How do executive functions affect career development of people with intellectual disability?

Abstract

Executive functions are usually regarded as essential skills for education and training. However, there is limited research in relation to how executive functions affect career development of people with intellectual disabilities in Hong Kong. In this project, 6 vocational rehabilitation professionals ranges from teacher, nurse, social worker, vocational counsellor and manager of an integrated vocational training centre were interviewed. Then, thematic analysis, under a 6 phases framework proposed by Braun & Clarke in 2006, was used to analyze the data to find out relevant and important theme in relation to executive functions, vocational training courses and implications on job finding and keeping of trainees with intellectual disabilities of an integrated vocational training centre. The results suggested that integration of executive functions in the vocational training courses could have positive implications on their employability, relationship improvement with co-workers and family members as well.