House of Lords report says young disabled people need better support to prepare for work

The House of Lords Public Services Committee has published a report on young disabled people’s transition from education to work. Called ‘Think Work First: the transition from education to work for young disabled people’, Family Fund has supported this work. We brought together young people to share their voices with members of the House of Lords in this inquiry, so they could better understand young people’s day-to-day lives and the issues they face.

Our Partner Engagement Manager, Clare Bonetree, shared more about the report and what it recommends:

What is the report about?

This report is on young disabled people’s transition from education to work. It shows that young disabled adults are not getting the support they need to develop work experience, or find the jobs that they want to do. It even says that young disabled people are being ‘written off’.

The report gives information the committee heard from organisations working with young disabled people, and young disabled people themselves. It looks at programmes to help young disabled people as well as education and training, young people’s rights, and support for employers. It shows the barriers young disabled adults face to work, and prepare for work, at many stages of their journey.

So, what can be done? As well as highlighting challenges, the report also makes a large number of recommendations for changes, or ways the government can improve young disabled people’s chances of preparing for work. The recommendations cover the journey from education into work, and all the authorities and organisations involved.

They include:

• better joining up services and support for young disabled adults
• improving funding for SEND and EHCPs
• providing specialist careers advice and continuing to support schemes like Supported Internships
• better support for young disabled people at work and more support for their rights at work
• employers being more inclusive.

Where can I read more?

You can read a summary of recommendations, and read or download the report on the UK Parliament website. There is also a link to an easier to read version.