Vocational guidance counselling for people with disabilities in Greece

• Maria Kaminioti ^[1]
  1. [1] Universitat d'Alacant

     Universitat d'Alacant

     Alicante, España

     
• Localización: Inclusión y perspectivas pedagógicas en el ámbito social / coord. por Diego Gavilán Martín, Gladys Merma Molina, Alejandro Sánchez Ronco, 2024, ISBN 978-84-1079-021-6, págs. 129-138
• Idioma: español
• Enlaces
  • Texto completo
• Resumen

  • Disability counselling plays a key role in empowering people with disabilities to reach their full potential in the workforce. The counsellor provides assistance to the individual with the aim of empowering him or her without influencing or steering him or her in a particular direction. He acts as a guiding light, guiding the individual towards meaningful employment, independence and self-sufficiency. At its core, special needs vocational counselling is about empowerment. It recognizes the unique talents and abilities of individuals with disabilities and seeks to create opportunities for them to thrive in the workplace. By offering individualized support and guidance, vocational counsellors empower clients to overcome barriers, gain confidence and take control of their career path. Moreover, counselling plays a key role in removing these barriers, promoting inclusive workplaces and supporting reasonable adjustments. By working closely with employers and educating them on the value of diversity and inclusion, career counsellors pave the way for greater acceptance and accessibility of people with disabilities across all sectors. In addition, counselling plays a vital role in promoting economic independence by connecting people with disabilities to meaningful employment opportunities that match their skills and interests. By helping them secure stable jobs with fair wages, vocational counsellors empower their clients to take control of their financial future and reduce reliance on social assistance programs. Beyond the financial benefits, vocational counselling also contributes to the social inclusion of people with disabilities. By facilitating their integration into the workforce, vocational counsellors help to combat stigma and prejudice, promoting an inclusive society where diversity is recognized and valued. By providing personalized support, breaking down barriers and promoting social inclusion, career counsellors empower their clients to reach their full potential and make a meaningful contribution to society. The main objective of this paper is to highlight the importance of career counselling for people with special educational needs and disabilities in the unique context of Greece. The existence of disability affects and shapes each individual in a different way. The contribution of counselling to people with disabilities, in collaboration with their families, are factors that contribute to the acquisition of self-awareness, goal setting and decision-making skills, as well as job search skills through personal empowerment. In the context of Greece’s rich cultural heritage, social dynamics and evolving landscape of support systems, we examine the potential of career guidance counselling in facilitating meaningful career paths for people with disabilities. As we analyse the multifaceted nature of this issue, the aim is not only to highlight the barriers faced by people with disabilities, but also to present promising practices. The article concludes with recommendations for alternative forms of employment for people with disabilities, aspiring to promote a more inclusive and supportive environment. Through this exploration, we envision a future in which people with disabilities in Greece can confidently navigate their career aspirations, contribute meaningfully to society and participate fully in the socio-economic fabric of the country.