| Author: | Hung, Suk-kuen Edith |
| Title: | Work experiences of people with intellectual disabilities after the implementation of the integrated vocational rehabilitation model |
| Degree: | M.Sc. |
| Year: | 2006 |
| Subject: | Hong Kong Polytechnic University -- Dissertations. People with mental disabilities -- Employment -- China -- Hong Kong. Sheltered workshops -- China -- Hong Kong. Vocational rehabilitation -- China -- Hong Kong. |
| Department: | Department of Rehabilitation Sciences |
| Pages: | viii, 60 leaves : ill. ; 30 cm. |
| Language: | English |
| Abstract: | This study explores the service users' perspectives before and after the implementation of the integrated vocational rehabilitation services in Hong Kong. Face-to-face and individual interviews were conducted in Cantonese, using the self-developed interview guide to examine the participants' work motivation and to review their working experiences in sheltered workshop setting, the integrated vocational rehabilitation services centers and in open employment setting A total of 11 individuals with mild intellectual disabilities were interviewed. Interviews with the participants' social workers and telephone contacts with their parents were also conducted for supplementary information. Content analysis and a thematic framework approach were adopted for data analysis. The findings showed that 6 out of 11 participants had negative feelings towards their past open employment experiences due to various reasons which include lack of peer support, poor relationship problems with colleagues and supervisors, and insufficient problem solving skills. After the implementation of the integrated vocational rehabilitation service model, they could work in the social firms as an alternative means to satisfy their employment needs. As a result, their motivation and confidence towards employment in the open job market became low. In view of the above phenomenon, it seems the social firm might play the role as a 'stepping stone' for people with intellectual disabilities to move towards employment in open job market or it will become another 'holding tank' like the sheltered workshop setting to hold up the service users to work under protected environment. Furthermore, the importance of partnership with family, service providers, social competence strategies and the implementation of the new integrated vocational service model are discussed thoroughly to see their roles in facilitating people with intellectual disabilities to have upward mobility in the employment aspect with an aim to achieve better community integration. Finally, limitations of the research design, recommendations for service improvement and future research directions are also discussed at the end of the paper. |
| Rights: | All rights reserved |
| Access: | restricted access |
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|---|---|---|---|---|
| b19863627.pdf | For All Users (off-campus access for PolyU Staff & Students only) | 5.9 MB | Adobe PDF | View/Open |
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