Determinants Of Career Choice Among Undergraduate Students With Physical Disabilities In Higher Education Institutions In Tanzania

ABSTRACT

This study investigated the determinants of career choice among undergraduate students with physical disabilities in higher education institutions in Tanzania. The motive for undertaking the study was to understand the determinants factors influencing career choice for students with physical disabilities. The study had three objectives, namely to identify the influence of parents on making a career choice for students with physical disabilities in higher education institutions in Tanzania, to examine the influence of peers in choosing a career for students with physical disabilities in higher education institutions in Tanzania, and to explore the influence of primary and secondary teachers in making career choice of students with physical disabilities in higher education institutions in Tanzania. The study employed a mixed research approach to generate data from 68 students with physical disabilities who are currently enrolled at the University of Dodoma. A cross-sectional research design was used to generate data through questionnaires and interviews. The findings revealed that teachers and parents have a strong influence on career among students with physical disabilities while peers had a minimum influence on career choice among students with physical disabilities. In addition, career choice for students with physical disabilities was determined by future employment and future income. Students with severe physical disabilities focused on job fitting as they had restricted choice due to their condition. The study concludes that parents and teachers should work collaboratively to help students with physical disabilities get proper career choice depending on their conditions and abilities. There should be career guidance and counselling programmes in schools and, at family level, to widen up knowledge for suitable career choices to students with physical disabilities. Likewise, peer’s advice should be validated by teachers, parents, or career guidance counsellors to help students with physical disabilities to have proper career choice. It is recommended that teachers who are not specialized in special needs education should receive in-service training to update their knowledge and skills on special needs education within the schools.