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Rutgers SHP Requirements for Graduation and Course Descriptions

Department of Psychiatric Rehabilitation & Counseling Professions

Psychiatric Rehabilitation

PSRT5132 - Medical and Psychosocial Aspects of Disability

Course Description

This course focuses on the interpretation of medical information about major disabilities with an emphasis on the functional and psychosocial aspects of disability. Topics that will receive special attention in the course are:

The implications of various disabilities upon the functioning of individuals.

Psychosocial aspects of disability including the impact on both the individual and the family, and their adjustments to the disability.

Interpretation of medical terminology and medical reports.

Appropriate rehabilitation strategies and intervention resources including the use of assistive technology.

Credits/Modes of Instruction

Credits: 3

Modes of instruction include lecture, classroom-based activities, and discussion. This course is offered in both on-campus and online formats.

Prerequisites

None

Course Goals and Outcomes:

Goals

The goals of the course are that students will be able to:

Discuss psychosocial implications of disabilities for individuals and their families and issues in adjusting to disabilities.

Develop a basic knowledge of medical terminology and common medical abbreviations.

Understand the medical aspects of various disabilities including functional capabilities and limitations.

Obtain information quickly about medical conditions through Internet research and library resources.

Have an in-depth understanding of one disability.

Have knowledge of existing community resources for selected disabilities including the role of treatment and rehabilitation providers

Outcomes

By the end of this course, students will be able to:

State and discuss factors and issues influencing adjustment to disabilities for individuals and their families and use this information in counseling and rehabilitation planning.

Interpret medical terminology and common medical abbreviations.

Discuss the medical aspects, rehabilitation considerations, and life planning considerations of at least 10 disabling conditions commonly seen in counseling practice.

Use the Internet and the library to research information about various medical conditions and apply information to rehabilitation practice including using the international Classification of Functioning.

Describe in depth the incidence, etiology, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, prognosis, psychosocial implications and rehabilitation strategies for at least one disability.

Name relevant community resources for selected disabilities and be able to describe services and qualifications of related disciplines as well as strategies for interagency collaboration and communication.