Critical Issues in Career Development and Employment Preparation for Adolescents with Disabilities

Abstract

This article examines critical issues facing educators who are concerned with preparing adolescents with disabilities to meet the challenges of successful career planning and employment. Two issues at the forefront of career development and employment preparation are discussed in light of the results from a qualitative research study that used interactive focus groups to examine the perspectives of students with disabilities about their experiences with career development and employment preparation. The data presented in this article focus specifically on students with disabilities and their perspectives regarding identification of careers and future employment and the role their families played in career development.