Although the right to work is a fundamental right enshrined in Article 27 of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, it is far from being a reality for many people living with a disability or a long-term medical condition. The Europe 2020 target is to achieve an employment rate of 75% in the EU. However, at EU level, around 47% of disabled people are in employment compared to 72% of non-disabled people. Women with disabilities, young disabled people and people in need of high-level support are more likely to be discriminated against and excluded from the labour market. At EU level, 19% of young people living with a disability are early school leavers compared to 11% of non-disabled young people. High rates of early school leavers among young people living with a disability can in most cases be related to accessibility issues and the absence of adapted programmes.

Social entrepreneurship can act as an important bridge to the inclusion of people at the margins of society. Online social entrepreneurship is an especially relevant area for young people living with a disability or with a long-term health condition. Sharing life experiences and demonstrating that living with a disability or long-term health condition is possible; explaining how obstacles have been overcome; directing others to appropriate services or support networks; opening a forum for discussion and debate; connecting other young people in similar circumstances; are all potential opportunities for social entrepreneurship that the INFLUENCERS project consortium will explore.

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