8. Employment
Often in this age we are defined as people by our work, it can offer a sense of worth and identity. Employment for disabled people is a central part of Independent Living as it can build a person's perceived value and income. Effectiveness in employment can be supported by aids and equipment but some employers and recruitment processes contribute to the low skills base and low self worth that conspire to prevent disabled people from working. By the time you are 25, as a disabled people you are over three times likely to be unemployed or out of work involuntarily than a non-disabled person. Among those who were in employment, earnings were 11 per cent lower than for their non-disabled counterparts with the same level of educational qualifications. Supported employment if it replicates the pay, conditions and independence of a free market employer has some value. Self employment from Ebay businesses to training provision can harness the experience and determination that excluded people have to succeed. Disabled people need the opportunities to seek, secure, and progression within employment. To ensure they have opportunities which are available to their non-disabled peers, adjustments need to be made to the way in which employment is provided.
