cartoon of young people with disabilities

Working with young people with a disability

Overview of the needs & issues

Young people with disabilities have many things in common with other young people. They like to go out, make friends, be independent and have fun.

Your service could offer many things for young people with disabilities.

Some young people with a disability may need some extra assistance to participate in your service, but so do some other young people who use your service, such as young people who are shy or those who are having problems at home.

Young people with a disability don't expect you to be an expert or have specialist training. In fact they may want to use your service because you are not a specialised disability service.

Many young people with a disability have limited social contact. They may go to a specialised school or workplace where their friends live far away from them, they may have difficulties with transport or their parents may be overprotective. A generalised service may be just what they are looking for.

Under the Disability Discrimination Act 1992, it is unlawful to discriminate against a person on the grounds of their disability in the provision of goods and services, education, sports, access to public facilities and accommodation.

If you look beyond a disability you will see an individual with feelings, emotions, hopes, dreams and abilities. You will find someone who has many things in common with you.