Exploring Influencing Factor in the Career Choices of adult Students with Visual Impairment: an Exploratory Research

Abstract

A career is a particular occupation that anyone adopts. It is based on the foundations of best decision-making skills which involve standardized guidance and appropriate thinking ability. This is the right of every person with a visual impairment to acquire a suitable career. Visually impaired students cope with various factors while deciding their careers.   This study aims to explore the factors, that influence the career choices of students with visual impairment. An exploratory-descriptive qualitative (EDQ) research design was used to conduct this study.  A total number of 20 students with a visual impairment from the age group of 18 to 26years(Graduate=11, M.A.= 8, M .Phil=1) was taken as a sample of this study from the academic institutions of Lahore city. A semi-structured interview protocol was developed as a tool for this study. The validity of the research tool was assured with experts' opinions (N=03).The data were analyzed by coding and thematic analysis. Four major themes appeared from the data analysis; career as an opportunity, guidance & counseling, motivation, and effects of career decision making on the socio-economic status. The findings of the research showed that visually impaired individuals with educated family backgrounds, good levels of motivation, and higher education levels were more confident in career choices. It is recommended that visually impaired students must be provided with career counseling to sharpen their decision-making ability to choose a proper profession and combat the challenges of professional life.