Developing Work Aspiration in Students with Learning Disabilities in Malaysia
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Abstract
Students with learning disabilities (SLDs) aspire to work after they completed their secondary school education and many of them do not know what to expect which leads to inability to be employed in thememployment. The aim of this study was to explore and develop work aspiration of SLDs in Malaysia throughma series of 10 workshops by developing skills, interests, preferences and support needed for their prospective workplaces. Data was collected through online workshops for 32 SLDs with the support from their parents at home, teachers and practitioners. Qualitative research was conducted to explore the work aspiration in SLDs and findings were triangulated with observations, focus group interviews and documents analysis by the participants, parents and special education practitioners. Research questions highlighted the importance and the impact of developing work aspirations in SLDs. Findings indicated that intentional conversations about work and personalised teaching and learning materials have contributed to the development of work aspirations in SLDs. SLDs displayed increased knowledge about work and enhanced self-determination skills throughout the programme. This study implies the importance of maximising the learning opportunity and collaboration between special education teachers, practitioners and families in providing support for SLDs to aspire for work which has provided a glimpse of hope for the families. This study has impacted the lives of SLDs who are commonly marginalised and unheard of by instilling the aspiration for work as mental readiness for employment. It contributes to the education ecosystem and the disabled community in bridging the unemployment gap.
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