Abstract:

The paper deals with the issue of training people with moderate mental disabilities and support their transition from elementary and secondary education to the world of work in the Czech Republic. Currently, there is an open or protected labor market shortage of jobs, which would meet the criteria allowing the employment of people with moderate mental retardation. Lack of jobs does not allow graduates to gain the necessary experience and long-term unemployment has a negative impact on the maintenance of the knowledge, skills and working habits. Employing these people contribute to their recognition, self-determination and improve overall quality of life. Ensure that persons with mental disabilities the opportunity to work means recognizing not only their social status within the family and society, but will give them the opportunity to own earnings. Paper reflects current issues connected with professional orientation, career counseling and professional diagnosis of this target group. While choosing an appropriate occupation is a difficult task by default, for people with moderate mental disabilities is this task impeded by the limitations arising from the nature of their disability. Also, when entering the labor market, people with moderate mental disabilities face a number of obstacles, which are often related to the prejudices of employers and society.

Keywords:

Professional orientation, professional preparation, job placement, moderate mental retardation, protected jobs, social therapeutic workshop.