There is currently little to no information on the foundational and transferable skill levels of persons with disabilities (PWDs). Through a literature review and key informant interviews, a research team set out to identify and fill knowledge gaps, as well as help inform the development of recommendations for how remaining gaps could be filled.
Four research questions serve as the basis for the literature review and key informant interviews. These are:
- What do we know about the foundational and transferable skill levels and employment outcomes for PWDs, including women and men within this group? What are the knowledge gaps in skill levels and employment outcomes for PWDs, and how could these be addressed?
- What are the main barriers faced by PWDs to increasing their skill levels and further integrating into the labour market? Do women with disabilities face additional barriers? If so, what are they?
- What are some proven or promising practices or avenues to address these barriers and/or increase skill levels for PWDs?
- How has the COVID-19 pandemic affected the skill development and labour market barriers of PWDs? What are some of the long-term implications of the pandemic on the future of PWDs and their skill development and labour market barriers?