Models of Vocational Assessment of Handicapped Students

During the last twenty years, increasing emphasis has been placed upon the provision of comprehensive vocational assessment to disabled and disadvantaged persons to assist them in obtaining employment. Vocational evaluation programs have proliferated in rehabilitation facilities, manpower programs, vocational-technical schools and public schools. An increasing body of literature and research has delineated service-delivery models and competencies needed by vocational evaluation specialists. Increasing numbers of universities have implemented graduate training programs in vocational evaluation; and a national professional certification process has been developed. Most of this activity has been centered at rehabilitation facilities at the same time that public schools are becoming the norm for educating disabled students. As vocational assessment for disabled students moves into this relatively new setting, it is being modified. This article explores models of vocational assessment for disabled students which incorporate modifications to suit the special needs of the public school setting.