title: Skill development in an employment-training program for adolescents with disabilities.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Relatively little is known about the first employment experiences and skill development of youth with disabilities. The purpose of this study is to explore the skills gained by adolescents with disabilities who have completed an employment-training program.
  
  
  METHODS
  In-depth, qualitative semi-structured interviews were conducted with 18 adolescents with a physical and/or mobility-related disability. The youth and their parents also completed a brief questionnaire about their experience in the program and we reviewed their self- and staff-assessments that were completed throughout the program.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The findings highlight how adolescents with disabilities developed several practical, social and communication skills, and self-confidence over the course of an employment-training program. Despite personal gains, youth reported challenges in their post-program search for employment.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Youth valued involvement in the workforce and perceived that through their participation they developed important life skills.
authors: Bloorview Research Institute, Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. slindsay@hollandbloorview.ca
authors: Sally
authors: S
authors: Lindsay
authors: Tracey
authors: T
authors: Adams
authors: Carolyn
authors: C
authors: McDougall
authors: Robyn
authors: R
authors: Sanford
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D003142:Communication; D006233:Persons with Disabilities / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D004651:Employment; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008297:Male; D009788:Occupational Therapy; D010290:Parents; D015397:Program Evaluation; D036301:Qualitative Research; D012050:Rehabilitation, Vocational; D012649:Self Concept; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D055815:Young Adult