Exploring the Effectiveness of a Sailing-Based Career Development Program for Individuals with Disabilities: A Daily Diary Design

Abstract

Unemployment rates are twice as high among individuals with disabilities compared to those without disabilities. The underemployment of individuals with a disability has major consequences. This paper focuses on a program called the "From Boat To Job" pilot, which combines sailing activities and career training to help individuals with disabilities find employment. This study examined the work outcomes of 11 individuals with a physical, cognitive or psychological disability who participated in the pilot and filled out a total of 55 daily questionnaires. The study used Bandura's Social Cognitive Theory to understand the processes involved in the pilot program. A mixed methods approach, including quantitative daily diary design and qualitative methods, was used to assess the impact of the FBTJ-pilot. The results showed that positive experiences with sailing were linked to higher self-efficacy and improved body image. However, career training did not have a significant impact on workability and job searching self-efficacy, even after considering self-efficacy, self-esteem, and body image as mediators. Nevertheless, a positive linear trend over time was observed for both work ability and job-seeking self-efficacy. Moreover, sailing experience and the presence of career training were associated with higher work ability. This indicates that the FBTJ-program has beneficial effects. Continued implementation of the FBTJ-pilot program can help more individuals with disabilities who feel distanced from the labour market. Further research is needed to explore additional variables, such as the influence of the environment and social comparison.