NEVI-EVY Ex-ante Analysis Report
A groundbreaking ex-ante analysis by Fundacja Aktywizacja reveals persistent employment barriers facing young people with disabilities in Poland, despite growing efforts to close the EU-wide disability employment gap.
Download the ex-ante Analysis Report hereAccording to EU statistics, just 51.3% of persons with disabilities are employed compared to 75.6% without, creating a 24 percentage point gap. In Poland, the situation is more stark: only 43% of people with disabilities are employed, and among young adults, the problem is deepening. A staggering 51% of young Poles with disabilities are classified as NEETs (Not in Education, Employment, or Training)—the highest in Europe.
Quantitative Findings: Youth Are Motivated, But Still Left Behind
A longitudinal study of over 2,100 program participants monitored across 18 months revealed that:
Young people (aged 15–29) were just as likely to stay employed as older counterparts.
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Having a tertiary education or a severe disability was linked to higher chances of employment continuation.
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Mental health conditions correlated with a 9 percentage point drop in job retention rates.
Younger participants were more eager to develop new skills, more likely to engage in training at and after work, and reported greater satisfaction with their income—despite facing the same working conditions as older peers.
Rural vs Urban Divide: Similar Work Conditions, Different Satisfaction
While employment rates between rural and urban youth showed no significant difference, job satisfaction diverged:
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Rural youth were less satisfied overall, yet valued work as a pathway to hobbies, independence, and social inclusion.
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Participation in after-work courses boosted satisfaction for rural workers, who also emphasized positive coworker relationships as key to their workplace experience.
Job Crafters: The Quiet Revolutionaries of Inclusive Employment
The report’s qualitative section spotlights the vital role of Job Crafters—specialists who support young people with disabilities throughout their employment journey.
Key takeaways from interviews with Job Crafters, young workers, and employers include:
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Job crafting offers life-changing impact, boosting confidence, self-worth, and career readiness.
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Mock interviews, mentoring, and customized support help overcome deep-rooted anxieties and communication barriers.
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Employers praised Job Crafters for helping them navigate accommodations, identify the right candidates, and foster inclusive workspaces.
Employers Respond: “It’s About People, Not Paperwork”
Employers interviewed for the study emphasized their openness to hiring youth with disabilities—but stressed the need for:
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Better pre-employment training (Excel, email, teamwork).
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Onboarding assistance from foundations or external experts.
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Support in identifying candidates whose skills and attitudes match team needs.
Despite initial concerns about workplace readiness, many employers reported that young workers with disabilities demonstrate high engagement, flexibility, and a strong willingness to learn.
Conclusion: Tailored Support Is the Key to Inclusion
The NEVI-EVY ex-ante analysis shows that youth with disabilities are motivated and capable, but need targeted support to succeed in the labor market. From mentorship and skills training to employer education, multi-level collaboration is crucial.
As the EU pushes for more inclusive employment, Poland’s experience may offer lessons across Europe: when individual needs are met with systemic support, barriers fall—and talent rises.