Outcomes of a program of vocational evaluation for persons with physical disabilities and deafness

Issue title: Rehabilitation in Spain

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Verdugo, Miguel Angel | Jenaro, Cristina^; | Arias, Benito

Affiliations: Facultad de Psicología, Universidad de Salamanca, Avda. de la Merced, 109-131, 37005 Salamanca, Spain | Facultad de Educacíon, Universidad de Valladolid, Valladolid, Spain

Note: [] Corresponding author. Tel.: + 34 923 294617; fax: + 34 923 294685; e-mail: [email protected]

Abstract: This study shows the results obtained after developing and applying a vocational evaluation and guidance program to a sample of persons with physical and sensory disabilities from a center of vocational rehabilitation. The participants were 84 students: 56 in the experimental group and 28 in the control group. The program, lasting 27 h, included information to enhance self-awareness and knowledge of the labor world, and training in employment-seeking strategies. Pre- and post-test measurements were taken by means of three employability maturity evaluation instruments and a self-image evaluation instrument. Results show significant improvements in professional and personal identity (i.e. abilities, interest and need awareness), together with employment seeking skills. Finally, conclusions and suggestions for further research are presented.

Keywords: Guidance, Vocational evaluation, Vocational maturity, Vocational rehabilitation

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-1998-11304

Journal: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 11, no. 3, pp. 181-194, 1998