Inclusion of disabled persons in the workforce is pivotal to building resilient economies

With countries worldwide facing unprecedented challenges linked to demographic shifts and aging populations, achieving economic prosperity increasingly depends on the active participation of all working-age people. Yet, one group remains significantly underrepresented in the labour market: persons with disabilities. Addressing this gap is not only a matter of fairness, but also an economic imperative, as inclusive labour markets are essential to fostering a supply of diverse, dynamic, and equipped workforce.

To discuss these challenges and opportunities, the European Training Foundation (ETF) and the European Commission’s DG NEAR recently hosted a multi-country workshop focused on practical ways in which to increase the employment of persons with disabilities. Bringing together representatives from countries supported by the Commission’s TAIEX technical support instrument, the event was a chance to discuss policies and progress and share the initial results of the ETF’s first-ever disability mapping exercise. 

Adrienn Kiraly, Director of Neighbourhood East and Institution Building at DG NEAR in the European Commission, delivered the opening remarks, highlighting the critical importance of inclusive employment.

“Employment is not just about earning a living; it is a cornerstone of dignity, independence, and inclusion,” she stated.

Kiraly stressed the urgency of enhancing the effectiveness of policies and support to help unlock the untapped talent and potential of persons with disabilities. Concluding, Kiraly noted that the meeting, “…reflects a shared commitment to ensuring that persons with disabilities can fully exercise their right to decent work and contribute equally to their societies and communities.”

Given the limited progress in increasing the employment rate of persons with disabilities over the past decade, Monika Chaba, Policy Officer at the European Commission’s DG Employment, emphasised the renewed focus the Commission has placed on this issue.

“Of today’s 51 million working-age persons with disabilities in the EU, only 50% are employed.”  She continued, stating that alarmingly, “…40% are completely outside the labour market, not registered with public employment services (PES), and the situation is dire for young people with disabilities, 30% of whom are classified as NEETs—Not in Education, Employment, or Training.” 

As part of the Commission’s Strategy for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities 2021-2030, a flagship package aims to improve labour market outcomes for persons with disabilities. This package includes comprehensive guidelines and toolkits designed to address every stage of the recruitment and employment process. Key elements include tailored support from PES networks, career guidance, company hiring guidelines, and examples of reasonable accommodations for people with disabilities in the workplace. By showcasing best practices, the package and its guidelines encourage countries to learn from one another and avoid duplicating efforts, resulting in hopefully greater inclusion rates across the EU and beyond.  Looking ahead, 11 member states have implemented quantitative targets that aim to drive improvements in labour market outcomes for persons with disabilities. These targets aim to either increase the percentage of workers with disabilities or close the employment gap between disabled and non-disabled individuals.  Monitoring and evaluation will be of the utmost importance, and time will tell if such targets are ambitious enough.

Recognising that the rapidly changing world of work presents challenges for EU neighbouring countries that are both similar to and distinct from those faced by EU member states, the ETF—celebrating 30 years of supporting education and labour market reforms across the EU neighbouring regions—has launched a research programme to explore priorities and initiatives aimed at labour market (re)integration and skills development for persons with disabilities.

Manuela Prina, former ETF’s Head of Skills Identification and Development Unit explained,  “It is the first time that the ETF has conducted an in-depth study on the inclusion of people with disabilities in the world of work, and this will ensure focused support of our partners across the EU’s neigbouring regions in line with European priorities.”

The first phase of this comprehensive study aimed to conduct a systemic, comparative analysis of active labour market policies and measures (ALMPs) designed to support the employment of persons with disabilities. These measures included apprenticeships, vocational training and rehabilitation, financial incentives for employers, and workplace accessibility initiatives. The study has also sought to identify areas where the capacity of key stakeholders—such as national, regional, and local authorities, employment centres, employer organisations, and key donors—could be strengthened. The initial phase focused on five countries: Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kazakhstan, Serbia, Türkiye, and Ukraine. Particular emphasis was placed on addressing the employment challenges faced by women, youth, refugees, war veterans, and displaced persons with disabilities.

The preliminary results highlight many areas of good practice including strong cooperation between stakeholders, the use of technology to provide e-learning opportunities and digital skills training, and the effective involvement of NGOs in advocating disability policies. There are, however, significant challenges including the need to improve the organisation and access to inclusive education, a lack of employer awareness of available support programmes, insufficient funding, and barriers due to societal and systemic biases. In Ukraine, the impact of the war on the economy, the displacement of citizens, and the redefinition of Ukrainian enterprises have had negative impact on  employment and inclusion of of persons with disabilities. Therefore, support to them has become one of the key priorities for the government.

Piotr Stronkowski, a Human Capital Development Expert at the ETF, acknowledged that one of the biggest difficulties of this study was ensuring the comparability of data across countries.

He explained, “Using indicators would have been extremely difficult to assess and compare the situation between countries, given their varying stages of progress. By focusing on qualitative data, including policy areas, key actors, and the implementation of policies, we can provide a meaningful comparative context that inspires countries to advance at their own pace of development.” 

The second phase of the project, set to begin in 2025, will expand to include five additional countries, with at least one from the Southern and Eastern Mediterranean region. This region has been significantly affected by crises, instability, and conflict, leading to an increasing number of barriers for  persons with disabilities to overcome.

Stronkowski believes that it is critical to develop practical policy actions that enhance inclusion and equality in the workforce across the EU’s neighbouring regions. “Barriers faced by persons with disabilities are the result of outdated education and work systems and structures. We must focus on redesigning these systems to accommodate the diversity of talents and capabilities that those persons bring".