7 Common Myths About Youth Who Have a Disability
Filed under Inclusive Hiring, Youth Success, Youth Success Strategy
Reading time: 2 minutes | Posted by Dean Askin
Youth who have a disability face significant barriers and discrimination in seeking both the experiences needed to develop important skills and in obtaining paid employment. Common myths can make it difficult for these youth to achieve their goals and reach their full potential.
7 Common Myths About Youth Who Have a Disability
Myth #1:
They do better by not participating in risky activities such as sports
Reality:
Participation is an opportunity to grow and learn
Myth #2:
They succeed more in “special classrooms” in school
Reality:
Inclusion in mainstream classrooms is good for everyone
Myth #3:
They don’t want to have after-school or summer jobs
Reality:
The number-one predictor for youth to have better employment success is a paid job during high school
Myth #4:
They don’t want to earn their own money
Reality:
Testimonial by Sarah, Customer Service, Sobeys-Ontario: “Work to me means that I am already starting to accomplish some of my life goals. I enjoyed being able to make decisions about what I would spend my money on.”
Myth #5:
They need to stay in high school until they’re 21
Reality:
They can graduate from Grade 12 with their peers and move on to post-secondary programs or employment
Myth #6:
They need too much support to participate in work experiences outside school
Reality:
56% of employers surveyed said workplace accommodations cost them little or nothing
Myth #7:
They don’t have life and work hopes and dreams
Reality:
They have future career aspirations that are often hindered by barriers to employment