Career counselling in an inclusive school

Abstract

The vast amount of literature on career choice is indicative of the growing awareness not only of the importance of understanding 'why' people make particular choices, but also of providing assistance as to 'how' to make choices as part of a lifelong process. The Salamanca Statement (1994), the Lisbon Council (2000) and the OECD Report (2004) brought to the forefront of the world stage the importance of three different concepts: inclusion, lifelong learning and career guidance. Concepts which have been discussed at great length in a number of different fora, both locally and in the international arena. The demands of a rapidly changing labour market, highlight the importance of preparing the future workforce for the challenges that lie ahead. In this essay an attempt will be made to understand the importance of the current 'buzzwords' and how the three can be combined in the provision of careers education and guidance. While discussing the relevance of offering such guidance even at Primary level, an attempt will be made to provide a possible guidance programme for the Secondary School, keeping in mind its inclusive principles. The effect of a student's disability on his/her parents' expectations regarding career choices will be studied through the use of a questionnaire.