Tell us what works!

EASPD is pleased to announce the launch of a stakeholder survey as part of a new initiative commissioned by the European Commission: the development of Guidelines for effective transition of young persons with disabilities from education to employment.

We invite all relevant stakeholders, including service providers, public authorities, employers, social partners, organisations of persons with disabilities, to take part and share their knowledge and experience until 19 June 2026.

EU guidelines on transition from education to employment

Young people with disabilities face significant barriers when moving from education into the labour market. The disability employment gap remains a persistent challenge across the EU countries, and the transition from school or training to work is one of the most critical moments in the lives of many young people with disabilities. Too often, support systems are not created with people with disabilities in mind, various government agencies do not coordinate with each other, and their responsibilities are unclear. This results in young people being left alone in navigating complex and fragmented processes.

The new guidelines are part of the second phase of the EU Disability Employment Package, which aims to improve labour market outcomes for people with disabilities. Building on the first phase and following broad consultations, the EC identified the education-to-employment transition as one of the priority areas requiring dedicated, actionable guidance.

The guidelines will be addressed to public authorities, employment and education service providers, employers and other key actors. They will map the existing national legal and policy frameworks across EU member states, identify good practices, and provide guidance on how we can better support young people with disabilities in this transition.

What are the next steps?

First, EASPD is launching desk research and stakeholder mapping: this online survey is a key part of this step and will remain open until 19 June 2026. Then, based on the collected evidence, EASPD will draft the guidelines over the summer. The finalised publication is expected to be launched in mid-autumn 2026.

Your input is essential

The survey takes approximately 10 to 30 minutes to complete. It includes two key sections; one about a country’s/region’s policy framework and existing support measures; the second is about the effective transition practice(s). You can fill out only one section (legal framework or practice), you can also submit multiple practices in one form. The information collected will directly feed into the guidelines and ensure they reflect the realities on the ground across Europe.

Fill in the survey here until 19 June: https://forms.gle/hVVt6QJdZG976BR3A 

For questions or further information, please contact policy@easpd.eu