Course Overview:
At BOOM Trust, we are committed to empowering individuals with special needs, especially those with Neurodevelopmental Disorders (NDDs) and other disabilities, by equipping them with the skills and support needed for successful career planning. This course, tailored for caregivers, educators, advocates, and career counselors, provides practical strategies, tools, and advocacy methods to guide individuals with special needs in their career journeys.
Participants will explore contemporary trends in career guidance for people with disabilities, focusing on local challenges in the African context, while addressing the opportunities for empowerment through employment, entrepreneurship, and self-advocacy.
Course Objectives:
By the end of the course, participants will:
- Understand various types of special needs and how they impact career guidance.
- Develop tailored strategies to address career barriers faced by individuals with disabilities.
- Use tools and techniques to assess career interests and strengths for individuals with special needs.
- Explore advocacy tools and approaches to enhance career opportunities for people with special needs in Kenya and beyond.
- Learn how to support transitions from school to employment, focusing on practical job search strategies and workplace accommodations.
Course Content:
Week 1: Introduction to Special Needs and Career Guidance
This week sets the foundation for understanding the intersection of disabilities and career guidance. Participants will explore:
- Definitions and categories of disabilities: A comprehensive introduction to various types of impairments, including physical (e.g., cerebral palsy), neurodevelopmental (e.g., autism), and sensory disorders (e.g., visual or hearing impairments). Each disability category will be discussed in relation to its unique challenges and the implications for career development.
- Impact of disabilities on career opportunities: The session will delve into how different disabilities affect career choices, employment opportunities, and workplace inclusion. It will emphasize the importance of personalized guidance that reflects the abilities and aspirations of individuals with special needs.
Week 2: Assessing Career Interests for Special Needs Populations
Effective career guidance for individuals with special needs begins with accurate assessments. In this session, participants will learn:
- Tools and techniques for career assessments: Introduction to assessment tools designed specifically for individuals with disabilities, including interest inventories, skills assessments, and strength-based evaluations.
- Practical assessment methods: Using case studies and role-plays, participants will explore practical methods such as interviews, vocational surveys, and hands-on activities that help gauge an individual’s career interests and talents. The importance of involving family and support systems in this process will also be discussed.
Week 3: Developing Career Paths
Career planning for individuals with special needs requires a personalized approach that considers both their abilities and their long-term aspirations. This week covers:
- Creating individualized career plans: Participants will learn how to develop tailored career plans for individuals with disabilities, outlining specific goals and pathways for achieving them. Emphasis will be placed on aligning the career path with the person’s interests, strengths, and realistic job market opportunities.
- Involving family members in decision-making: The role of families in career planning is crucial, especially for individuals with more significant support needs. This session will focus on strategies for effective family involvement in the career guidance process to ensure decisions are holistic and supportive.
Week 4: Professional Development for Special Needs
This module emphasizes the importance of skill-building and ongoing development for individuals with disabilities. Participants will learn:
- Job skills training and job coaching: Practical approaches to equipping individuals with essential job-related skills, such as communication, time management, and technical skills. Participants will explore the role of job coaches in helping individuals with disabilities succeed in professional settings.
- Role of support services: Understanding how career counselors, vocational rehabilitation services, and support groups can play a pivotal role in professional development. The session will highlight the need for collaborative efforts to prepare individuals with disabilities for the job market.
Week 5: Continuous Assessment Test (CAT 1)
Midway through the course, participants will take their first assessment to review and apply the concepts covered in the previous weeks. This test will evaluate their understanding of career assessment and development strategies for individuals with special needs.
Week 6: Job Search Strategies
Finding employment can be challenging for individuals with disabilities. This session provides practical guidance on how to overcome these challenges by focusing on:
- Job search techniques: Participants will learn how to navigate job boards, networking events, and recruitment fairs, with a focus on disability-friendly job platforms and strategies.
- Resume building: Crafting a resume that highlights strengths, experiences, and any accommodations or adaptations used in the workplace. This session will provide specific tips on how to showcase the unique skills of individuals with special needs.
Week 7: Addressing Workplace Barriers
Workplace environments can present unique challenges for individuals with disabilities. This week covers:
- Understanding workplace accessibility and accommodations: Participants will learn about workplace laws and policies that ensure accessibility, such as ramps, specialized equipment, and adaptive technologies.
- Advocating for accommodations: The session will focus on how individuals with disabilities can request necessary adjustments to their work environment and how employers can support these accommodations to create an inclusive atmosphere.
Week 8: Advocacy in Career Guidance
Advocacy is a critical component in ensuring equal employment opportunities for individuals with special needs. This session will cover:
- Legal rights of individuals with disabilities: Participants will gain knowledge of legal frameworks such as the Persons with Disabilities Act in Kenya, which protects the rights of individuals with disabilities in the workplace.
- Teaching self-advocacy skills: The focus will be on empowering individuals with special needs to advocate for their own career goals, including engaging effectively with employers, and requesting accommodations. The role of external advocacy organizations will also be explored.
Week 9: Managing Transition Periods
Transitions, such as moving from school to work or between jobs, can be particularly challenging for individuals with disabilities. This module helps participants:
- Supporting school-to-work transitions: Participants will explore programs designed to assist young adults with special needs as they transition from education to employment. This includes internships, volunteering opportunities, and mentorship programs.
- Navigating career changes: Strategies for helping individuals with disabilities manage changes in their career paths, such as transitioning into new roles, starting a business, or moving between industries, will be discussed.