Human Services Counseling - Rehabilitation Concentration

This concentration began its rich history in the field of rehabilitation, in 1974 with a grant from the Rehabilitation Services Administration. The Human Services Counseling- Rehabilitation program and ECU are known as leaders in the education of students with disabilities. The Rehabilitation concentration is designed to prepare students for positions in a variety of federal, state and community rehabilitation agencies, facilities and organizations that provide services to individuals with disabilities and addictions. Students completing the program have skills in interviewing, case management, planning, intervention, job/career development and knowledge of the major disability groups, addictions and disability culture.

The objective of the Rehabilitation concentration is to prepare students to work with individuals with a variety of physical, mental, cognitive, behavioral and addictive disabilities. Students completing this program have additional skills and knowledge of the major disability groups, legislation and various disability-related programs. Emphasis is placed on disability culture, inclusion and advocacy. This program also serves individuals interested in pursuing advanced degrees in speech therapy, recreation therapy and other allied fields.

The Addictions minor is designed to provide students with additional expertise in substance abuse. This includes issues of co-dependencey, pharmacological and societal issues of addiction.

What is Rehabilitation?

• Rehabilitation is a career of choice for high-energy people who want to be creative and independent while they make a very real difference in the lives of individuals with a variety of disabilities.
• Rehabilitation is a field in which people will tell you right up front that it is not about disabilities - it is about possibilities!
• The objective of rehabilitation is to facilitate the ability of people with disabilities to gain empowerment, employment, and full access to society.

 As a future Rehabilitation Professional, you will have exciting opportunities to:

• Work in a creative, compelling, professional environment infused with passion, idealism, and realism;
• Achieve your potential while empowering others to reach theirs;
• Enjoy long-term career growth potential with increasingly competitive salaries and benefits;
• Experience the deep satisfaction of making a significant impact on the quality of many lives, including your own.

Student involvement can be fun and adds to a sense of professionalism
Student involvement on campus, community, and professional activities are encouraged. Students may choose to:

• Join the Human Services Club
• Join FATE - Fighting Addiction Through Education
• Join the National Rehabilitation Association and the Oklahoma Rehabilitation Association
• Attend Disability Awareness Days
• Attend Professional Conference
• Give back to the community through volunteerism
• Take field trips to various facilities around the state
• Listen to dynamic guest speakers with expertise in rehabilitation and disability

 
What kind of places and jobs can I do with an undergraduate degree in Rehabilitation?
Students are employed in a variety of settings, including:

• state/federal/American Indian Vocational Rehabilitation agencies,
• addiction recovery centers and programs
• community based rehabilitation centers
• independent living centers
• mental health facilities
• correctional facilities 
• Rehabilitation Counselor
• Rehabilitation Assistant/Technician
• Substance Abuse/Addiction Counselor
• Case Manager
• Independent Living Counselor/Specialist
• Rehabilitation Engineer Technician
• Personal Adjustment Trainer
• Employee Assistance Counselor
• Job Placement Specialist/Job Coach
• Group Home Counselor
• Americans with Disabilities Act Specialist
• Therapeutic foster care

Our students are prepared and ready to be accepted into a variety of graduate programs, both in state and out of state.      

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