Factors Influencing PWD's Choice of Study in the ICT Field

The purpose of this study was to find out factors influencing the choice of studies of people with physical disabilities (PWD) in the ICT field. It is important to identify these factors because there are a lot of PWD who are eager to gravitate to higher education in the ICT sector. Current knowledge is scarce. The empirical study was implemented with the help of a qualitative research method based on seventeen semi-structured interviews. The study showed that the PWD recognized their physical constraints well and that this had effected a lot when they had chosen ICT field for studies. The study also revealed that the most important factors that influence the PWD’s education and work success were as follows: 1) Disability was seen as a part of personality, not a weakness, 2) Appropriate and interesting career choice, 3) High self-efficacy, and 4) Education success.

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