Paths 2 the Future: Career Development Curriculum for Young Women With Disabilities

• In Event: Postsecondary Access and Success for Students With Disabilities

Abstract

Young women with disabilities experience unique challenges in gaining employment, accessing post-secondary education, living independently, and fully participating in their communities. The Paths 2 the Future (P2F) curriculum is a school-based, gender-specific career development intervention designed to improve educational and career outcomes for young women with disabilities. Using a randomized controlled trial with 366 participants across 26 high schools, this study tested the efficacy of the P2F intervention using an intent to treat analysis. Results support the effectiveness of the P2F curriculum as participants in the P2F intervention schools showed improvements in career development skills at a greater rate than those in the business as usual control schools over the three year study period.

Authors

• Lauren Lindstrom, University of California Davis

• Kara Hirano, Illinois State University

• Dave DeGarmo, University of Oregon