| Abstract: | This study assessed the contribution of the Employable II project on 100 individuals with
disabilities from the Ethiopian Center for Disability and Development. The sample exhibits a
nearly equal gender distribution (55% male, 45% female), with 40% having physical
impairments, 42% facing hearing impairments, and smaller proportions experiencing visual
impairments (4%) or intellectual disabilities (14%). The project led to a significant increase in
participants' annual income, from a mean of 25,210 Birr before to 38,610 Birr after
participation, as well as a noteworthy rise in monthly income, from 5,220Birrr to 15,97Birrrr.
Moreover, 65% of respondents perceived a very positive impact on their health status, while
35% reported a significant increase in access to adequate and nutritious diets. Challenges such
as workplace discrimination (38%), insufficient training opportunities (28%), and limited job
availability (8%) persist, suggesting the need for targeted interventions. Youth with disabilities
face a myriad of challenges in their pursuit of livelihoods, with workplace discrimination and
insufficient training opportunities being the most significant barriers. Addressing these issues
requires concerted efforts to promote inclusive policies, enhance training programs, improve
accessibility, and provide robust support services to ensure that youth with disabilities can
achieve their full potential in the workforce. Employable II project has a significant positive
impact on the monthly income of individuals with disabilities, leading to a marked
improvement in their financial situation. The project has had a generally positive contribution
on participants' access to an adequate and nutritious diet, with a significant portion
experiencing an increase in this aspect of their lives. Continued efforts to improve access to
healthy food options for all participants will be crucial in maximizing the project's benefits for
overall health and well-being. Generally positive contribution on participants' access to an
adequate and nutritious diet, with asignificant portion experiencing an increase in this aspect
of their lives. Recommendations include tailored training programs, accessibility
enhancements, and strengthened job placement services to foster inclusivity and improve
livelihoods for individuals with disabilities. |
