Section I

This section defines the term "transitions" in the context of persons with disabilities. An integral factor contributing to successful life-long transitions for a person with impairment is comprehensive understanding by policymakers and service providers of what is meant by "supports" (accommodations) for a person with a disability. This systemic factor has generated tremendous barriers preventing or discouraging labour market entry and employment retention by persons with disabilities. Data sources used for the report are described along with the difficulties encountered in obtaining statistics due to the complexity of factors influencing social and economic stability for people with disabilities. Quantitative information providing an assessment of why labour force transitions are and are not working for disabled people is difficult to obtain because of a lack of coordinated, centralized relevant information, defining the diversity inherent in this population.

Section II

The demographic characteristics of people with disabilities who are involved in labour market transitions are presented. Social policy development, based on a generic approach to disability, results in obstacles because the variation between and within different disabilities has not been considered during program planning and implementation. Labour market policy designed to benefit disabled people is frustrated by the lack of guidelines to permit differentiation between an individual's employability and his or her disability.

Section III

An overview of the policy and program frameworks designed to facilitate labour force adjustments is presented.

Section IV

Key public policy and program barriers and disincentives preventing or discouraging transitions to employment opportunities are discussed. The concept of access and its implications for people with disabilities is an intimate relation. Public dollars are used to fund "seats" in pre-employment counselling, training, and skill development programs, and other community based and vocational training initiatives. Access and human resources development guidelines as criteria for public funding compliance are not standardized, thus preventing disabled applicant access to labour force participation because of the systemic and physical barriers created.