Career guide for students with special needs

On Thursday 17 May 2018, the FELU hosted the Career guide for students with special needs event, intended for students and all who cooperate with them. Opportunities and challenges during studies and upon entry to the labour market were presented and various speakers revealed how to secure suitable support for oneself, what is the role of different organisations and how to face stigmatisation during the entire process.

Different health conditions and life circumstances of students with special needs affect their integration and participation in the study process as well as their future employment. To overcome such obstacles, they need different adjustments and help with their integration and participation in the academic environment. They must constantly prove they are capable so we must believe in them and offer them appropriate possibilities. Another big challenge is the transition from the school system to the labour market, although increasing number of institutions today helps students with special needs in this phase. Already during their studies, students can establish connections with expert institutions that advise on career orientation and offer support to people with special needs upon their entry to the labour market. Some of them include the Centre for Student and Career Services of the University of Ljubljana, the University Rehabilitation Institute URI Soča (vocational guidance for young people with special needs), the Employment Service, the Transition of Young People with Special Needs to Labour Market project etc.

It is important that a student with special needs recognises their weaknesses and strengths, knows how to present themselves and communicate (justify) their needs in an appropriate way as well as trusts their capabilities. Even if a student abandons their initial desires, it is vital that they try to find other options and do not give up. There are many paths leading to education but not all of them are appropriate. Therefore, every student should responsibly choose a study programme and find out to what extent it can be adjusted to their specific needs.

Image gallery:

Publish your comment: