ERIC Number: EJ1273711
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2020
Pages: 36
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: EISSN-1554-2998
EISSN: N/A
Understanding Elementary and Middle School Counselors' Experiences with Disability Awareness and Advocacy
Bialka, Christa S.; Havlik, Stacey
Journal of School Counseling, v18 n25 2020
Students with disabilities are at greater risk for depression, substance use, bullying, and fewer friendships, largely due to negative attitudes and misperceptions from their nondisabled peers. School counselors are particularly important stakeholders in improving the experiences of students with disabilities. This qualitative study uses the American Counseling Association (ACA) Advocacy Competencies as a lens to understand how six school counselors raise disability awareness within the context of social justice advocacy. Results indicate that participants primarily focused on ways to advocate alongside or on behalf of students with disabilities at an individual level (client/student domain). Additional findings highlight the need for increased disability-related training within counselor preparation programs and the importance of including disability issues within the frame of multicultural competence. 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 programs in their schools. Additionally, findings from this research directly aid in the construction of coursework and related experiences that would enhance the preparation of pre-service school counselors.
Descriptors: Students with Disabilities, Middle Schools, School Counselors, Advocacy, Consciousness Raising, Attitudes toward Disabilities, At Risk Students, Social Justice, Counselor Training, Counselor Role, Social Bias, Elementary Schools, Student Empowerment, Student Needs
Journal of School Counseling. Montana State University, College of Education, Health and Human Development, P.O. Box 172940, Bozeman, MT 59717. Tel: 406-994-4133; Fax: 406-994-1854; e-mail: ehhddean@montana.edu; Web site: http://jsc.montana.edu
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research; Tests/Questionnaires
Education Level: Junior High Schools; Middle Schools; Secondary Education; Elementary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A