Inclusion of Students with Disabilities in Tertiary Education and Employment

This book examines the transition of young adults with disabilities from school to tertiary education and work. It analyses the policy experiences of several OECD countries and identifies recent trends in access to education and employment as well as best transition policies and practices. The book also provides policy recommendations for governments and education institutions.



• Which factors foster or hinder the transition to tertiary education and work?
• What are the strengths and weaknesses of policies and support given to young adults with disabilities?
• What strategies exist in upper secondary schools and tertiary education institutions to smooth this transition and what are their strengths and weaknesses?

This book shows that access to tertiary education for young adults with disabilities has improved significantly over the past decade. However, despite the progress that has been made, the transition to tertiary education is still harder for young adults with disabilities than it is for other young adults. Students with disabilities are also less likely than their non-disabled peers to successfully complete their studies, or to access employment.

These recommendations are designed to give young adults with disabilities the same success and transition opportunities that other young adults already enjoy and to improve hereby their right to education and to inclusion.

Table of contents
Executive Summary
Chapter 1. Post-school transitions for young adults with disabilities
Introduction
The context
Access to tertiary education: a path towards inclusion
The challenging transition to tertiary education
Build integrated systems to safeguard the transition process
Conclusion
References
Chapter 2. Access to tertiary education is still challenging
Introduction
A lack of reliable statistical data
Easier access to tertiary education
Inclusion policies increase acceptance of disability
Mobilise financial means to promote inclusion
Promoting equity: a responsibility of educational institutions
Empower high school students and high schools to ensure inclusion
Mobilisation of tertiary education institutions and their students
Promote an education system that focuses on every student’s success
The move towards integrated transition systems
Conclusion
References
Chapter 3. Institutional strategies to support students with disabilities
Introduction
The bumpy road to tertiary education
Students with disabilities have fewer chances of success in tertiary education
Secondary and tertiary education institutions need more support
Conclusion
References
Chapter 4. The difficult transition from education to employment
Introduction
Better access to mainstream education but limited employment impact
Strengthening linkages between upper secondary school and the labour market
Developing synergies by combining academic success with inclusion
Conclusion
References
Chapter 5. Conclusions and Recommendations
Annex: Methodology
Guidelines for the country background reports
Country visits



Available in French - "L'inclusion des étudiants handicapés dans l'enseignement tertiaire et dans l'emploi":