Newfoundland and Labrador has one of the highest youth unemployment rates in the country, creating an uncertain future for many new graduates.

For young people with disabilities, the barriers to launching a career can be even higher.

Easter Seals is working on the front lines to bridge that gap.

Paula Hayes, the employment and educational services director at Easter Seals, says a lot of funding supports have been cut over the past couple of years. She also says there is a stigma about hiring a person with a disability, and that a lack of early work experience can create a persistent employment gap.

Getting that foot in the door is very important and, sometimes, very difficult.

Hayes says being denied a fair shot early in one’s career may simply be the product of an employer having a bad experience. Wage supports help, and finding a employer willing to participate can be a challenge.

She says Easter Seals has an array for programs and supports to help in that regard.