This paper outlines some of the key challenges and opportunities regarding skills
development for youth with disabilities. It focuses on those who are no longer in
formal education, but who, for a variety of reasons, are not yet in formal employment.
Where possible, it outlines the extent of labour force participation amongst youth
living with disabilities, and discusses the barriers to participation.
In order to highlight these challenges and opportunities, the paper explores the
situation in four low- and middle-income countries to better understand how
economic growth, or lack thereof, impacts on youth employment. The four countries
selected – China, Sri Lanka, Kenya and Sierra Leone – all experience high youth
unemployment rates (in line with many countries across the world) but for a variety of
different reasons. All four countries have also made attempts to redress the inequities
experienced by persons with disabilities, but as yet it is unclear the extent to which
youth with disabilities have been impacted by these initiatives. This report examines
what opportunities are available to youth with disabilities specifically, and how
effective are they in facilitating social inclusion and creating sustainable employment.
Using case studies to illustrate successful targeted programmes, the paper also
draws together information on key policies and practices that appear to be significant
components in facilitating social inclusion and creating sustainable employment
opportunities.