A Qualitative Study of How Well Young People with Disabilities are Prepared for Life After School

In 2017, the Minister for Education and Skills asked the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) to lead a review of the Special Needs Assistant (SNA) Scheme in consultation with other relevant Departments and State Agencies, including the National Disability Authority (NDA).

The National Disability Authority contributed to this review by undertaking a stand-alone piece of qualitative research on how well young people with disabilities are prepared for life after school.

We asked for the views of young people, trainers, employers and other relevant stakeholders in further education/training/work sectors. We asked them about how prepared they believe students with disabilities are for life after school.

It also captures the views and experiences of school personnel (principals, teachers, students, SNAs and parents) on the perceived benefits and drawbacks of the Special Needs Assistant Scheme in preparing these students for the next stage of life after school.