coun6723 Week 7 Discussion  

Week 7 Discussion
 

Older Adults and Individuals with Disabilities

Week Seven topic areas cover older adults and individuals with disabilities. Culturally competent counselors have understanding of each of these areas, including best counseling practices. For this discussion, be sure you have read the learning resource chapters from Sue and Sue’s text before beginning to write your main discussion post.  You will choose one of these two options for your main post.

Discussion Post Option One-Worldview Among Different Generations:

Consider the ways older adults are portrayed in society. In general, many cultures regard youth and youthfulness positively; youthfulness is rewarded, encouraged, and given disproportionate attention. What does this mean for older individuals? The negative stereotypes associated with age influences both their self-conception and the perceptions held by other people interacting with older adults, including counselors.

For this discussion, you explore how bias and preconceived notions about older-age clients influence care. Also, you are asked to think about any potential mental, economic, and physical health challenges older clients may be facing. Think about the implications of these issues for counseling.

With these thoughts in mind:

Post a description of at least two unique issues faced by older adults and at least one common bias counselors might have about older adults.

Discussion Post Option Two- The Culture of Disability:

“People often lack understanding and do not know how to respond to people with disabilities. Attitudes toward individuals with disabilities may be disdainful and dismissive, or overly protective or sympathetic” (Sue & Sue, 2016, p. 636).

Counselors need to be mindful of their own biases and prejudices toward individuals with disabilities. Consider how ability status has an influence on a person’s identity. How might clients with a disability positively or negatively receive interactions with you as their counselor?

For this discussion, you examine what it means to be culturally competent when working with clients with disabilities. Be sure to consider the unique characteristics and challenges facing this group.

With these thoughts in mind:

Post a comparison of how the culture of disability is similar to and different from other cultures. What issues and challenges are unique to people with disabilities?   

Readings

• Sue, D. W., & Sue, D. (2016). Counseling the culturally diverse: Theory and practice (7th ed.)., Hoboken, NJ: Wiley.
  • Chapter 24, “Counseling Older Adults” (pp. 683-704)
  • Chapter 22, “Counseling Individuals With Disabilities” (pp. 635-657)