CAREER PATH OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES

Abstract

This study aims to determine the career path of employed persons with disabilities. Itdeals with the transition of PWD after secondary education and presents the problem encountered by the PWD in their employment. Purposive sampling was utilized to obtain the participants in this qualitative research. Fifteen employed PWD research participants were identified and interviewed to determine their career path. Secondary research participants were also identified in the National Capital Region such as SPED Teachers and SPED Coordinators both in public and private schools, and parents with PWD children. The purpose was to confirm the transition program in school and the difficulties encountered by PWD. The study revealed that transitions for PWD were chosen according to the disability. Persons with physical disabilities due to poliomyelitis and visual impairment usually continue their studies up to the tertiary level. They are also competitive with the regular students starting from elementary level. They also hold higher position in the field of work they belong.On the other hand, persons with hearing impairment engage in vocational courses to get job training. In addition, students with Autism and Down‟s syndrome sometimes enroll in a non-graded school to enhance their skills. However, speech therapy is always accommodated to improve speech and communication. In addition, parents of these PWD do not allow them to travel alone. They should be assisted by having buddies with them all the time. Their parents consider their submissive attitudes as making them vulnerable to abuse. Implications and future directions are discussed.