School and Employment-Related Barriers for Youth and Young Adults with and without a Disability during the COVID-19 Pandemic in the Greater Toronto Area
Adolescents
; 1(4):442-460, 2021.
Article
in English
| MDPI | ID: covidwho-1480532
ABSTRACT
Purpose:
Youth and young adults are particularly vulnerable to the socio-economic impacts of Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19). The purpose of this study was to explore barriers to school and employment for youth with and without a disability during the pandemic.Methods:
This qualitative comparison study involved in-depth interviews with 35 youth and young adults (18 with a disability;17 without), aged 16–29 (mean age 23). An interpretive, thematic analysis of the transcripts was conducted.Results:
Our findings revealed several similarities and some differences between youth and young adults with and without disabilities regarding barriers to school and employment during the COVID-19 pandemic. Key themes related to these barriers involved (1) difficult transition to online school and working from home (i.e., the expense of setting up a home office, technical challenges, impact on mental health), (2) uncertainty about employment (i.e., under-employment, difficult working conditions, difficulty finding work, disability-related challenges) and (3) missed career development opportunities (i.e., canceled or reduced internships or placements, lack of volunteer opportunities, uncertainties about career pathway, the longer-term impact of the pandemic).Conclusion:
Our findings highlight that youth and young adults with disabilities may need further support in engaging in meaningful and accessible vocational activities that align with their career pathway.
Full text:
Available
Collection:
Databases of international organizations
Database:
MDPI
Language:
English
Journal:
Adolescents
Year:
2021
Document Type:
Article
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