Exploring the forefront of rehabilitation counseling research, this training centers on emerging disability populations, content domains, and scientific methodologies. The evolving research landscape includes evidence-based practice, participatory action research, and collaborations with consumer advocacy organizations, addressing the nuanced needs of various populations, from COVID-19 survivors to veterans and minoritized racial and ethnic groups. Further, the presentation delves into emerging topic areas like the aging world, age-related conditions, and psychosocial issues associated with aging, all while exploring the intersection of technology with rehabilitation counseling. The discussion concludes by considering future research avenues such as higher education and disability, career development, and the pervasive impact of workplace discrimination against people with disabilities.

Learning Objectives:

• Understand the evolving landscape of rehabilitation counseling research, including emerging disability populations, content domains, and scientific methods.
• Identify key psychosocial issues associated with aging, the impact of workplace discrimination against individuals with disabilities, and the intersection of technology in rehabilitation counseling.
• Explore future research directions in areas such as higher education and disability, career development, and expanded assessments of consumer outcomes in rehabilitation counseling.