ERIC Number: EJ775086
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2005
Pages: 7
Abstractor: Author
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1540-7969
EISSN: N/A
A Challenge to Self-Determination: Disagreement between the Vocational Choices Made by Individuals with Severe Disabilities and Their Caregivers
Martin, James E.; Woods, Lee L.; Sylvester, Lorraine; Gardner, J. Emmett
Research and Practice for Persons with Severe Disabilities (RPSD), v30 n3 p147-153 Fall 2005
Individuals become self-determined when they are empowered to make choices that match their interests. But caregivers' perceptions of what they think individuals with severe disabilities like often direct vocational decision making. This choice by proxy denies individuals with disabilities an opportunity to become self-determined. We examined whether the vocational choices made by participants with severe cognitive disabilities matched the vocational choices caregivers made on their behalf. Eight participants with severe disabilities and 11 caregivers participated in this study. Caregivers ranked the top three settings, characteristics, and activities from a checklist of typical entry-level positions. By using the Choose and Take Action vocational assessment software, combined with watching or doing the job of their choice in the community, job seekers indicated their preferences. We compared job seekers' cumulative choices to those made by their caregivers. Results indicate that the choices made by individuals with disabilities seldom matched those made by their caregivers. The implications of these findings are discussed. (Contains 2 tables.)
Descriptors: Caregivers, Vocational Evaluation, Job Applicants, Career Choice, Decision Making, Self Determination, Correlation, Severe Disabilities, Special Programs, Caregiver Attitudes, Check Lists, Entry Workers
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A