Inclusive employment for differently abled persons for social justice

Abstract

This study reflects on how the experiences of differently abled persons can inform career development. This will assist in the identification of support needed by differently abled persons and will assist in informing career development programs and policies. This study is aimed at preparing differently abled persons to make appropriate career choices, and also providing motivation to pursue further education and enhancing employability for social justice. Four participants were selected with the objective of investigating the types of support needed for effective career development of differently abled persons. A qualitative case study was used for the purpose of obtaining in-depth insight and understanding whilst data was collected through face-to-face semi-structured interviews and an inductive thematic analysis was used to analyse the data. Participants indicated that family, teachers and lecturers assisted them on their career development journey. The findings highlighted that educational institutions can be a valuable resource for the career development of differently abled persons and that participants’ personal attributes also played a role. Results from the study shed light on society in general as differently abled participants indicated that people and institutions are often not very accommodating and are unaware of the unique challenges they face. It is hoped that the findings of this study will assist in informing career development programs and policies. This will mean that differently abled persons are more prepared to make appropriate career choices. This will also provide them with motivation to pursue further education and especially enhance the employability of differently abled persons for social justice.