Exploring Career Readiness Among Youths With Disabilities

Guided by the Social Cognitive Career Theory, this study aimed to further explore factors associated with career readiness among U.S. college students with disabilities. Through an online survey, students with disabilities were assessed with the Career Futures Inventory–Revised (CFI-R), a 28-item assessment tool that evaluates various aspects of career adaptability, such as positive attitudes toward career planning. Internships and career conversations are effective strategies for fostering career readiness. Our findings implied that certain subgroups of students with disabilities may face unique challenges in their academic journey. Given the high unemployment rate among college graduates with disabilities and our findings, we recommend that education institutions proactively reach out to offer targeted support services.