Caring for Careers: Career Development Experiences of People With Disabilities in South Africa

• In Event: Diversity Factors That Impact Career Development

Abstract

Relatively little is known about the career development experiences of young people with disabilities and the influence and impact of career guidance within South Africa “special schools”. Given that employment rates for young adults with disabilities are constantly lower than those for nondisabled people and given that people with disabilities continue to endure multiple barriers in finding and keeping jobs (Magrin, Marini, & Nicolotti, 2019), this study addresses a key area of career development experienced during the formative schooling years of youth with disabilities. Our key findings suggest that young people with disabilities in special school’s experience career guidance through a charitable approach where career guidance counsellors and teachers impose norms to discourage youth with disabilities from STEM careers.

Authors

• Armand Bam, Stellenbosch University
  Presenting Author

• Cyrill Agnes Walters, Stellenbosch University
  Presenting Author