Journal of Applied Rehabilitation Counseling Meeting the Unique Needs of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders with Disabilities: A Challenge to Rehabilitation Counselors in the 21st Century

Abstract- This article focuses on the unique rehabilitation needs of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPIs) with disabilities. The prevalence of disabilities among AAPIs is reviewed based on the available data in the literature. Cultures of AAPIs and barriers preventing AAPIs with disabilities from seeking or receiving vocational rehabilitation services are discussed. Recommendations are presented on how to improve vocational rehabilitation counseling services in the 21st century for this underserved population. Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPIs) are one of the fastest growing minorities in the U.S. From 1990 to 1999, the population of AAPIs has increased by 57%, proportionally more than any other minority group in the U.S. (U.S. Bureau of the Census, 1999). In some states and metropolitan cities (California, Hawaii, New York, etc.), AAPIs constitute a considerable proportion of the total population. It is projected that, by the year 2050, the total number of AAPIs will reach 34 million which is 9 % of th