Stephanie R. Niedzielski Occupational Therapy major
CONFERENCE PRESENTATION Niedzielski, S.R., Golding, L. (SVSU student), & Yaklin, K. (SVSU student) (2011, March). Perceptions of the transition from education to the workforce for people with hearing impairments. Paper presented at The 24th Annual Midwest Deans‘ Occupational Therapy Research Conference, St. Louis, MO. The researchers discussed the results of their phenomenological study examining the experiences of people with hearing impairments in regards to the services provided by educational and rehabilitation professionals to facilitate the transition from post-secondary education into the workforce. The researchers highlighted participants‘ reported feelings about the helpfulness of services received during the school-to-work transition process; the role of support from family, friends, and rehabilitation professionals in promoting successful transitions; and barriers that affected the job search process. Information regarding supports, practices, and accommodations to promote more successful school-towork transitions for persons with hearing impairments, was also provided. Using the feedback from participants, the researchers provided suggestions for additional skills that should be taught during primary and secondary school to promote improved outcomes for students with hearing impairments who are making the transition from higher education to the workforce.
Research Bulletin 2011
327