AN EXPLORATION OF DEAF UNIVERSITY STUDENTS' PERCEPTIONS OF THE DYNAMICS OF THE VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION PROCESS TO THE ACHIEVEMENT OF THEIR REHABILITATION GOALS

Abstract

A single-case study design was utilized to explore, through personal interviews with Deaf consumers of the state/federal VR system who were attending Gallaudet University in Washington, D.C., the variables associated with perception of the barriers in the state/federal VR process. Three research questions were utilized: (a) what perception do Deaf consumers have of the VR process?; (b) what are barriers to the achievement of goals in the VR process, as perceived by Deaf consumers?; and (c) what factors do Deaf consumers attribute to the achievement of goals in the VR process? An examination of the qualitative data indicated that the three main areas of VR services that caused barriers to achieving services among the participants were (a) the services and support that VR offers its consumers varies from state to state, rather than being standard among all states, (b) the opinion that there is insufficient communication between VR and consumers, and (c) the high turnover rate of VR Counselors. Examination of the qualitative data also indicated that, overall, participants were satisfied with their VR services, primarily because VR pays for school and participants feel that VR is meeting their needs at this time.