THE CURRENT EMPLOYMENT CONDITIONS AND NEEDED WORKING SKILLS REQUIRED FOR YOUTHS WITH INTELLECTUAL DISABILITY AS REQUIRED BY THE EMPLOYMENT AGENCIES

Abstract

The objectives of this research were to examine current employment conditions and to explore needed working skills required for youths with intellectual disabilities by the employment agencies. The qualitative research approach was used. The study’s 31 participants, who included administrators, instructors, job coaches, and parents, were recruited by snowball sampling. A semi-structured interview form was utilized to collect data, which was then analyzed using content analysis. 
 
According to the results, there are three categories of employment under the Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities Act, B.E. 2550 (2007) that have an impact on youths with intellectual disability in the workplace. Section 33 is the first one. The second is Section 35(3), which deals with hiring employment services by special means, and Section 35(7), which deals with assistance for persons with disabilities or caregivers of persons with disabilities based on the criteria. As for the whole picture of employment, it has been found that the law was facilitating for disabled persons to get a job that is suitable for their potential. The success of employment is caused by the skills, abilities, preference, motivation, and cooperation from all sectors. The most necessary skills in work performance are the daily living skills, to be followed by social skills, vocational skills, and basic or academic skills, respectively. The necessary sub-skills are self-care skills, self-control skills, information receiving and following directions skills, and communication skills. The important skills that may be hard to train are computer skills, lifelong learning skills, traveling skills, financial skills, and decision making skills.