Abstract
This study aims to explore challenges that people with disabilities encounter in getting and retaining jobs. The population of the study consists of Clear Path clients, who were residents of Phoenix, Arizona with disabilities. Interviewed clients were divided into three groups: A, B, and C. Group A clients were those who completed the program, got jobs, and retained their jobs. Group B refers to interns who completed the program, got jobs, but lost them. Group C includes interns who completed the program but could not get jobs. Therefore, group A clients were considered successful, groups B and C were considered unsuccessful. This research mentions factors influencing the success of clients, such as the roles of Clear Path, family, and friends. The results show that with the assistance of Clear Path, clients could get jobs despite their lack of education or their negative behavior. The success or failure of Clear Path's clients depended almost entirely on their degree of cooperation with the program. However, some clients actively cooperated with Clear Path and got jobs but could not retain their jobs, because they chose jobs that were unsuitable to their skills or because they did not like their jobs, or because they were limited in performing job-related tasks. This study identifies gaps in the service provided by the Clear Path program, at the same time, it mentions challenges that people with disabilities had to face in retaining their jobs. My hope is that this study will improve the services of the Clear Path program, and that this model will be introduced to other agencies working with people with disabilities.
Recommended Citation
Vu, Huong Thi Kim, "Employment challenges for Americans with disabilities after accessing the Clear Path job internship program Phoenix, Arizona, USA" (2006). Capstone Collection. 635.
https://digitalcollections.sit.edu/capstones/635