Young People with Disabilities: Progress and Persistent Challenges

A Céreq study reveals progress in professional integration but highlights persistent inequalities based on gender and origin.

Generic image of a diverse group of young adults in a modern educational setting, conveying hope and collaboration.
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Generic image of a diverse group of young adults in a modern educational setting, conveying hope and collaboration.

A Céreq study, in collaboration with Agefiph, compares the situation of young people in 2010 and 2021, revealing progress and persistent inequalities for those with disabilities.

In 2021, among the 772,738 young people leaving training, 13.8% were affected by a disability, defined as a health problem, illness, or disability that could be chronic or long-term.
The employment and disability observatory highlights the prevalence of mental and psychological disorders (41% of cases) and the strong growth of intellectual and cognitive disorders. Encountered difficulties also include motor impairments (28%) and consequences of chronic illnesses (27%).
Discrepancies exist between the declaration and administrative recognition of disability, particularly among women (63% declare, 51% recognized) and young people with at least one foreign-born parent (22% affected, 16% recognized).
Regarding studies, access to Master's level diplomas has increased, but access to the baccalaureate has declined by three points between 2010 and 2021. Young people with disabilities are more often directed towards vocational pathways like the CAP (24% vs. 13% for all young people).
Access to the first job is 14 times longer for young people recognized as having a disability. Although women achieve this faster (10 months vs. 17 months for men), their first job is often less well-paid and stable. The period of inactivity three years after training is also three times higher (33% vs. 10%).
In Nouvelle-Aquitaine, 5,667 young people were supported in 2023. Agefiph is launching the AMI 'University, Employment, and Disability' to support innovative projects promoting the professional integration of students with disabilities.
Based on information from the official source: Cap Métiers Nouvelle-Aquitaine (Carif-Oref) (14/10/2026)