Gender Differences in Perceived Value of a Program to Promote Academic and Career Success for Students with Disabilities

Differences in perceived benefits of internships for subgroups of students with disabilities

“…This figure shows that, on average, females responded more positively about the effect of their internships on developing the skills needed to work effectively with a supervisor (4.6 vs. 4.2: F(1,58) = 4.9; p < 0.05). None of the other differences reached or approached statistical significance, which is unexpected, because in previous research females perceived a greater increase of career options as a result of their participation [11].…”

“…For example, in one study [11] that compared characteristics of male and female participants and their perceived benefits of program activities, significantly more males than females reported STEM interests and career goals. When asked about employment, having financial security was significantly more important to males and independent living was significantly more important to females.…”

Gender Gaps

“…Low self-esteem has been previously identified as a barrier to career development and career choice for young women (Betz, 2005;Burgstahler & Chang, 2007). It seemed that many young women with disabilities did not value their own contributions or believe in their abilities to succeed.…”

“…Internal barriers may include multiple role conflicts, skill deficits, underestimation of capabilities, poor self-efficacy, low outcome expectations, and constrictive gender role socialization (Noonan et al, 2004;Smith, 2007). Previous researchers have documented that adolescent females often lack self-confidence that is necessary to pursue nontraditional or male-dominated careers (Burgstahler & Chang, 2007;Hogansen et al, 2008). Previous researchers have documented that adolescent females often lack self-confidence that is necessary to pursue nontraditional or male-dominated careers (Burgstahler & Chang, 2007;Hogansen et al, 2008).…”

Exploring Gender Differences in Teacher–Student Interactions during an Adapted Robotics Program for Children with Disabilities

“…Women and girls with disabilities are especially under-represented within STEM disciplines. Compared to boys with disabilities, significantly fewer girls with disabilities enroll in postsecondary STEM majors (Lee 2011(Lee , 2014, and they are significantly less likely to express interest, strengths, or career goals in STEM fields (Burgstahler and Chang 2007). For example, Lee (2014) reports that among students with disabilities enrolled in a 4-year university STEM major, only 14% were female, while 47% of students with disabilities in non-STEM majors were female.…”