Aim
Government policies are progressively aimed at work participation of people with disabilities, including young disabled persons. This study therefore aims to determine (1) the degree of participation in paid work by young people with a work disability benefit in the Netherlands, and (2) establish which obstacles and opportunities they encounter in order to get and keep work.
Methods
Analyses of the administrative databases, complemented with qualitative data.
Results
The work participation of young disabled people fluctuates around 25%. However, only half of them was able to maintain their new found work for over a year.
The degree of work participation depends upon various factors: (1) Those that have a focus on work from an early age result more successful. (2) The medical diagnosis correlates with the degree of work participation. (3) Many young disabled people can only work with the aid of a professional job coach, minimum wage dispensation, and/or continuing benefits. E.g., of those that work over 60% need some form of formal aid.
Conclusion
Young people with a disability are able to participate in paid work and a substantial amount of them indeed does participate. However, for the majority this is only possible through much effort and formal aid during their entire working life.
References
Van Brakel et al. (2102). UWV Monitor Arbeidsparticipatie 2012. Aan het werk zijn, komen en blijven van mensen met een arbeidsbeperking. Amsterdam: UWV.