THE FACTORS OF OCCUPATIONAL CHOICE OF PERSONS WITH CHRONIC SPINAL CORD INJURY IN THE REPUBLIC OF SLOVENIA

Abstract

Introduction In the past, most persons with chronic spinal cord injury (SCI) retired, but today these persons enter the labor market largely. The opportunities offered by the environment, the available resources and the social contexts of living contribute to self-awareness and to the various career opportunities of an individual with chronic SCI.
Objectives: The purpose of the research was to determine the effects on the choice of the occupation of the people with chronic SCI.
Methods: The study relies on descriptive and causal-non-experimental methods of empirical pedagogical research. The sample consists of 127 persons with genetic and acquired SCI aged 19 to 70.
Results: The research findings indicate that the desired occupation is inaccessible for almost half of the respondents due to the SCI. The occupational choice is affected by an important fact that persons with SCI would accomplish the education successfully. However, there are also factors related to the accessibility and adjustment of an educational institution and a workplace. Among the socialization factors that influence the choice of enrolment in an educational institution or in occupational choice is the acceptance of their disability, the respect for the necessary adjustments by teachers and peers, the support of their families and the possibility of an assistant to overcome their architectural barriers.
Conclusion: If we want to increase the employment of people with SCI, the implementation of modern career guidance which emphasis one’s personality, life situation and its prospects for the future is necessary.