Career Development of People with Disabilities: Some New and Not-So-New Challenges

Abstract

Changes in the world of work present new challenges for people with disability. Using relevant literature, we review some changes in the world of work, provide an overview of an ecological model of vocational behaviour, identify possible challenges for people with disabilities, and provide suggestions for career counsellors. Work is different today from what it was just ten years ago, and these differences affect people with disabilities. In this manuscript, we will examine some of the changes and their implications through the following topics: (a) an ecological model of vocational behaviour; (b) changes in the world of work; (c) challenges for people with disabilities; (d) implications for career counsellors.

Investigating the Relationship Between Social Support and Durable Return to Work

“…The loss of work due to occupational injury can have a major impact on an individual's self-image, sense of personal worth, and social status (Szymanski & Hershenson, 1998). Individuals who are absent from work for a prolonged period have a heightened risk of economic and social deprivation, and encounter significant barriers in returning to work (Dekkers-Sanchez, Wind, Sluiter, & Frings-Dresen, 2010).…”

Motivational enhancement career intervention for youth with disabilities

“…This finding can be partially explained by Marcia's (1966) identity development theory which suggests that during adolescence, individuals experience identity moratorium stage which is characterized by anxiety and identity crisis. Moreover, special education and vocational psychology literature (e.g., Szymanski & Hershenson, 1998;Blustein, 2006) discuss at length the influence of contextual barriers on career decisionmaking for individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds such as poverty and those who have cognitive disabilities. A study by Yanchak, Lease, and Strauser (2005) also suggests that adults with cognitive disabilities are more likely to experience commitment anxiety and dysfunctional career thoughts than adults with physical disabilities.…”

Improving Job Tenure Outcomes for People with Disabilities

“…Using vocational evaluation and occupational information, rehabilitation counselors help individuals clarify their vocational interests and aptitudes as well as the demands and activities of a variety of jobs in the local economy. Counselors help people with disabilities identify job goals; evaluate the potential for correspondence in those job goals, including the need for job accommodations (Szymanski & Hershenson, 1998); select a feasible vocational objective; develop a plan to achieve that goal; and implement the employment plan (Buys & Rennie, 2001). …”