Cerebral Palsy: Social and Educational Issues - early intervention, rights,
evaluations, special education, IFSP, IEP, IHP and transitions to adulthood.
Adulthood and Occupations

What you are able to do in the professional world has much to do with your sphere of limitations produced by your cerebral palsy. Thing such as an Individualized Habilitation Plan, or an IHP, can help to provide the services you require in order to function as productively as possible in the workplace. Many people obtain jobs through a network of friends and professional associates. This route is advantageous, especially for the person with a disability. Individuals with a severe physical disability but normal cognitive ability may find that getting a job in the private sector is almost impossible. These individuals should push state agencies to set up or help find jobs. Employment is an important aspect of an adult’s psychological health. Many unemployed adults feel depressed and sub-par because they are not gainfully employed.
Although current laws are designed to protect individuals with disabilities from discrimination, in reality there are physical and psychological barriers to overcome. In the past, many employers made their workplaces physically accessible only when economically motivated to do so. Providing a physical access in the workplace, however, is now legally required by the Americans with Disabilities Act. Typically, there is a good deal more acceptance of people with disabilities in the educational community (students as well as teachers) than in the job market. Certainly, individuals who have attained a college education, and particularly those with a graduate degree, have less difficulty finding a job than those without degrees.

The first step in dealing with barriers to employment is understanding that they do exist and anticipating them. Networking with known contacts when looking for employment often yields better results than trying to enter the open market where no one knows you. This style of job hunting is usually the most fruitful for anyone, regardless of education, skills, or other capabilities: if you have access to a network in the area in which you would like to work, use it.
.

Home | Family | Early Intervention | Education | Parent and Individual Rights | Evaluations
Regulary and Special Education | IFSP, IEP, IHP & Training Plans | Transitions to Adulthood
Sexuality | Adulthood & Occupations | Links | Bibliography
Cerebral Palsy: Social and Educational Issues - early intervention, rights,
evaluations, special education, IFSP, IEP, IHP and transitions to adulthood.