Predictors of professional orientation of individuals with disabilities and impairments receiving higher education

Context and relevance. Within the context of inclusive higher education, the issue of early professionalization and conscious professional self-determination of individuals with health limitations and disabilities has become particularly relevant. According to the state educational policy, efforts are underway to identify optimal strategies and resources for social and occupational adaptation and to establish successful educational and professional trajectories for students. The aim of the presented study in this article is to identify the complex set of factors and conditions that shape the nature and characteristics of professional orientation, professionalization, and self-realization among individuals with health limitations and disabilities pursuing higher education. Hypothesis. It was assumed that the nature and characteristics of the professional orientation of individuals with health limitations and disabilities, as a multi-component socio-psychological phenomenon, are determined by a complex set of factors and conditions of their professionalization and self-realization while obtaining higher education. Materials and methods. The primary research method involved a survey of 498 students with health limitations and disabilities from 20 higher education institutions across the Russian Federation, followed by an expert assessment. The survey aimed to identify their intentions, aspirations, and awareness regarding potential opportunities and constraints in professional self-realization. Results. Quantitative and qualitative data characterizing the specific nature of the professional orientation of students with health limitations and disabilities were obtained. Key personal and environmental predictors determining the individual character of their educational and professional trajectory were identified. Conclusions. Timely assessment and analysis of specific characteristics — professional intentions, the quality of argumentation for one's own professional choice, and the level of awareness about the future profession, taking into account health characteristics and functional readiness — are of prognostic significance for improving the quality of professionalization of individuals with health limitations and disabilities.

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