ERIC Number: EJ1339401
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2021
Pages: 16
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-2168-6653
EISSN: N/A
Community Colleges as a Postsecondary Option for Veterans with Service-Connected Disabilities: A Primer for Rehabilitation Counselors
Walters, Darren; Degeneffe, Charles Edmund; Grenawalt, Teresa Ann
Rehabilitation Research, Policy, and Education, v35 n4 p264-279 2021
Purpose: The purpose of this article is to provide rehabilitation counselors an overview of the benefits of the community college system as an option that veterans with service-connected disabilities should consider in helping to make the transition from military to civilian life. We describe veterans with service-connected disabilities, the reasons to consider community colleges instead of 4-year universities, and community college supports for veterans with service-connected disabilities. Method: Through a narrative review approach, we synthesized a collection of research articles, government reports, and websites to describe the academic and career development needs of veterans with service-connected disabilities and how community colleges are an effective option to meet these needs. Our approach toward analyzing the article's source materials was informed in part by our military/veteran-related lived experiences. Results: We provide six recommendations for rehabilitation counselors who support veterans with service-connected disabilities with educational goals. These include gaining knowledge of community college options; understanding funding options for veterans; knowledge of military-friendly community college settings; collaborating with institutional colleagues; understanding on-campus supports for disability-related needs; and continuing education on veterans' issues. Conclusions: We conclude rehabilitation counselors should be familiar with the benefits of the community college setting for veterans with service-connected disabilities to facilitate educational goals and transition to civilian life.
Descriptors: Veterans Education, Rehabilitation Counseling, Community Colleges, Students with Disabilities, Student Needs, Knowledge Level, Counselor Role, Access to Education, College Environment, Student Financial Aid, Resource Centers, Student Personnel Services, Mental Health, Counseling, Communities of Practice, Peer Teaching, Mentors
Springer Publishing Company. 11 West 42nd Street 15th Floor, New York, NY 10036. Tel: 877-687-7476; Tel: 212-431-4370; Fax: 212-941-7842; e-mail: subscriptions@springerpub.com; Web site: http://www.springerpub.com
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Information Analyses
Education Level: Adult Education; Higher Education; Postsecondary Education; Two Year Colleges
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A