Occupational Attainments of Deaf Adults.

This study examined the work force attainments of three groups of deaf adults: persons with no college degrees, persons with sub-Baccalaureate degrees, and persons with Bachelor degrees. Data were derived from the "Alumni Feedback Questionnaire " of the National Technical Institute for the Deaf and from the "Secondary School Graduate Follow-up Program for the Deaf. " They were compared on the following variables: unemployment rate socioeconomic status, and vertical mobility. Results showed that deaf adults with degrees fared much better in the work force than did deaf high-school graduates in a number of ways: (1) Their unemployment rates were substantially lower. (2) They were employed much more often in managerial/professional occupations, indicating that deaf people increased their employment in white collar careers as they attained higher degrees. (3) They earned significantly higher wages over the course of a lifetime. In the area of upward mobility, a degree appeared not to make as much difference. Deaf adults without college degrees and those with Bachelor degrees showed little vertical mobility; those with sub-Bachelor degrees showed some gains over a 15-year period, probably due to entering occupational areas with career ladders. (Author/JDD) Reproductions supplied by EDRS are the best that can be made from the original document.