Gaining employment: The experience of students at a further education college for individuals with learning disabilities
Abstract
Employment is widely acknowledged as a key factor to social inclusion, but it is estimated that <7% of people with learning disabilities are in paid employment. It was the aim of the research study to critically examine the experience of gaining employment from the perspectives of students with learning disabilities, parents, education staff and employers. All participants were recruited from one collaborating UK organisation, a college offering further education for young people with learning disabilities. Twenty-three interviews were conducted. Analysis of the data identified three themes surrounding the perceived roles of: Protector, Rescuer and Worker. Recommendations are discussed to improve collaborative working between student, parent, education staff and employer to overcome some of the difficulties influencing employment rates and contribute to the empowerment and inclusion of people with learning disabilities in society.Citation
British Journal of Learning Disabilities, 2012 [online]Publisher
WileyAdditional Links
http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/10.1111/(ISSN)1468-3156Type
ArticleLanguage
enDescription
This article is not available through ChesterRep.ISSN
1354-4187ae974a485f413a2113503eed53cd6c53
10.1111/bld.12012