School-leavers with disabilities have lots to offer – we must do more to support them
“What do you want to do when you finish school?” It’s a question every young person must answer – a very large decision for an 18-year-old to make. For young adults with complex needs, or multiple disabilities, it is a massive decision, albeit one that sometimes doesn’t feel like a choice at all. And that needs to change.
Our recent research study on the post-school pathways of young people with additional needs found a lot to celebrate in how the Irish system prepares school-leavers for adult life and the transition into post-school education. Focusing on students who need the most support, the co-operation between special schools and HSE staff to develop a rich profile of each young person and find a placement suited to their wants and needs worked well for many of our participants.
Published in The Irish Times, 7th April 2025