ERIC Number: EJ1008200
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2013
Pages: 11
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0145-482X
EISSN: N/A
The Relationship between Perceived Computer Competence and the Employment Outcomes of Transition-Aged Youths with Visual Impairments
Zhou, Li; Smith, Derrick W.; Parker, Amy T.; Griffin-Shirley, Nora
Journal of Visual Impairment & Blindness, v107 n1 p43-53 Jan-Feb 2013
Introduction: The study reported here explored the relationship between the self-perceived computer competence and employment outcomes of transition-aged youths with visual impairments. Methods: Data on 200 in-school youths and 190 out-of-school youths with a primary disability of visual impairment were retrieved from the database of the first three waves (2001-05) of the National Longitudinal Transition Study-2. The relationship between the youths' self-perceived computer competence and having paid jobs was examined using binomial logistic regression, with other variables (gender, severity of vision loss, and multiple disability status) held constant. Results: For both the in-school and out-of-school youths, those with a high self-perceived computer competence were significantly more likely to have paid jobs than were those with a low self-perceived computer competence when gender, severity of vision loss, and multiple disability status were held constant. Moreover, for the in-school youths, those with multiple disabilities were significantly less likely to have paid jobs than were those with only vision loss when the other variables were held constant. Discussion: The findings indicate the importance of computer competence for youths with visual impairments to achieve successful transitions. Implications for practitioners: Computer training should be a key component of the vocational preparation of transition-aged youths with visual impairments. In addition, special attention should be given to youths with multiple impairments to help them catch up in both computer use and employment. (Contains 3 tables.)
Descriptors: Visual Impairments, Competence, Computer Literacy, Longitudinal Studies, Regression (Statistics), Predictor Variables, Youth Employment, Employment Opportunities, Employment Potential, Schematic Studies, Data Analysis, Community Based Instruction (Disabilities), Normalization (Disabilities), Out of School Youth, Secondary School Students
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Secondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A