A career exploration programme for learners with special educational needs

Issue title: Occupational Work Therapy Practice in South Africa

Article type: Research Article

Authors: van Niekerk, Matty

Affiliations: School of Achievement, Germiston, South Africa

Note: [] Present address: PO Box 5029, Meadowbrook, 1609 Gauteng, South Africa. Tel.: +27 823235386; E-mail: matty_ot@yahoo.com

Abstract: Learners with disabilities lag far behind their peers without disabilities in achievement, graduation rates, post-school education and employment outcomes [4]. Against the current state of education affairs in South Africa, where curriculum models for learners with special educational needs (LSEN) are still under revision, therapists and teachers are finding it difficult to prepare these learners for appropriate employment after school. Even where systems in education are established, persons with learning disabilities face more challenges to enter employment [5]. This article reports on a unique career exploration programme for grade 11 learners at a school for learners with special educational needs in Gauteng, South Africa. It is a collaborative strategy between the learners, their parents, a teacher and the occupational therapists at the school. Two case studies are described to indicate the success of the program.

Keywords: Learning disabilities, post-school employment, occupational therapy

Journal: Work, vol. 29, no. 1, pp. 19-24, 2007