“Perhaps the greatest significance are the new tools and resources contributing to personal empowerment and renewed motivation that anything is possible and anyone can work. There is a collective power and accomplishment generated by a group of grass roots experts who bring the value of their lived experience to influence policy, practice, and outcomes.”

The report findings indicate that unemployment has significant negative implications for the well-being, self-esteem, and overall quality of life of individuals with disabilities. Anchored in the overarching topic: Expanding Employment Opportunities for Individuals with Disabilities in Rural, Indigenous, and Under Resourced Communities: Lessons Learned in a Global Context, the programme explored inclusive employment models, shared lived experiences, and highlighted systemic barriers faced by marginalised groups across different geographies.

The Employment-First Policy and Practice course (EFPP101) was established on the belief that true community inclusion is achieved when everyone is able to work and contribute meaningfully. Our vision is to advance disability employment and to promote a society in which persons with disabilities are recognised, not for what they lack, but for the valuable contributions they make.

EFPP101 focused on engaging youth and adults with disabilities, self-advocates, university students, emerging entrepreneurs, and employers who otherwise lacked access to professional development opportunities and clear pathways for addressing gaps in competitive, integrated employment for people with disabilities within their communities.

Download Report