Improving the Transition to Career for College Students with Learning Disabilities: Suggestions from Graduates.

摘要: There is a lack of literature on the transition to career for college graduates with learning disabilities (LD). The present study presents results 170 graduates’ written, open-ended responses related how may be improved. Responses focused upon two main categories, Suggestions Programs and Students. Within Programs, subcategories Internships, Mentoring Specific Courses or Seminars, ADA Knowledge Follow-Up Graduates were identified. Students subdivided into Self-Understanding Workplace Accommodations. insights from are offered within each recommendations postsecondary LD programs service offered. Statistics indicate that approximately 41% students in education obtain degree (Horn, Berktold, & Bobbit, 1999). Because adulthood world work represents longest most complex stage life, important one people make their lifetime (Gerber, 2002). Limited research exists regarding needs disabilities, particularly those (LD), institutions enhance this process (Cummings, Maddux, Casey, 2000; Friehe, Aune, Leuenberger, 1996; Ohler, Levinson, Baker 1996). All confront sometimes difficult issues choosing major, exploration, ultimately, job search interview process. However, hidden such as LD, these (Conyers Szymanski, 1998; Enright, Conyers, Ideally, select focuses strengths minimizes weaknesses Ginsberg, Reiff, 1992). This assumes student has an understanding specific nature her including needs. individual must then determination about disclosure LD. one’s rights under Americans Disabilities Act (ADA; Conyers 1998) key component decision. Disclosure decision disclose adds complexity In case adults acknowledges otherwise disability, risking chances getting job, security, relationships co-workers supervisors (Baldridge Veiga, 2001; Gerber Price, 2003; Rocco, 2004). timing considered, during process, after starting employment, only problem emerges at work. any stages unique benefits concerns (Vance, For example, if employee does disclose, he decide accommodations should requested, so, what kinds appropriate given environment. no simple solutions single strategy can applied every situation might face workplace (Enright et al., marked differences between worlds academe further confound assumption accommodation parallels secondary levels not supported by available (Price, Gerber, Mulligan, 2003). Friehe al. (1996) found universities likely disability employer, but unlikely request