Evaluation of the Impact Program, a Disability Immersion Experience, in Genetic Counseling Education
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Authors
Qiao, Xueying
Issue Date
2015-05-01
Type
thesis_open
Language
Keywords
genetic counseling , human genetics
Alternative Title
Human Genetics Theses
Abstract
Genetic counseling programs do not have models or standards to guide effective training on disabilities. The disability training can help students understand the psychosocial issues and acquire balanced knowledge pertaining to disabilities. However, there is no research on the effectiveness of disability training in the genetic counseling profession. We have evaluated a disability training course, the Impact Program, in the Joan H. Marks Graduate Program in Human Genetics at Sarah Lawrence College, which includes interactions between genetic counseling students and families that have a member with disability outside of a clinical setting. The results have demonstrated the program helps students enhance their ability to identify psychosocial issues, increase their comfort levels, and expand their knowledge in providing service to people with disabilities and their families. This study provides valuable information that genetic counseling programs can utilize to prepare their students to deliver quality, balanced services to their clients and the disability community.