Career Counselling for Clients with Physical Disabilities in Malaysian Context

Abstract

This paper addresses career counselling for clients with physical disabilities in response to the Government’s call for inclusiveness in Malaysia. The concept of inclusiveness is discussed as recognizing persons with disabilities as capable of making informed choices in employment and training with potentials of being active members in the Malaysian society. It is not the intention of this paper to deal with the types and degree of severity of clients’ physical disabilities or to conduct career intervention programmes. The intention of this paper is to create awareness among career counsellors of the need (1) to understand diversity issues associated with career counselling for clients with physical disabilities in the Malaysian context and (2) to use this insight to develop strategies and future directions for helping clients. It is pointed out that career counselling for clients with physical disabilities calls for serious work in helping clients to integrate their self-esteem and self-concept toward attaining well-being by transforming their disabilities into abilities. This entails the in-depth understanding of diversity issues of (1) prejudice in employment, (2) discrimination in career development, (3) abusive life experiences, (4) trauma experiences and (5) poor mental health that create tension and conflicts in clients with physical disabilities. In career counselling for clients with physical disabilities, it is important that the counsellor practises a multicultural approach and works towards empowering clients with preparedness for advocacy as well as towards assisting the Government in advancing inclusiveness in the Malaysian society.