Skill development in an employment-training program for adolescents with disabilities

Abstract

Purpose: Relatively little is known about the first employment experiences and skill development of youth with disabilities. The purpose of this study is to explore the skills gained by adolescents with disabilities who have completed an employment-training program. Methods: In-depth, qualitative semi-structured interviews were conducted with 18 adolescents with a physical and/or mobility-related disability. The youth and their parents also completed a brief questionnaire about their experience in the program and we reviewed their self- and staff-assessments that were completed throughout the program. Results: The findings highlight how adolescents with disabilities developed several practical, social and communication skills, and self-confidence over the course of an employment-training program. Despite personal gains, youth reported challenges in their post-program search for employment. Conclusions: Youth valued involvement in the workforce and perceived that through their participation they developed important life skills.

Implications for Rehabilitation

• Educators and health care providers should be awar that teens with disabilities as young as 15 years old are thinking about their future and looking for employment experience.

• Educators and clinicians can assist youth and their families by talking about the benefits of involvement in volunteering and providing practical suggestions for how to get involved, including discussing the strengths and areas for skill development.

• At a community level, advocacy can raise awareness of the importance of early work experience and the potential contributions of youth with disabilities. Advocacy should target community employers, but also increased government funding for employmenttraining programs and employment transition supports for this age group.

Keywords::

• Adolescent
• employment
• life skills
• occupational therapy
• vocational rehabilitation

Declaration of Interest: Funding for this research was provided through a start-up grant awarded to Sally Lindsay from the Bloorview Research Institute. Funding for this employment-training program is provided by Capital One.