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Skill development in an employment-training program for adolescents with disabilities
Sally Lindsay1, Tracey Adams, Carolyn McDougall
1Bloorview Research Institute, Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. slindsay@hollandbloorview.ca
Disability and Rehabilitation
|October 8, 2011
Summary
Adolescents with disabilities gained valuable life skills and confidence through an employment-training program. However, they faced challenges securing jobs after completing the program.
Area of Science:
- Disability studies
- Vocational rehabilitation
- Youth development
Background:
- Limited understanding of early employment and skill acquisition for youth with disabilities.
- Need for research on the impact of structured programs on this demographic.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the skills acquired by adolescents with disabilities post-employment-training.
- To explore their experiences and perceived benefits of workforce participation.
Main Methods:
- Qualitative semi-structured interviews with 18 adolescents with physical/mobility disabilities.
- Parent questionnaires and review of self- and staff-assessments during the program.
Main Results:
- Adolescents developed practical, social, and communication skills, alongside increased self-confidence.
- Participants reported significant challenges in their subsequent job search efforts.
Conclusions:
- Youth highly valued workforce involvement and recognized the development of essential life skills.
- The program was perceived as beneficial for personal and skill development despite post-program employment barriers.
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