Employment Needs of Young Adults with Visual Disability need to be recognised in Kabul, Afghanistan

Fahima Ibrahimkhil (1), Freba Amarkhail (2), Suriati Sidek (3)
(1) Prof. Rabbani Education University, Afghanistan,
(2) Prof. Rabbani Education University, Afghanistan,
(3) Kulliyyah of Islamic Revealed Knowledge and Human Sciences, Malaysia

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of this qualitative paper was to understand the employment needs of young adults with visual disability in Kabul, Afghanistan.

Method: The phenomenological approach was employed to obtain rich data based on the participants’ personal experiences. In-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with 14 adults with visual disability, between 20-40 years of age, using open-ended questions to shed light on the employment needs of this population. The data derived from the interviews was transcribed, translated, and thematic analysis was performed.

Results: Findings indicate that people with visual disability need to be equipped with essential skills to be competent workers. Support from employers and society is needed and, importantly, encouragement from family members and those involved in advocacy of the people with visual disabilities.  

Conclusion: Improving the public's awareness regarding personal and vocational abilities of people with visual disabilities, enhancing the skills necessary for employment, promoting their abilities, family support and maintaining positive attitudes are some of the strategies which could result in better employment prospects for people with visual disabilities in Afghanistan.

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Authors

Fahima Ibrahimkhil
fahimaibrahimkhil@gmail.com (Primary Contact)
Freba Amarkhail
Suriati Sidek
Author Biographies

Fahima Ibrahimkhil, Prof. Rabbani Education University

Fahima is an Asst. Professor at Prof. Rabbani Education University.  She also works as a facilitator with the British Council, Afghanistan. She has a degree in Special Education from Kabul Education University, Afghanistan, and a Master's in Human Sciences from International Islamic University, Malaysia. Currently, she leads the Department of Education for People with Visual Disability, under the umbrella of Special Education. She has published several articles in the academic magazine of Prof. Rabbani University.

Freba Amarkhail, Prof. Rabbani Education University

Freba Amarkhail is Asst. Professor, Special Education faculty at Shaheed Prof. Rabbani Education University. She earned her Master's degree from International Islamic University Malaysia in Human Sciences in Psychology (Clinical Counselling), and her degree in Special Education from Kabul Education University, Afghanistan. She published several articles in the academic magazine of Shaheed Prof. Rabbani Education University. She has also presented papers at conferences on Special Education.

Suriati Sidek, Kulliyyah of Islamic Revealed Knowledge and Human Sciences

Suriati Sidek is an Asst. Professor at the Department of Psychology, Kulliyyah of Islamic Revealed Knowledge and Human Sciences, IIUM. She has written many articles, published in journals and has also presented papers at conferences in the areas of health psychology, behavioral science, and community health. Her areas of specialization include eating behavior, needs assessment, community health, weight loss behavior, body image, and qualitative inquiry. She is interested in research related to improving community health, especially improving health of those who are at risk of obesity.

1.
Ibrahimkhil F, Amarkhail F, Sidek S. Employment Needs of Young Adults with Visual Disability need to be recognised in Kabul, Afghanistan. DCIDJ [Internet]. 2021 Jul. 29 [cited 2024 Dec. 22];32(2):104-26. Available from: https://dcidj.uog.edu.et/index.php/up-j-dcbrid/article/view/390

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