Review Starts on Jobs for Young People with Disabilities

A scoping project to review national programs and create better employment outcomes for young people with disability after they complete school is now underway.

The project, which received funding from The Pratt Foundation, will be conducted by Children with Disability Australia (CDA) – the national peak body that represents children and young people with disability.

According to CDA, in Australia, people with disability are only half as likely to be employed as people without disability.

“There are a number of barriers that young people with disability routinely face when seeking employment after leaving school,” CDA Executive Officer Stephanie Gotlib said.

“Through this program CDA will focus on creating better pathways and opportunities for transition from school to employment for young people with disability.

“Gaining employment is often a significant challenge for young people with disability. This can lead to a lifetime of dependence on income support and social services.

“Effectively, young people with disability are denied access to employment because of entrenched discrimination and lack of support. This can and must change.”

As part of the project, CDA will undertake a review of current practice in post-school transition planning and management for young people with disability.

“There is also work to be done in the wider community. We need to challenge the culture of low expectations that prevails and recognise the valuable contribution that young people with disability make in the workforce,” Gotlib said.

“Another fundamental step to increase the employment rates of young people with disability is the implementation of urgent education reforms. Students with disability deserve the same opportunities to attain the requisite skills and knowledge to be job ready as their peers without disability.”

CDA will complete its report in early 2015.