To investigate employability skills development in inclusive learning environments

People with a disability are typically unprepared to enter the labour force. Due to low expectations and bias, this cohort has frequently been denied the opportunity to gain the necessary employability skills to enter or maintain employment, this is reflected in the persistently low global employment figures for people with disabilities. An inclusive approach will aid the shift to early intervention in all relevant mainstream services and institutions. Based on these deficiencies and the lack of opportunities for developing employability skills in inclusive learning environments, my Churchill Fellowship project was to experience innovative programs that develop employability skills for people with a disability in inclusive learning environments in community and educational settings. My travels encompassed Canada, the USA, Finland, and the UK for six weeks. I was able to network and observe strategies, tools and methods being delivered internationally in authentic, fully integrated learning environments to determine what lessons and insights could be used to inform practice in Australia.

This report is intended for decision-makers, leaders, educators, career practitioners, peak bodies, disability advocacy groups, and those that work to enable people with a disability to transition into employment.

There were so many highlights on my Fellowship adventure, here are my top three:

1. The professionals I met; kind and empathic people who approach disability from a person-centred perspective while showing respect and dignity.
2. The Project Search interns and alumni who proudly wore their NHS name badges and explained what the program meant to them, left an indelible impression on me.
3. Seeing Carleton University use inclusion as a lens to create built and learning environments, allowing students with a disability to access and participate in education.