Paul Simon Public Policy Institute Launches Survey for College Graduates with Disabilities

Dateline: October 26, 2009

The Paul Simon Public Policy Institute is collaborating with the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services to implement the Survey of College Graduates with Disabilities. This study, funded by the Medicaid Infrastructure Grant, is being undertaken to research the barriers to employment for college graduates with disabilities.

Research has revealed that, in general, only approximately 40% of college graduates with disabilities find employment upon graduation.

To this end, the results of the survey will inform and guide future policy and determine if we are on track with meeting the needs, circulating information, dispelling myths, and creating an open line of communication with employers. The results of the survey will also allow us to develop collaborative partnerships with Illinoisans with disabilities, service providers and employers to adequately address the needs of college graduates.

As the number of students with disabilities attending colleges and universities has grown dramatically over the past thirty years, so too have the challenges in ensuring that there is sufficient access to the job market once training has been completed. Oftentimes, these students have received substantial education and training, yet a disproportionate number of students with disabilities remain uncertain of their job prospects upon graduation. If we are not providing skilled, educated graduates with skills in demand for tomorrow’s workforce and don’t have supportive private sector partners willing to hire and further train Illinoisans with disabilities, we are not making efficient use of taxpayer’s investment in the workforce of the future.

This research is designed to provide background that might guide in implementation of the Strategic Plan and aid in better support to students with disabilities as they graduate from college and move into the workforce. With direct input from college graduates with disabilities, this survey will be year one of a longitudinal study designed to aid in guiding policy and practices.

If you are a college graduate with a disability, please share your experience with us. You will make a difference. To fill out the survey, please go to: http://disabilitysurvey.paulsimoninstitute.org/.