Living, working and earning for people with disabilities in Australia

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to consider the extent to which disabilities are likely to affect the length of a career and earnings potential. The net worklife expectancy for persons with a profound, severe, moderate or mild disability in Australia was determined. This was compared this to those with no disability. Tables for five-year age groups to age 65 are produced for males and females. There is a marked theoretical reduction of worklife capacity at all levels of disability and across every age group. The net effect of restricted vocational potential is likely to be a reduced worklife and diminished earnings for those with disabilities. This finding is considered in the light of current career development theory and practice.