An Ecological Approach to Understanding the Complexities of School-To-Work Transitions Among Youth with Intellectual Disabilities
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.31265/1vag4d53Keywords:
transition, vocational rehabilitation, qualitative studyAbstract
Purpose: This study investigated the complexities in the school-to-work transition faced by youth with intellectual disabilities in Hong Kong. There is a lack of local research focused on such transitions for youth with intellectual disabilities.
Methods: In-depth individual interviews were held with 30 participants, including youth with intellectual disabilities, their family carers and health, education and social work professionals. Data were analysed using the Framework Method.
Results: Data analysis based on the ecological model revealed participants’ experiences of different challenges in different systems.
Conclusion: By exploring the interplay among various interactions, this study revealed the conditions that impacted the self-determination of youth with intellectual disabilities in a Chinese context, the perspectives on work held by them, their personal aspirations and the interconnected factors within-and between systems. Recommendations for rehabilitation practice were given.
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