Hello and welcome to Disability and Mental Distress: Tools for Practitioners: a free, self-paced course exploring mental distress in disability and vocational contexts, with practical, non-clinical tools for practitioners.
Who this course is for
This course is designed for vocational rehabilitation counselors, employment specialists, and disability-support professionals who regularly work with people experiencing mental distress. It focuses on non-clinical, everyday support skills that can be used ethically and within professional scope.
Who this course is not for
This course does not provide therapy, diagnosis, or crisis intervention training. It is not intended to replace clinical education or organizational crisis protocols.
How this course works
You do not need an account to take this course. There is no enrollment, and no personal information is collected.
How to Use This Course
- This course is free and self-paced.
- No account, enrollment, quizzes, grades, or certificates are required.
- You can move through the material in order or skip around as needed.
- Some pages include reflection prompts, which are optional.
- You’re welcome to pause, take breaks, or return to sections later.
- The course focuses on non-clinical, everyday support skills.
- No personal information is collected.
The course is designed to be used flexibly and revisited as needed.
Course Modules
- Module 1: Understanding Mental Distress in Disability Contexts
Introduces a working understanding of mental distress and how it commonly shows up in disability and employment settings. - Module 2: Depression, Anxiety, and Panic
Explores depression, anxiety, and panic with attention to how they may present in everyday vocational contexts. - Module 3: Everyday Support Skills for Practitioners
Focuses on practical communication and support strategies that can be used within professional boundaries.
If You Need Support
As you move through this course, you may notice some emotions coming up—especially if you support others who are going through difficult moments. Take your time. Go at your own pace. Step away when you need to and return when you’re ready.
If you or someone you’re supporting needs emotional help:
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
- Call or text 988 anytime.
- Free, confidential, and available 24/7.
2-1-1 (United Way)
- Dial 211 to connect with local mental health, housing, food, transportation, and community supports.
About the Course Creator
I work at the intersection of disability, mental health, and employment, with experience in vocational rehabilitation, career advising, and disability inclusion training.
This course draws on professional practice as well as lived experience, and it was created as an experiment in accessible, low-barrier learning.
If you find this course helpful and want to support me in offering future free learning:
☕ Buy me a coffee
Disability and Mental Distress 