Ellen Fabian

Dr. Ellen Fabian is a Professor in the Department of Counseling, Higher Education, and Special Education at the University of Maryland, College Park. She holds a Ph.D. from the same institution and specializes in psychiatric rehabilitation, career development, and disability advocacy. Her research focuses on individuals with disabilities, particularly adolescents and adults, exploring strategies for community integration and employment success. Dr. Fabian has held leadership roles including President of the American Rehabilitation Counseling Association and Maryland Rehabilitation Association, and served as associate editor of the Journal of Counseling & Development.

Her work emphasizes federal grant-funded projects to evaluate best practices in transition programs for youth with disabilities. Key themes in her publications include employer perceptions of disability, interagency collaboration in service delivery, and the impact of workplace accommodations on employee well-being. She has been internationally recognized for her advocacy efforts, receiving awards from UMD’s President’s Commission on Disability Issues and professional associations like the American Rehabilitation Counseling Association.

Dr. Fabian’s research spans over three decades, with articles published in journals such as Rehabilitation Psychology and Career Development for Exceptional Individuals. Her recent work addresses barriers to community living for aging populations with disabilities and the role of employer partnerships in facilitating employment opportunities. She actively consults on disability programs globally and has contributed to policy discussions on vocational rehabilitation outcomes under legislation like WIOA.