Disability Support Services in Higher Education: An Extension of the Rehabilitation Process

Abstract

In recent years, the number of students in higher education who are requesting services, from university offices of Disability Support Services (DSS) has increased dramatically, While surveys suggest that the majority of DSS offices are providing academic support services to their students with disabilities, these services, while necessary, are not sufficient to address the needs of these students in a holistic fashion. This article will discuss ways in which the philosophy of rehabilitation counseling can be utilized to assist the DSS office in providing more comprehensive services, with the goal of increasing the students' functioning to the highest level possible in all areas of their lives. Through adherence to this philosophy, the DSS office can become an effective extension of the rehabilitation process to students with disabilities.