State Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors' Perceptions of Internet Use in VR, Types of Internet Applications Used, and Types of Rehabilitation Activities Conducted Online.

PENNSYLVANIA; VERMONT; MARYLAND; NEW York (State); MASSACHUSETTS

Findings on counselor perceptions of Internet use in vocational rehabilitation (VR) and the decision-making process are presented in this paper, as well as findings on the types of Internet applications counselors used, and the types of rehabilitation activities they conducted online. Findings are based on a 2009 survey of 399 counselors at four state VR agencies. Most counselors reported that the Internet is compatible with the rehabilitation process and philosophy, allows relationship-building, and fits their work style. Counselor technology use was mostly limited to e-mail and websites. Counselors mostly used the Internet to look up information, identify resources, and communicate with customers. Implications and directions for future research are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]