Young people with disabilities are ready and able to work
When asked about their first jobs, a majority of youth may tell you they worked as a lifeguard, waitress or on the community farm. These jobs are generally available to high school students or those who have not received a diploma, require physical labor or and do not provide the necessary accommodations to be accessible to youth with disabilities.
For youth with disabilities, these common first jobs are not possible. A lack of early employment opportunities can deprive young adults of vital knowledge and skills that are necessary for them to be successful in their futures.
Statistics show that individuals who have jobs during high school are 2.5 times more likely to be successfully employed after graduation. The combination of anticipated barriers to employment for people with disabilities and the lack of high school job experience can block individuals with disabilities from obtaining employment.
There are a fortunate few who gain successful employment while still in high school. For these youth with disabilities, employers who recognized the potential in these young adults made an effort to either create or modify a job that could accommodate their needs. Not only did these youth receive the benefit of a paycheck (which every teen loves) but they also obtained necessary skills and built up their resume, both invaluable to long-term professional success.
Like the majority of high school students with disabilities, I did not have a job during high school. In spite of my intelligence, volunteer experience, and passion to work, finding a job that could accommodate me was not possible.
I obtained my first paid job during college. I had been a founding member and president of the Pennsylvania Youth Leadership Network since 2005 and after hundreds of hours of volunteer work, the network received funding from the Pennsylvania Department of Education which supported the activities of the network, cost reimbursement for the members, and a minimal wage for my work as the president and coordinator.
Although I loved the work, this is not the average first employment opportunity, and I do not recommend creating a statewide network in order to obtain a first job. Even though this first job was unordinary and late in the game (not obtaining a job until college) it provided me with irreplaceable skills, knowledge, and connections that I believe have led me to all of my other employment opportunities.
A first job should not require creating a statewide network with governmental funding. A first job should be easily obtainable for all high school students who want to work.
A first job should not require creating a statewide network with governmental funding. A first job should be easily obtainable for all high school students who want to work.
By Josie Badger
#IWantToWork Campaign Manager
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