An empowerment-oriented stance toward disability would emphasize which?

• A. What Clients Can Do and How to Adapt
• B. What Clients Cannot Do
• C. Therapist's Authority
• D. Client Complaining

Answer: (A)

Empowerment in disability counseling focuses on client autonomy, strengths, and the capacity to participate in life with supports. It centers on what clients can do and how to adapt the environment or resources to enable functioning, rather than dwelling on limitations. This approach invites collaboration, builds self-efficacy, and aligns with the social model that sees barriers in society and settings more than in the individual. Emphasizing abilities and practical adaptation helps clients set meaningful goals and exercise choice, which is why this option is the best fit. Focusing on what clients cannot do, deferring to the therapist’s authority, or treating client concerns as merely complaints would undermine empowerment by reinforcing dependency or negativity.