process as well as the factors that impact the development and delivery of rehabilitation services. Also helpful is that this book considers the rehabilitation not only of individuals with physical disabilities but also of those with mental health disorders. It provides a nice summary of legislative changes that have occurred in the past eight years. Based on the nature of ongoing legislative change, the adoption of the sixth edition of this book is warranted.
