Rehabilitation Psychologists: A Place in the Policy Process?

There are important roles for psychologists in the policy-making process. Psychologists may elect to address issues to which they can make a unique contribution because of their knowledge of human behavior, as well as issues that affect psychology as a profession. During the 100th Congress, the author served as an APA-sponsored Congressional Science Fellow in the Senate Subcommittee on the Handicapped. In 1988, Congress passed the Technology-Related Assistance for Individuals With Disabilities Act of 1988. This legislation authorizes grants to states to develop and implement comprehensive statewide programs of technology-related assistance for persons with disabilities. The importance of assistive technology for individuals of all ages with disabilities is discussed, and the background and development of the legislation is described. Strategies are suggested for increasing the effectiveness of psychologists in the policy-making process, including working on Capitol Hill.