Career guidance and the hearing-impaired

Abstract

This qualitative study sets out to explore the views shared by students and employees with regards to career guidance. Ten participants took part in this study, five of whom were students and the other five were young employees. The data gathered from the interviews was analysed and linked to the relevant literature. Issues such as the participants' views about career guidance and what support they have been given when making their career choice were analysed. The importance of career guidance in schools and the implications of this service was also discussed with the students. The study also included interviews with a number of parents who shared their views about their hearing-impaired children and the need to have professional career guidance. The study focused on the three main issues that dealt with having a society that is more informed about hearing-impairment, the attitude of the employers towards hearing-impaired persons and the support that is needed while making a career choice and throughout school life.