Transition program: The challenges faced by special needs students in gaining work experience

Abstract

Transition program for special needs students is known to open opportunities for students with learning disabilities to gain work experience in the real work environment. The program provides training activities and also an opportunity to go for internship at real work places. Therefore, this study is to identify the challenges faced by special needs students in gaining work experiences. Two students were selected and trained to acquire work-related skills as preparation for their internships at real work places. Findings from this study revealed that, at the beginning of the internship, both of the students have to overcome several challenges, working in their respective work places. The students were having problem in adjusting to their new work environment, communicating, understanding instructions and also displaying negative attitudes. Fortunately with the help of special education teachers, supervisors and co-workers, both special needs students have proven that they were able to gain valuable work experience at the end of their internships, which had exposed to them the real working life.