Understanding Elementary and Middle School Counselors' Experiences With Disability Awareness

• In Event: Poster Session 2
  In Poster Session: Applications of Counseling Psychology in Practice

Abstract

Studies have shown that students with disabilities are at greater risk for depression, conduct disorders, low self-esteem, substance abuse, bullying, and fewer friendships, largely due to the negative attitudes and misperceptions of their peers without disabilities. Attitudinal forms of oppression can significantly compromise the personal and social development of children with disabilities. This exploratory, qualitative study provides a deeper understanding of how public school counselors implement programming that promotes disability awareness. Because school counseling research on disability programming is scant, the results of this study fill a gap in the literature and lead to a deeper understanding of how school counselors are presently engaging in disability programming in their schools, as well as suggest ways to improve such approaches.

Authors

• Christa S. Bialka, Villanova University

• Stacey Havlik, Villanova University