The 50 Year Legacy of Two Giants in the Field of Rehabilitation Counseling are Intertwined

Contributor: Rusty Krumm, Vocational Specialist, San Diego Community College District

The 50-year legacy of 2 giants in the field of rehabilitation counseling are intertwined. As CAPED celebrates its 50th year of providing services to individuals with disabilities, we honor Dr. Fred McFarlane who was instrumental in developing programs, policies, and leadership in education for those who serve individuals with disabilities.

Most of us in the rehabilitation counseling field were extremely fortunate to have been touched by an extremely kind, humble, generous, and passionate man as Fred McFarlane. Known by many only as Fred, we sadly announce his passing on July 2, 2024.

Us in the San Diego rehabilitation counseling field are privileged to have known Fred because he established the Department of Administration, Rehabilitation and Postsecondary Education (ARPE) at San Diego State University 50 years ago. San Diego State University ARPE program graduated over a thousand students with master degrees that are now leaders in the rehab counseling field and are most likely CAPED members. How ironic we both are 50 years old.

As great as Fred’s professional accomplishments are, and he received numerous awards, I believe his greatest accomplishments were mentoring and coaching others to be successful leaders in education. Fred knew that success was built on others' success and not his own. Fred was also a diehard advocate for individuals with disabilities and knew education was key in helping individuals with disabilities to achieve success.

I was exceptionally fortunate to have met Fred and travel the journey of life with him for 25 years. I met Fred as a grad student at San Diego State in the 90s. Fred became my mentor and friend. The funny thing is anyone who met Fred became his mentor and friend. The common theme is that Fred changed everyone’s life for the better just by offering a listening ear, an encouraging word and being a supportive friend. Always the consummate counselor Fred never told you what to do- he helped you find what was within you.

I believe there are similarities between CAPED and Fred McFarlane. We are passionate about serving individuals with disabilities. We want to help our colleagues grow and be supportive in their development. We also are mentors in planting seeds for success in supporting colleagues and students to overcome challenges. 

In Fred’s words “challenges are opportunities”. As we celebrate 50 years of CAPED do not forget to be a mentor and friend to your fellow CAPED members and students as we are on this journey together. And if we do not fight for the inequalities and injustices for students with disabilities who will? Thank you Fred McFarlane, we honor you, you will never be forgotten as your voice lives on through the work of CAPED and its members.

About the Author:

Rusty did not let a C5-C6 spinal cord injury define who he is or who he could become. Rusty advocated for change in the public school system, fought community accessibility issues, and successfully changed Department of Rehabilitation “most difficult to serve” policy. These early experiences are the foundation that motivates Rusty to advocate for the injustice and inequities within the disability community.

Rusty received his B.A. in Business Administration and graduated with a M.S. in Rehabilitation Counseling from SDSU. Rusty has been a Vocational Specialist with the Workability 3 Program at SDCCD for the past 22 years.