Young disabled people speak to the House of Lords

Moving into adulthood can often be more difficult for young disabled people. Transitioning from paediatric to adult health services, and moving out of education into the world of work can be challenging.

This is why last year, the House of Lords Public Services Committee set up an inquiry to look at young disabled people’s experiences of the transition from education to employment. The inquiry looked at a range of topics including:

• career and employment support and advice
• how well public services do in employing and supporting young disabled people
• the support employers need
• how to make sure everyone respects young disabled people’s work rights

As part of this inquiry, the committee has taken written evidence from organisations that support disabled young people and their families. Also, they’ve held formal evidence sessions which you can watch online. The written evidence sent to the committee will be published as part of their final report.

Sharing personal experience

The Committee Members wanted to hear directly from young people about their experiences. In March 2024 our Partner Engagement Manager, Clare Bonetree, supported 23 young disabled people to share their experiences with members of the committee in confidential online sessions.

“We held a variety of sessions for young people. Sessions for people who use British Sign Language, young people with visual impairment, autistic young people, young people with learning disabilities, and young people with mobility-related disabilities.

“All the young people spoke powerfully about following their dreams. And about their personal experiences, both good and bad and they support they needed.”

I learned a lot from listening to them and working with our partners. Thank you to Ambitious About Autism, British Deaf Association, Downs Syndrome Association, Kids, Shine, Thomas Pocklington Trust, Guide Dogs, and Whizz Kidz.”

Next steps

The notes from these sessions will help the committee make recommendations to the Government. They’ll include what needs to change to help young disabled people develop skills and prepare for work, get the jobs they want, and stay in work.

Finally, the committee will publish a report that Government will read and publicly respond to.

Thank again to the young people who took part in this project. By sharing their personal experiences, they will help make the transition to employment better for young disabled people in the future.