We want to encourage young disabled people to look at the industry as a future career prospect.
78% of the autistic community and 95% of people with a learning disability are unemployed.
Disabled people are three times more likely to have no qualifications.
The STEM sector is one of the fastest growing areas of the UK economy yet disabled people (making up 20% of working age adults) are under-represented across all disciplines. Misperceptions of disabled scientists and engineers are categorically causing the STEM industry to miss out on hiring some of the most skilled workers who can make incredible contributions to progress in STEM and the global economy. The unique ways in which disabled people interpret and interact with the world, typically perceived as an obstacle to their inclusion, are arguably one of humanity’s best chances at solving some of our planet’s biggest problems.
Our Work Inspirations Trips show the wonderful world of STEM in action to older disabled students.
From visits to Facebook HQ and the Science Museum in London to Ultraleap’s haptic technology lab in Bristol, we love inspiring young disabled students by showing them what STEM means in the real world, and how they can find their own place within it. As part of the visit, the group completes an accessibility audit, sharing their thoughts and recommendations on how to make the setting more accessible to disabled people.
“15% of our school leavers will be accessing social care packages and 85% of our leavers have applied to college provision where courses will continue to develop both life skills and employability skills as their journey into adulthood continues. Lightyear’s Work Inspiration Trips are a brilliant way for a large number of SEN students to get a taste of a range of job roles and work as a group. Experiences such as these play a big role and are shared during college interviews. It’s a great way to boost confidence and inspire our young people.” Joanne Payne, Transitions Coordinator, New Fosseway School, Bristol
