Future-focused job accommodation practices for the school-to-work transition

Reasons for the study

The future of work is characterized by diverse social, technological, economic, environmental and political changes that are expected to disrupt every industry, transform working conditions and affect the types and availability of jobs. Young people with disabilities who are transitioning from school to work are especially vulnerable to the complex barriers posed by a rapidly changing labour market.

Job accommodations are essential for young people with disabilities to find and sustain employment and career advancement during the school-to-work transition. However, a recent survey of young people with disabilities in Canada found that most reported barriers to accessing job accommodations. Difficulties faced by young people during the school-to-work transition can have a lasting effect and contribute to adverse labour market outcomes that extend across one's working life. The future of work may create unique challenges for young people with disabilities that require innovative job accommodations and workplace supports.

Objectives of the study

Target audience

The future-oriented and proactive evidence generated by this project on the school-to-work transition for young people with disabilities and their needed accommodations will be of value to employers, educators, employment service providers, policy-makers, and young adults with disabilities and their families.