Young people with disabilities: what happens after 16?

This article presents some findings from a recent postal survey of young adults aged 16-21 years with severe disabilities. The study was funded by the Department of Health and Social Security and is based on a sample of over 1,000 drawn from the register of families helped by the Family Fund. Information was collected on the usual weekday activities of the young people. Parents were asked whether they were satisfied with the way in which their son/daughter was occupied and about any changes or difficulties since he/she left school. The research indicates that: there is a considerable gap in access to paid employment for young people with disabilities compared with young people in general; there is substantial variation in the occupational experience of young adults with different types of impairment; and the transition from school to further education, training, employment, unemployment or day care can be difficult. Implications of these findings are discussed.