Executive Summaries

Research demonstrates that the number of students with disabilities entering post-secondary education has increased over the last 20 years.

Meaningful employment can provide people with disabilities with a sense of purpose and meaning, the ability to gain financial independence, and make connections with their peers.

The transition from post-secondary education to decent work can be difficult for anyone, but there are specific barriers that can make this transition more difficult for people with disabilities.

The transition from post-secondary education to decent work was a key focus of this review. Many articles we reviewed focused on transition programs for people with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities.

Young adults with disabilities that have markedly high rates of attendance in college/CEGEP/trade school are BIPOC, residents of Quebec, and those who live in low-income households.

Young adults with disabilities have a range of disability-specific needs that must be addressed for ongoing attendance and success at college/CEGEP/trade school and university. 

The research provides many details on the characteristics of young adults with disabilities who experience high-quality, midrange quality, and low-quality PSE.