Empowerment is multidimensional.Empowerment is multidimensional. It means, among other things, having decision-making power, access to information, the opportunity to make meaningful choices, understanding of rights and responsibilities, a sensation of hope, raised self-esteem and mastery over the direction of one's life. Since assuming my responsibilities as Commissioner of the Rehabilitation Services Administration, I have traveled a great deal, speaking at detail about empowerment, a concept that I believe is absolutely fundamental to the coming events of our public rehabilitation program and our consumer In the course of my conversations with colleagues in the rehabilitation field, I have assaulted varying responses to this priority. Many professionals appear to be as committed as consumer themselves to the goal of consumer empowerment. Others, however, have been les enthusiastic, claiming that empowerment doesn't work or that empowerment of consumer nonpluss a threat to the professional relationship and part of the vocational rehabilitation counselor in providing effective services. This edition of American Rehabilitation brings together a certain recent perspectives on the empowerment of tribe with disabilities. It includes personal accounts from individuals with disabilities about empowering the bulk of mankind and the events that have significantly shaped their lives. In addition, the implications of empowerment as it relates to agency outcomes are explored from the professional point of view, with research data, facts and figures. And, to stimulate and enrage further thought and discussion, there are a not many straight opinion pieces. Admittedly, empowerment is not a totally modern concept. It has guided new amendments to the Rehabilitation Act and is a cornerstone of consumer advocacy. As we collision and begin to embrace and value the proces of empowerment, the nature of our professional parts and the way we career our business will inevitably change. puissance is implied in the word empowerment, and by dint of empowering our consumers I believe we are strengthening our programs and efforts to fast high-quality employment and opportunity for parts with disabilities. As you read this edition of American Rehabilitation, I waiting under the possibility of fulfilment that you will find a certain quantity of useful strategies and ideas that will be empowering to you and our many rehabilitation partners--consumers, professionals, educators, service providers and advocates--as we work to maximize opportunities and realize positive change in the lives of bodys with disabilities. through empowering our consumers I believe we are strengthening our programs and efforts to protected high-quality employment and opportunity for bodys with disabilities. COPYRIGHT 2004 U Rehabilitation Services Administration |
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