Abstract

The number of unemployed people with disabilities in Malaysia is still persistently high despite measures taken by the government to increase the job opportunities for these special needs population. In fact, their employment rate is far from reaching the stipulated 1% quota. Securing jobs in Malaysia is still an up-hill task for people with disabilities, particularly those with visual impairment. Yet, a small number of people with visual impairment are being successfully employed in the teaching profession. A mixed method study was conducted to determine these teachers’ views about the employability of the people with disabilities in Malaysia as well as their employers’ notion about it. It also looked into the job-related challenges faced by these teachers and factors that contribute to their work-success in the educational settings. Qualitative data was collected through semi-structured interviews, while quantitative data was obtained with the Employability Self-Assessment Scale (ESAS) and Employers’ Assessment Form (EAF). Based on the findings, the employability issues faced by the individuals with disabilities and their job-related challenges are better understood. The findings also provide guidelines for the visually impaired and blind teachers as well as their employers on how to achieve successful working experiences. Specifically, it may provide guidelines to improve the employability and working experiences of the visually impaired and blind individuals in the teaching profession.