Inclusive career guidance for people with disabilities to continue higher education

Abstract

The inclusion of people with disabilities in education and employment is a crucial challenge today. In this regard, inclusive career guidance is presented as a fundamental tool to facilitate the continued education of these individuals, allowing them not only to access higher education institutions but also to integrate effectively into the labor market. For this reason, this study focuses on the Ecuadorian context, where numerous obstacles are identified that young people with disabilities face when attempting to continue their academic training. Despite advances in regulations and public policies that promote inclusion, significant gaps persist in practice. The lack of guidance programs adapted to the specific needs of these students, as well as the limited training of counselors on disability issues, contributes to a situation of exclusion that restricts opportunities for personal and professional development. Through a multidimensional approach, the study proposes an intervention model that seeks to coordinate efforts among educational institutions, the community, and the students themselves, thus promoting a more inclusive and accessible environment. The research not only highlights the importance of tailored career guidance but also underscores the need to raise societal awareness of the value and potential of people with disabilities. Ultimately, it aims to contribute to the development of effective strategies that guarantee the right to higher education for all, regardless of their abilities, fostering a more just and equitable society.