Improvements of career and vocational education for students with severe and multiple disabilities : Focusing on parents' perceptions and support needs

Abstract

Purpose: This study aims to investigate parents' perceptions and support needs on career and vocational education for students with severe and multiple disabilities in order to suggest improvements in career and vocational education for students with severe and multiple disabilities. Method: The study used a convergent design of mixed methods. A total of 142 parents who had children with severe and multiple disabilities participated in the survey study, and five parents who participated in the survey also joined the focus group interview. Results: The parents of students with severe and multiple disabilities felt that typical career and vocational education for students with disabilities exercised in practice is not appropriate in terms of students' characteristics and needs. The parents insisted the career and vocational education for their children should focus on life skills. Additionally, they required different types of support from school, local community, and the legal system. Conclusion: Five significant implications for the field of special education were suggested based on the results.