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Abstract

This research considers how occupational information can be used to improve vocational opportunities for visually disabled people.

The literature shows that despite the disadvantage they experience in the labour market visually disabled people of working age. can achieve economic independence. An examination of models of support and intervention shows that the potential uses of occupational information throughout assessment and rehabilitation are not fully recognised in the UK. A study of tools used in vocational rehabilitation highlights the lack of instruments for use with visually disabled people. Literature is used to guide design of a new job analysis instrument for use with visually disabled people. The literature on organisational change provides guidance on the introduction of the new instrument.

The job analysis instrument is tested and then adapted for use as a multi-purpose assessment instrument, for both job analysis and assessment of individuals, in order to facilitate job matching. To ensure that the instrument meets the needs of potential users the occupational information and vocational support needs of visually disabled people, employers and service providers are investigated.

Analysis of potential user requirements highlights the limitations of job analysis as an approach to improving the vocational opportunities for visually disabled people so a vocational information system, based on the Internet, is designed. The system comprises a number of elements, namely a multi-purpose assessment instrument, occupational and vocational databases and a job matching service. One element, a vocational information database is already operational.

The effects of organisational change in employer and service provider organisations are found to exert significant influence over vocational opportunities of disabled people and can present as barriers. Joint working to develop the vocational information system is recommended and this could assist with breaking down the barriers that exist between these groups.

Publication Type:	Thesis (Doctoral)
Subjects:	H Social Sciences > HM Sociology
Departments:	Doctoral Theses School of Policy & Global Affairs > School of Policy & Global Affairs Doctoral Theses School of Policy & Global Affairs > Sociology & Criminology

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