Examining Career Transitioning among Students with Specific Learning Disabilities

Abstract

The career transitioning of students with specific learning disabilities (SLD) has not been commendable. People with SLD are overrepresented in unskilled work and underrepresented in managerial and professional occupations as compared to their non-disabled peers. This research paper discusses the career transitioning of students with SLD with regard to existing research concerning knowledge, attitudes and perceptions about these students. It examined ways of preparing and supporting students with SLD towards their transition into the world of work. Additionally, it examined how important career transitioning is for students who have SLD. Stronger social networks, improved self-esteem, avoiding stigma, and potential lifetime advantages including better incomes and independent living as some of the relevance of career transitioning for students with SLD. The paper highlights the need for students with SLD to receive support and guidance from their parents, teachers, school administrators, peers, counselors, and other stakeholders in order to obtain stable careers for the future. Further research is required to strengthen the literature that already exists on this topic.