Chapter 1 discusses the roots of rehabilitation psychology, which are found in the assessment and treatment of persons with a disability, whether congenital or acquired, and how the growth and development of the field can be traced in large part to care provided to returning veterans. It covers the establishment of Division 22 of the American Psychological Association (APA) and of a specialty competency examination board, the American Board of Rehabilitation Psychology (ABRP), which were significant historical milestones. Lastly, it addresses how Rehabilitation Psychology continues to refine standards of education, training and experience, delineating a route toward board certification as well as continuing education offerings to enable maintenance of competence by practicing clinicians.
