Approximately 10% of U.S. students have disabilities, as defined by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. These disabilities include impairments caused by physical, mental, or other health conditions requiring the provision of special education and related services. Included in the education plans of these students is participation in programs that assist them in the transition from school to work. These programs offer important opportunities for educational and work experiences. Yet studies show that young workers are at high risk for work-related injuries and illnesses. Each year approximately 210 thousand U.S. teens are injured on the job, almost half of whom are injured seriously enough to seek emergency room treatment. The obvious concern is that as more teens, including teens with disabilities, enter the workplace through career exploration and other job training programs, more will be injured. In this presentation we will discuss the findings from a project to provide occupational safety and health education to special education students, teachers, and employers involved in WorkAbility 1 Programs in California. We will explore the risk factors in the work environment that may place youth with disabilities at greater risk for injury. We will describe the systems, supports, and accommodations that are needed to protect youth in general and disabled youth in particular on the job. Finally, we will suggest ways of orientating employers to the unique needs of all young workers so they are better protected once they leave school-sponsored programs. See youngworkers.org
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this session, the participant will be able to: 1) Describe the health and safety risk factors for youth with disabilities; 2) Discuss the systems, supports and accommodations that are needed to protect disabled youth on the job.
Keywords: Youth at Work,
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: Labor Occupational Health Program, University of California, Berkeley
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: Employer