Transition from school to competitive employment for persons with intellectual disability : challenges and opportunities

Abstract

The main aim of the study is to find out whether the vocational education being given at school is preparing youngsters with intellectual disability adequately to employment, and also to identify the challenges that persons with intellectual disability face in finding and retaining employment. Appropriate policies and strategies required to address these challenges will be identified afterwards. A number of interviews were conducted with persons with intellectual disability who have found employed, and their parents. A number of interviews were also conducted with various stakeholders in the field of disability in Malta, in order to gain a more comprehensive view of the current situation in Malta. The interviews with the participants and their parents demonstrated quite clearly that there was no Individualised Educational Programme or Individualised Transition Plan, to facilitate their transition from school to employment, hence there was no proper transition planning. In addition, most of the professionals in the field of disability mentioned that vocational education provided at mainstream and special schools is quite lacking. In addition, most of the stakeholders highlighted the need of post secondary education for persons with intellectual disability to bridge the gap between school and employment. The main challenge outlined by both the participants and the stakeholders include the employees' attitudes and prejudices towards persons with intellectual disability. Moreover, follow on support is essential for the retention of employment. The general implications of the results mainly indicate the need of transition planning which should start from schools to competitive employment, through interagency cooperation between the various stakeholders and transition services involved, which includes the student, the parents, schools, post secondary institutions, vocational rehabilitation and supported employment programmes. Ongoing support is very important for persons with intellectual disability to retain employment too.