Considering the times we are living in, we can say that change is a significant actor. Even if it has always characterised human beings’ history, change is now going so fast that new ways of thinking about society, well-being, the future and work are emerging (Nota, Soresi, Ferrari & Ginevra, 2014). During recent years, at least in Western countries, life expectancy has increased, people are faced with less illnesses, hunger and cruelty; children tend to be born in a planned way and live in multicultural contexts. Professional activities are changing, as well as working life, which tends to be characterised by the simultaneous presence of different activities which take place in different contexts, with different people. The new technologies and the virtual world play a predominant role in our society, with diverse advantages for all (Serres, 2012). At the same time, however, we are thinking increasingly about the future in a negative way, with concern that opportunities and possibilities are decreasing. And all of this seems to affect particularly the most vulnerable populations of the youth, the elderly, those with lower educational levels, and those with health problems and disability (Nota, Ginevra & Santilli, in press). It has been argued that to make predictions about the evolution of work and education systems, we can no longer rely on linear predictions, which are now considered inaccurate (Soresi, Nota, Ferrari & Sgaramella, 2013). The ‘past dependency’ by scholars and practitioners is characterised as a disadvantageous strategy. To avoid being losers, even in the context of counselling and career counselling, it is necessary to continue to innovate, to provide an intensive use of human capital, creativity, and to overcome old patterns (Moretti, 2012). Therefore, in our opinion, those who are interested in career counselling, rehabilitation, and psychological difficulties prevention should declare their indignation at the high rates of injustice that exist, and should invest in what can be used to cope with the current times. Career practitioners should instill hope and optimism, and help their clients, especially those who are most vulnerable, to resist with determination and courage in the face of difficulties, as well as promote solidarity and cooperation. In line with these considerations, after presenting a theoretical approach in order to anchor our reflections, we describe some qualitative procedures that career counsellors can apply to people with disability.

Qualitative approaches to career assessment with people with disability

NOTA, LAURA;SANTILLI, SARA;SORESI, SALVATORE
2015

Abstract

Considering the times we are living in, we can say that change is a significant actor. Even if it has always characterised human beings’ history, change is now going so fast that new ways of thinking about society, well-being, the future and work are emerging (Nota, Soresi, Ferrari & Ginevra, 2014). During recent years, at least in Western countries, life expectancy has increased, people are faced with less illnesses, hunger and cruelty; children tend to be born in a planned way and live in multicultural contexts. Professional activities are changing, as well as working life, which tends to be characterised by the simultaneous presence of different activities which take place in different contexts, with different people. The new technologies and the virtual world play a predominant role in our society, with diverse advantages for all (Serres, 2012). At the same time, however, we are thinking increasingly about the future in a negative way, with concern that opportunities and possibilities are decreasing. And all of this seems to affect particularly the most vulnerable populations of the youth, the elderly, those with lower educational levels, and those with health problems and disability (Nota, Ginevra & Santilli, in press). It has been argued that to make predictions about the evolution of work and education systems, we can no longer rely on linear predictions, which are now considered inaccurate (Soresi, Nota, Ferrari & Sgaramella, 2013). The ‘past dependency’ by scholars and practitioners is characterised as a disadvantageous strategy. To avoid being losers, even in the context of counselling and career counselling, it is necessary to continue to innovate, to provide an intensive use of human capital, creativity, and to overcome old patterns (Moretti, 2012). Therefore, in our opinion, those who are interested in career counselling, rehabilitation, and psychological difficulties prevention should declare their indignation at the high rates of injustice that exist, and should invest in what can be used to cope with the current times. Career practitioners should instill hope and optimism, and help their clients, especially those who are most vulnerable, to resist with determination and courage in the face of difficulties, as well as promote solidarity and cooperation. In line with these considerations, after presenting a theoretical approach in order to anchor our reflections, we describe some qualitative procedures that career counsellors can apply to people with disability.
2015
Career Assessment: Qualitative Approaches
978-94-6300-034-5
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Utilizza questo identificativo per citare o creare un link a questo documento: https://hdl.handle.net/11577/3166670
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