Resumen

MSIMANGO, Henry et al. Occupational therapists' perceptions of a school-to-work transition programme for learners at a special educational needs school. S. Afr. j. occup. ther. [online]. 2024, vol.54, n.2, pp.46-53. ISSN 2310-3833.  https://doi.org/10.17159/2310-3833/2024/vol54no2a6.

INTRODUCTION: South Africa has a high unemployment rate and few post-school employment opportunities for learners with disabilities. School-to-work transition programmes in special educational needs schools prepare learners with disabilities for work in the open labour market, optimizing post-school employment opportunities. Occupational therapists are the main key role players in facilitating school-to-work transition programme in many contexts of education. AIM: This study explores the perceptions of occupational therapists of a school-to-work transition programme at the school for learners with special needs. METHODS: This study was a descriptive qualitative study. The researchers conducted semi-structured interviews with six occupational therapists involved in delivering the programme at the school. To ensure ethical compliance, we obtained clearance from the UP-Research Ethics Committee. The collected data underwent reflective thematic analysis for interpretation. FINDINGS: Three prominent themes emerged from the data analysis: (1) The Significance of the Programme: Participants highlighted the importance and benefits of the program. (2) Facilitators affecting school-to-work transition programme: Various factors that positively influenced the smooth transition from school to the workforce were identified and discussed. (3) Barriers to school-to-work transition programme: Participants also pointed out obstacles and challenges that hindered the successful transition from school to the workforce. CONCLUSION: The school-to-work transition programme was influenced by personal, environmental, and occupational barriers and facilitators. The findings highlighted that the benefits of the programme should be viewed in a broader context, as learners mature and develop self-confidence. The value of the programme thus extends beyond employment opportunities. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE The research findings inform barriers that need to be focused on in order to have a successful and effective school-to-work transition programme. There are facilitators that show the perceived effectiveness of the school-to-work transition programme that could assist in motivating for more assistance from stakeholders of the school.

Palabras clave : learners with disabilities; occupational therapy intervention; open labour market; supported employment; vocational rehabilitation.

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