Participation in an Institute on Rehabilitation Issues (IRI) Study is an honor as well as a major commitment. The IRI Study Group meets three times during a given year. The writing responsibilities require extensive literature reviews, research, and survey work. This experience offers learning as well as personal and professional growth for all the participants. The 26^th IRI, Using the Internet as a Resource to the Work of the Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor, was particularly challenging while offering participants a wonderful learning experience. Due to the fluid nature of the topic, one can appreciate how the first concept and draft changed in such a brief time for this final product.

The IRI Prime Study Group, Using the Internet as a Resource to the Work of the Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor, is pleased to provide this document. The members sought to include the latest ideas in technology and e-communication currently being used to serve persons with disabilities. The document is meant to be a source of innovative ideas for rehabilitation personnel, a user’s guide, and a tool for use in training staff. There are developments and trends in this report that reflect dramatic changes in the way Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) has traditionally met program outcomes and illustrate the ability of VR professionals to be highly innovative in a changing global environment.

The study contains five chapters. The first chapter discusses using the Internet as a fast and updated reference tool for information and communications that may expedite the VR professional’s daily activities. Chapter 2 reviews the computer competencies and information literacy that the VR professional needs to effectively integrate the Internet into his/her work. Chapter 3 discusses the consumers’ use of the Internet and its impact on the VR process. Chapter 4 examines organizational changes as a result of information technologies. Chapter 5 ponders the current impact and future possibilities of the Internet in relation to VR. A glossary of terms is included in the Appendices to provide readers with definitions to technical terms that may be unfamiliar.

The editors and Prime Study Group Members wish to express their appreciation to those who participated in the 26^th Institute on Rehabilitation Issues as members of the Study Group, Using the Internet as a Resource to the Work of the Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor. Their input was most beneficial in developing this document.

Finally, we wish to acknowledge Cynthia D. Orticio, a member of the GW/RRCEP family who was able to help mold the writing of so many individuals into one document without disturbing the content. What a wonderful talent.

From the Editors:

Donald W. Dew, Ed.D., CRC

Maureen McGuire-Kuletz, Ed.D., CRC

Greg Mandrake Alan, MRC, CRC

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Document Links Menu

Table of Contents  -  Introduction  -  Chapter 1  - Chapter 2  - Chapter 3  -  Chapter 4  - Chapter 5 

Glossary - Standards for Ethical Practice of  WebCounseling  - Internet Addresses -  Resources

Computer Literacy Self Survey  - Web Site URLs for Regional RCEPs, CRP-RCEPs and DBTACs

Link here to email  Leon Oehlers, MS, CRC - Region 6 RCEP Webmaster to report broken hyperlinks, new URLs, and/or additional information:  loehlers@rcep6.org

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