Exploring Parent and Teacher Perspectives on the Career Transition of Students With Hearing Impairments

Abstract

This study investigated the perspectives of teachers and parents on the career transition (CT) of secondary school students with hearing impairments (HI) in Enugu state, Nigeria. A qualitative phenomenological research approach with an interpretive paradigm was employed and involved semi-structured interviews with 10 participants (5 parents and 5 teachers). The qualitative data were analyzed using thematic analysis. The findings revealed that teachers and parents face barriers in supporting the CT of these students, including a lack of facilities and equipment, a lack of training programs and education resources, communication concerns, societal stigma, a lack of family involvement, and financial constraints. The findings indicate that both parents and teachers agreed that strategies that can be implemented to enhance the CT of students with HI include early intervention and support, career counseling and awareness, technology integration, collaboration and mentorship, and employer education and sensitivity training.