This is the only text to provide comprehensive coverage of human growth and development, a requirement mandated by the Council of Rehabilitation Education (CORE) for a master's degree in rehabilitation counseling and for Licensed Professional Counselor certification. Written by an eminent leader in the field of disability studies, this volume reflects a significant change in perceptions of individuals with disabilities from being defined foremost by their disability to being viewed as normal individuals with a disability. It provides an understanding of traditional human growth and development that will enhance the practice of disability counseling by enabling an understanding of a client's childhood and prior life experiences.

The book begins with a focus on developmental theories and tasks, followed by a discussion of cultural and ethical considerations in human development. It considers the major theories of human development as they relate to people with and without disabilities, and career theories with a focus on the concept of choice. The book addresses specific developmental stages including a description of developmental tasks, risks, disability applications, specific disabilities common to a particular stage, and cultural and ethical issues, all supported by case examples.