Science and engineering as viable career choices for students with disabilities: A survey of parents and teachers

Although the availability of jobs: in science and technology fields are abu ndant, awareness has increased that certain populations (e.g., persons with disabilities) have fewer opportunities to pursue these careers and, conseq uently, are underrepresented as employees in these fields. The purpose of t his study was to examine the perceptions of parents and teachers concerning the following variables as they relate to career entry of persons with dis abilities into science and engineering: (a) facility access, (b) expense of accommodations, (c) role models, (d) teachers' understanding of students' academic needs, (e) length of learning time, (f) student aptitude and educa tional preparation, (g) career guidance, and (h) employer attitudes. A MANO VA indicated significant differences between parents and teachers on severa l variables. psychometric properties of the scale developed for the study a re described, anti implications of the findings for rehabilitation counselo rs providing career development to secondary school students are discussed.