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Research and Training Centers

A unique aspect of the Rehabilitation Education and Research Program is that it is linked, within the department, to nationally prominent research and training centers and continuing education programs.

  1. The Arkansas Research and Training Center for Persons Who Are Deaf or Hard of Hearing was established in 1980 and is funded by the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research.
    The mission of the center is to conduct research in priority problem areas relating to rehabilitation of persons who are deaf or hearing impaired. This research yields tangible, utilizable products for the rehabilitation practitioner and disseminates knowledge to practitioners for incorporation into existing service delivery programs. The core research areas of the center are vocational evaluation and development, personal and social adjustment and employment of persons who are deaf or hard of hearing.
  2. Region VI Regional Rehabilitation Continuing Education Center is designed to meet the in-service training needs of persons employed in the state/federal rehabilitation program and persons employed in the not-for-profit rehabilitation sector. Their mission is to deliver training programs to a broad range of service providers within three core areas: rehabilitation administration and management, the vocational rehabilitation process, and rehabilitation of severely disabled persons.

Student Organizations

In order to enhance student professional development, all students enrolled in the program are members of the Rehabilitation Student Association, a registered university organization. The goals of the association are:

  1. To stimulate interest in the field of rehabilitation
  2. To promote and encourage professional improvement among those interested in rehabilitation counseling
  3. To provide a medium for the exchange of ideas concerning rehabilitation
  4. To foster a closer relationship and better understanding among faculty and students, and
  5. To establish and maintain contact with all groups having a mutual interest in rehabilitation

 A program faculty member serves as advisor to the association. Students elect a president and secretary-treasurer who serve one-semester terms, allowing for different students to gain leadership experience during their studies. The president of the association serves as student representative to the Advisory Council. Past activities of the association have included faculty-student socials, assisting with local Special Olympics, and securing guest speakers for association meetings.

The program established the Rho Alpha Beta Chapter of Chi Sigma Iota national honorary society in counseling. Students are eligible for membership in Chi Sigma Iota if they have at least a 3.5 (4 = A) GPA over one completed semester. Rho Alpha Beta Chapter meetings are held in conjunction with the Counselor Education Program in the college.

Professional Organizations

National Rehabilitation Association (NRA)

National Rehabilitation Counseling Association (NRCA)

The purpose of NRA and NRCA is to advance the rehabilitation of all persons with disabilities.

Benefits of NRA and NRCA Membership:

  1. Receipt of bimonthly Journal of Rehabilitation and NRA Newsletter.
  2. Membership and participation in the state and local chapter of NRA.
  3. Development of professional knowledge and expertise through national, regional, and state conferences; special seminars; up-to-date information; and exchange with other members.
  4. Support of national and state legislative activity in which NRA plays a vital role.
  5. Eligibility to participate in NRA insurance programs.
  6. General support of the advancement of rehabilitation methodology and professionalism.
  7. NRCA membership includes receipt of NRA Journal, Journal of Applied Rehabilitation Counseling and NRCA Newsletter

For further information and applications for NRA and NRCA, please write:

National Rehabilitation Association
633 S. Washington Street
Alexandria, Virginia 23314

Page last updated: 11/16/2007 15:08

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