THE CONTRIBUTION OF EMPLOYABLE II PROJECT ON YOUTH WITH DISABILITY‘S LIVELIHOOD: THE CASE OF ETHIOPIAN CENTER FOR DISABILITY AND DEVELOPMENT

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.