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AHEAD (Association for Higher Education Access and Disability)

Behind the Stats: The Transition from Higher Education to Employment for Students with Disabilities Innsbruck, July 2010. AHEAD (Association for Higher Education Access and Disability)

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AHEAD (Association for Higher Education Access and Disability)

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  1. Behind the Stats: The Transition from Higher Education to Employment for Students with DisabilitiesInnsbruck, July 2010

  2. AHEAD (Association for Higher Education Access and Disability) - over 20 years working to promote full access to and participation in higher education for students with disabilities - expanded to promote access to and participation in mainstream employment for graduates with disabilities Introduction to AHEAD

  3. Irish Context • Numbers of students with disabilities attending third level continues to grow: - 2008/09: 4,853 - 2005/06: 3,608 - 1998/99: 1,410 - 1993/94: 990 • Reasonable Accommodations required in Leaving Cert examinations; - 2009: 7,798 - 2008: 6,486 - 2007: 5,870 • 2006 Census identified 50,857 aged 15 and over with a third level qualification and a disability

  4. GET AHEAD Aims to improve the transition from higher and further education to employment for students and graduates with disabilities by providing: • a space or forum for Graduates with Disabilities where they can share and discuss their experiences of the move from education to employment. • a directory of valuable information. • a tailored training program 'Get Ready for Work'. • and lobbying for change where needed to improve the experiences of graduates with disabilities. • Funded by FAS

  5. Get Ready for Work • Training program which is delivered over 2 days (usually) • Delivered with careers advisors • Covers all areas of career skills: self assesment, job searching, CV, interview skills • Also looks at employment law, grants, projects and disclosure. • Mock interviews (with ‘real’ employers) and CV reviews also held.

  6. Participant Profile (62) • Qualification Level: Degree: 55% Post Grad: 19% Cert/FETAC: 10% • Age: 18-25: 22% 26-34: 25% 35+: 22% • Disability: Physical Impairment: 29% Mental Health: 6.5% Specific Learning Diff. 8% Visual Impairment: 6.5% Hearing Impairment: 8%

  7. WAM Programme • Objective: Widen access to the mainstream labour market for graduates with disabilities through • Mentored Work Placement Programme (placements usually 6 months duration) • Learning/Recommendations/Guidelines that arise from the placement experience • Goals: (i) Foster attitudinal change (ii) Create a deeper understanding of the barriers faced in the labour market by graduates with disabilities (iii) Create mainstream inclusive practices and policies

  8. WAM Mentoring Model… Mentees supported by mentors Mentoring Relationship facilitated by Manager WAM Placements (Mentee, Mentor & Manager) supported by WAM team

  9. WAM Programme Figures 06-10 • 49% in Civil Service • 41% in Private Sector • 10% in Wider Public sector 107 Placed Graduates • 43% of graduates placed required and received some form of reasonable accommodation including; - Assistive Technology - Time off for med. Appointment - PEEP’s - Sign Language Interpreters - Access audits • Success Rate: • 28% of completed placements (79) have resulted in full-time positions

  10. Participant Profile (107) • Qualification Level: Degree: 67% Post Grad: 19% Cert/FETAC: 8% Diploma: 6% • Age: 18-25: 37% 26-34: 38% 35+: 25% • Disability: Physical Impairment: 32% Mental Health: 21% Specific Learning Diff. 19% Visual Impairment: 15% Hearing Impairment: 13%

  11. Of Both Projects (WAM & Get Ahead) - Disability ↔ Qualification - ‘Graduate’ Age Group - Mental Health Issues Increase - SLD’s low compared to context (higher education) - sensory impairments low Behind the Stats: Participant Profile

  12. Behind the Stats: Our Experience • Lack of experience (and confidence) impacts on both graduates with disabilities and employers • Same challenges, different supports – students with disabilities preparing for work • Disclosure Dilemma • Reasonable Accommodation: Equity and Awareness • Barriers: Access v. Retention • Barriers: internal v external

  13. Products & Publications • Employer Toolkit: Tips, Tools & Guidelines • WAM Evaluation Report and Recommendations (2005-2007) • The WAM Story DVD • Challenging Assumptions: Recruitment & Selection DVD • Positive Action Planning Guide (for graduates) • Demystifying Disability in the Workplace (2009) - offers practical advice and suggestions for managers/supervisors on the recruitment and management of graduates with disabilities • Good Practice Guidelines for the Providers of Supports and Services for Students with Disabilities in Higher Education

  14. Contact Details Ph: 01 2789325 E: wam@ahead.ie; getahead@ahead.ie Site: www.ahead.ie YouTube Channel: www.youtube.com/user/aheadireland Facebook: www.facebook.com/getaheadforum

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