What skills should students with disabilities develop?
Self-determination skills are important skills for students to develop as they prepare to shoulder more responsibility for managing necessary supports and making adult life decisions. Self-determination skills include self-advocacy, decision-making, and self-awareness (see NCSET Web Topics Self-determination for Middle and High School Students and Self-determination for Postsecondary Students). Career guidance strategies and approaches should aim at developing these skills, along with other adult life skills such as managing finances and social skills. As with all students, career guidance programs should teach students job-search, goal-setting, résumé writing, and interviewing skills. Additionally, students with disabilities should develop a clear understanding of helpful accommodations and the specific ways in which their disability affects their desired work goals (i.e., both positively and negatively). Doing actual job searches and practicing interviews in class are recommended.
