Vocational Rehabilitation Needs of Bahamian University Graduates With Disabilities Living in the Bahamas

Assuring vocational rehabilitation programs in the Bahamas is a focus of practice and research because of the need to ensure inclusive working environments for persons with disabilities seeking employment. Bahamian university graduates with disabilities employment preparation methods are similar to those without disabilities, however, there are barriers and factors that would help to achieve competitive integrated employment significant to this group. A transcendental phenomenology qualitative research was conducted to describe the employment experiences of transition-aged Bahamian university graduates with disabilities from the perspectives of adults who either successfully navigated this transition or who still faced challenges with obtaining and/or maintaining employment. Criterion-based sampling was used, and 10 interviews were conducted in total. Three main themes—self-growth, disability inclusion, and advocacy—emerged from the data. Recommendations to improve employment services for university graduates with disabilities in the Bahamas are offered.