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Lived employment experiences of college students and graduates with physical disabilities in the United States
- Authors:
- KIM Mikyong Minsun, WILLIAMS Brenda C.
- Journal article citation:
- Disability and Society, 27(6), 2012, pp.837-852.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
While persons with disabilities are legislatively protected in the USA, they continue to experience high rates of unemployment. The aim of this phenomenological study was to focus on the employment experiences of college students with physical disabilities seeking employment opportunities after graduation in the USA. Data was collected using semi-structured, open-ended interviews with 8 college seniors and recent graduates with physical disabilities at an urban university located in the mid-Atlantic region of the USA. The findings revealed 6 major thematic areas: disability and impairment; accessibility; reasonable accommodations; discrimination; barriers and hindrances; and graduate or professional education. All the participants noted that workplace accessibility and accommodation are major concerns when they apply for a job. Their viewpoints or attitudes are diverse and range from pain to pride and from experiences of denied accommodation to support. Their major areas of concern are their own marketable skills and credentials as well as accessibility and accommodation in workplaces. Continued education beyond the baccalaureate is a priority for many participants rather than an immediate transition to work, and the Office of Disability and professors were considered important advising agencies.