Beyond “Accessible”: Community Inclusion for Individuals with Disabilities

In this course, K. Lynn Pierce, MS, NCC, Pennsylvania State University, briefly traces the history of how society has tended to regard individuals with disabilities and explains the levels of inclusion that such individuals can experience, from being accommodated when they request help, through to being able to access what’s needed in their environment, all the way to equity. Different models for understanding disability are outlined and Pierce examines the language and etiquette that is most respectful and appropriate when interacting with individuals who have a disability. She identifies considerations for counsellor educators, in order that persons with a disability may be able to experience equity upon entering the counselling profession.