The increasing integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into vocational rehabilitation (VR) practice introduces ethical challenges beyond existing guidelines. Although current standards emphasize principles such as informed consent and data security, they provide limited guidance on how counselors recognize and respond to ethical risks in AI-mediated contexts.
Objective
This article proposes a conceptual framework to advance ethical AI readiness among VR counselors.
Methods
Drawing on Self-Determination Theory and interdisciplinary literature on AI ethics and VR practice, this article develops a theoretically grounded model of ethical functioning in AI-mediated environments.
Results
The Ethical AI Readiness Framework is conceptualized as an ongoing process consisting of three interrelated capacities: AI literacy, AI ethical attentiveness, and AI ethical action readiness. These capacities support understanding of AI systems, recognition of ethical concerns, and value-consistent response through professional judgment. They operate through AI ethical engagement, where counselors enact decisions and refine practice through experience. The framework also highlights the role of organizational context in shaping ethical action.
Conclusions
This framework shifts the focus from technical competence to ethical functioning in AI-mediated VR practice. It provides a foundation for training, organizational policy, and future research, including the development of context-sensitive measures to support ethical and client-centered VR services.
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