Career development of learners with visual impairments: A case of Lions and Magwero Schools for the visually impaired
Date
2013-11-15
Authors
Mathatha, Viola
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Abstract
The study sought to determine how learners with visual impairments develop their careers.The developmental theory by Donald Super (1972) guided the study. The theory
established why people choose careers the way they do. The objectives of the study were
to; establish how learners with visual impairments develop their careers; determine careers learners with visual impairments can pursue and establish factors that limit career choices among learners with visual impairments.A case study design was employed. Both qualitative and quantitative methods were used to collect data from 100 respondents at Lions and Magwero Schools for the visually impaired. Simple random and purposeful sampling were used to select the sample. Data was collected from teachers and learners using questionnaires. Interviews were used to collect data from parents. Observations of learners’ activities were made. Thematic analysis was used to analyse qualitative data and the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) for quantitative data.As regards how learners with visual impairments develop their careers, findings revealedthat they develop their careers through admiring those in employment, discussing with peers, parents and teachers and participating in chores at home, school and community.Concerning careers learners with visual impairments can pursue, the following were determined; teaching, switchboard operating, lecturing, preaching, banking, social work,counseling, farming, singing, journalism, economics, business and Information and Communication Technology (ICT).As regards factors that limit career choices among learners with visual impairments the following were found; inadequate jobs, lack of sight, inadequate career guidance, low levels of education attained, not having learnt Mathematics and Science, other jobs were difficult, lack of government support on job placements, inadequate role models,inadequate assistive technology and negative attitudes of employers towards persons with visual impairments.Based on the findings, the study recommends the following; schools should provide learners with holistic career guidance that includes vocational, educational and personal guidance, the Ministry of Education, Vocation Training and Early Education should include Mathematics and Science in their curriculum and stake holders should implement the Persons with Disabilities Act of 2012 No. 6, Part V, Division 4 and the Education Act of 2011 Part IV, No. 23 and 24.
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Keywords
Career Development-Zambia , Vocational Guidance-Zambia