Disabilities and the workplace: Employment opportunities perceptions of college students

Abstract

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990 Prohibits discrimination against qualified job applicants and employees with disabilities. This article reports on a study of the perceptions of college students with disabilities of employment opportunities and concerns about the workplace as they prepare for employment with their college education credentials. The study found that they perceive less opportunities and more discrimination than others. Optimism about the effectiveness of the ADA to combat discrimination was found to be insufficient. Also, acceptance by supervisors was found to be less than by co-workers and individualized performance evaluation criteria was preferred. Furthermore, self-doubt was found along with time management and worries about health as personal concerns. Implications and challenges are integrated in the discussions.