Ayse Torres

Dr. Ayse Torres is Associate Professor of Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling at Florida Atlantic University and serves as the clinical rehabilitation counseling program coordinator. As a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) and a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC), she integrates her academic knowledge and clinical expertise in the field of disability, enhancing her contributions to academia and fostering interdisciplinary collaboration. Prior to FAU she served over eight years, in various capacities at the Florida Division of Vocational Rehabilitation and the Division of Blind Services, including as a rehabilitation counselor, supervisor, and state analyst. In these roles, she provided support to youth and adults with diverse disabilities and their families, helping them navigate challenges and achieve their goals. Dr. Torres's research focuses on pioneering the use of technology in vocational rehabilitation and workforce development for individuals with disabilities. She explores the transformative potential of emerging technologies, particularly Augmented and Virtual Reality, to enhance employment skills for those with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Her work evaluates the efficacy of these innovative interventions, aiming to bridge the gap between cutting-edge technology and practical applications in rehabilitation counseling. By leveraging these advanced tools, Dr. Torres strives to create more inclusive and effective pathways to employment, empowering individuals with disabilities to achieve their full potential in the workforce.

Dr. Torres’s commitment to advancing her field has earned her major research funding from respected organizations. She has led multiple projects as the Principal Investigator with support from the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI), the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR), and the U.S. Department of Education’s Rehabilitation Services Administration. Currently, she is the PI for the AccessTECH: Advancing Career Choices for Employment Success in Technology grant, funded by the U.S. Department of Education Disability Innovation Fund Programs.

Research Interests:

• Pioneering innovative approaches to employment and vocational rehabilitation for individuals with disabilities.
• Leveraging advanced technologies, including augmented reality and virtual interventions, to transform job skills training and improve rehabilitation outcomes.
• Bridging biomedical advancements with counseling interventions to improve client outcomes.
• Community-based initiatives for veteran support and mental health.
• Culturally-responsive counseling and international rehabilitation practices.