Expanding Career Options for Young Women with Learning Disabilities

Abstract

Young women with disabilities often achieve poor post-school employment outcomes and experience limited career opportunities. Case study methods were utilized to examine the major barriers and facilitators to career choice for young women with learning disabilities who graduated from high school and entered the workforce. Key variables that influenced career choice included (a) gender roles, (b) disability, (c) family and childhood experiences, (d) early work experiences, and (e) career exploration and counseling. Participants who had a solid foundation of employment experiences coupled with opportunities to explore and refine career goals were more likely to enter post-school employment related to their interests and goals.