Collaboration and partnership to improve employment outcomes

Abstract

For the past three decades, the vocational rehabilitation field has been moving from a system controlled by professionals to one beginning to promote the crucial role of consumers in decision making and planning for their futures. This focus on empowerment of consumers reflects the Independent Living philosophy developed in the late 1960s and promoted through Centers for Independent Living. This focus requires a major shift in thinking and action on the part of rehabilitation counselors and administrators so that all people with disabilities can truly be legitimate partners. It also requires consumers to be more knowledgeable and have the skills necessary to be more involved, indeed directive, in choosing the goals and the services they want and need. Oregon has developed a partnership between rehabilitation agencies and Centers for Independent Living (CILs) to provide support and skills to consumers to increase their involvement and role in developing their rehabilitation plan.