Publication - kRQWMfMGVqbswhvBoE9x3Ejq9hy1

Employers’ and Employment Counselors’ Perceptions of Desirable Skills for Entry-Level Positions for Adolescents with a Disability

By S. Lindsay et al., published in 2014 in Disability & Society.

Today’s youth face high unemployment and other labor-market challenges; these challenges are often worse for youth with disabilities. This paper explores what employers and employment counselors look for when hiring youth into entry-level jobs and whether they believe youth with disabilities have fewer skills than those without. This study used a qualitative design with a purposive sample of 19 youth employers and employment counselors. Our findings show that youth employers and employment counselors identify the following traits as enhancing young workers’ employability: a well-prepared job applicant; job fit and a good attitude; and soft skills. We find youth with disabilities are perceived to be at a disadvantage. Consistent with a rising body of research, the emphasis on soft skills, and pliability, opens the door for employment discrimination.

Employers’ and Employment Counselors’ Perceptions of Desirable Skills for Entry-Level Positions for Adolescents with a Disability

By S. Lindsay et al., published in 2014 in Disability & Society.

Today’s youth face high unemployment and other labor-market challenges; these challenges are often worse for youth with disabilities. This paper explores what employers and employment counselors look for when hiring youth into entry-level jobs and whether they believe youth with disabilities have fewer skills than those without. This study used a qualitative design with a purposive sample of 19 youth employers and employment counselors. Our findings show that youth employers and employment counselors identify the following traits as enhancing young workers’ employability: a well-prepared job applicant; job fit and a good attitude; and soft skills. We find youth with disabilities are perceived to be at a disadvantage. Consistent with a rising body of research, the emphasis on soft skills, and pliability, opens the door for employment discrimination.

Employers’ and Employment Counselors’ Perceptions of Desirable Skills for Entry-Level Positions for Adolescents with a Disability

August 12, 2025 • YouthREX

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