This paper is based on our study School subjects, tertiary education, career choice and occupational outcomes: A study of women with sensory and physical disabilities (van Kraayenoord & Bramley, 1993). First, we discuss the literature related to subject selection at high school. The second part of the article examines factors that assist or hinder career choice and development. These factors include specific career aspirations, parents, teachers, career counsellors and gender stereotyping. In the third section of the article we describe the continuum of career education, guidance and counselling that we believe would assist in career decision making if developed in schools. The fourth part of the article makes some specific suggestions related to the nature of assistance that young women with disabilities in secondary school need as part of the process of developing knowledge about work and careers. We argue that changes in practices and attitudes in high schools related to career information and support provided to young women with disabilities will lead to better planned and more effective career paths for these women in the long term.
When I was at school, one of the career teachers thought I should … work in the blue collar area, not the white collar area … [and said] ‘No you can't do that’ … I really wanted that too much. I wanted something better. I couldn't argue though. Now I hope that the teacher sees what I am now. Be surprised, perhaps shrink down, realise that she had the wrong thought (van Kraayenoord & Bramley, 1993, p.68.)
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