Having an income can help adults with CP on the path to independence. People with CP can access and sustain employment with the right supports. Now, with internet access and the COVID-19 pandemic, more people can work from home, and numerous employers offer positions that take a person’s potential rather than the disability into account.

Having employment that is productive and meaningful is a basic human right, yet people with disabilities have a higher level of unemployment than the rest of the population. Beyond just providing an income, a job can provide a new sense of purpose. The act of turning up to work to improve yourself and contribute productively to an employer can give you an immense source of pride and self-esteem that, should be within everyone’s grasp.

Your ability to get and hold down a job is dependent on a number of things, such as the quality of your access to secondary education, and workforce development or skills development programs, which are designed to train, guide, develop and assist people into joining the workforce.

Accessible transport, buildings and workspaces open up opportunities to a sustainable income for people who are willing and qualified to work. There are many factors that may hold people back from earning a living, but simply having a disability shouldn’t be one of them.

As an adult with CP, you may be able to find a job on your own and maintain the job without support. You can also access support to create a CV or find a job, and then have the support gradually reduced.

If you require increased support to find and apply for jobs, a support worker can help you to get there, or assist you to physically do your job with extra support, if you need it.

When you start a new job, it is a good idea to talk to your employer about what you might need put in place to be successful. You can work with your employer to make sure your workplace is accessible for you.

An occupational therapist or physiotherapist can provide advice about assistive technology, modifications, aids and equipment. They also can suggest ideas to help with mobility, and make sure your work environment has the facilities and processes in place to support your needs.

Being able to manage money is an important aspect of adulthood. There are numerous websites online that provide information about financial literacy, but your healthcare team may be able to recommend someone who can teach you about money management and bill payments.

Retirement

Deciding when to retire often depends on a number of factors including:

• a desire to stop working
• available income
• plans for activities and hobbies after retirement
• available support
• your body’s ability to continue to work.

People retire at different times and for different reasons. Some may choose to retire to pursue other interests, while for others, retirement happens because their body is in pain or too fatigued for daily work. For older adults with CP considering retirement, talk to your team about what retirement might look like for you, and how best to remain physically active.

Some of this information is provided and produced courtesy of The Future Thinking Project, Ability WA.

For further information, visit our resource on the employment journey for people with CP.