About

Rehabilitation and disability services and rehabilitation counseling professionals promote independence for individuals with disabilities. This could include assisting individuals with educational, employment or independent living goals.

Those with a bachelor's degree in rehabilitation services can pursue careers including providing services for independent living, supported employment, advocacy, recreation and group homes. Graduate degree holders are qualified to work in careers including rehabilitation counseling, occupational therapy and special education.

The job outlook for rehabilitation counselors is expected to grow by nine percent throughout 2024, which is faster than average. Many rehabilitation services areas are growing as well. For example, the career outlook for substance abuse and behavioral disorder counselors is growing much faster than average, 22% through 2024.

There are several career paths to suit your unique interests. Whatever you choose, we'll help you find your way.

Rehabilitation and Disability Services

Mission

The mission of the Bachelor of Science in Rehabilitation Services is to positively impact the lives of persons with disabilities by:

Preparing students to be ethical professionals ready to provide quality services to persons with disabilities.
Conducting quality and meaningful disability-related research
Serving the university, community, and profession through the lens of social justice for persons with disability

Vision

The vision of the Bachelor of Science in Rehabilitation and Disability Services is to develop broadly educated professionals who have the ability to address emerging needs of persons with disabilities using sound ethics and evidence-based practices.

Rehabilitation Counseling

Mission

The NIU Rehabilitation Counseling program prepares graduate students for assisting individuals with disabilities to achieve employment, independent living, and personal goals in integrated settings. Coursework emphasizes culturally sensitive interventions and integration of evidence-based practices to provide top-level support to people with disabilities.

Vision

The NIU Rehabilitation Counseling program aims to be a leader in providing quality preparation for certified rehabilitation counselors in public and private settings.

Objectives

Our program prepares you to become a highly qualified and ethically responsible rehabilitation counselor by instilling the following knowledge and skills:

Effective communication in rehabilitation counseling and clinical mental health counseling settings.
Understanding of rehabilitation counseling concepts.
Application of effective clinical skills for successful rehabilitation counseling practice.
Application of effective critical thinking skills necessary to solve problems in rehabilitation counseling settings.
Understanding of multicultural competencies necessary for successful rehabilitation counseling practice.

Rehabilitation and Disability Services and Rehabilitation Counseling

Contact Us

School of Interdisciplinary Health Professions
Wirtz Hall 323
815-753-5118
sihp@niu.edu

Office Hours

Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m.-noon
1-4:30pm

If you need immediate assistance, please contact Julie Lorang at jlorang@niu.edu.