Proceedings of the 20th International Academic Conference, Madrid

TRANSITION YOUTH WITH DISABILITIES FROM EDUCATION TO LABOUR MARKET IN SLOVENIA

ALEKSANDRA TABAJ

Abstract:

The purpose is to present the transition of youth with disabilities from education to labour market in Slovenia. Youth unemployment during last years increased in all parts of the world, with the impact of prolonging the duration of unemployment. The programme presented is based on connecting vocational rehabilitation, education institutions and labour market as the key to successful integration into labour. In Slovenia, the transition of youth with disabilities from school to the labour market has not been satisfactory. Youth with disabilities are often left to themselves after finishing the education. Many of them stay at home, some register at the Employment Service of Slovenia, others enter vocational rehabilitation programs, and rare individuals become employed. Often a young person enters vocational rehabilitation after many years of having stayed at home unemployed and having lost the basic employability skills, professional knowledge, working habits and confidence. The action research theory was set as a framework for the training model. Quantitative and qualitative methods were used. Participants were trainers (15) and young people with disabilities (50) in the education system. To implement a successful and effective practice model of the transition of youth from school to labour in Slovenia, Racio Social, University Rehabilitation Institute and Auris launched a three-year project which started in December 2011 and closed in December 2013.The project comprised an analysis of the current transition from school to the Slovene labour market, theoretical and practice models, presentation of global good practices and a training program for transition trainers. At first, trainers were given training for working with transition of youth PwD. Young people with disabilities met with employers and gained practical insight into what awaits them when they successfully complete their studies and become active job seekers. A possible solution of vocational rehabilitation from education to labour market is presented.

Keywords: vocational rehabilitation, persons with disability, youth, transition from education to labour market

DOI: 10.20472/IAC.2015.020.092

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