Career development of students with intellectual development: A systems theory perspective

The focus of this chapter is on the application of systems thinking to the career development, transitions, and inclusion of young people with intellectual disability. In essence, intellectual disability refers to difficulty learning and understanding. The special educational needs of young people with intellectual disability result in their transitions from school being more challenging than those of most other students, and their futures, in terms of paid employment and independent living, being less certain. More than people with any other disability, people with intellectual disability have lower participation in the labour market. This chapter provides an overview of intellectual disability and considers the importance of work and purposeful activity in people’s lives. Drawing on Systems Theory Framework of career development, the chapter uses systems mapping and systems thinking to consider the career development and transition from school of a fictional case study of a young Australian woman with intellectual disability.