Young people full of ability

During recent years, I've been fortunate to work with some amazing and inspiring people. Last week provided yet another example.

The occasion was a discussion group that I facilitated with seven young people, all of whom have a visual impairment (i.e. they are blind or partially sighted to a degree that presents challenges when getting out and about). In many ways the group were typical of Generation Y: sociable, adept communicators, pragmatists rather than idealists, very much online and digitally networked, keen to get out, meet new people and have new experiences.

But what really struck me was how these young people - all of whom have a disability - were willing to consider the needs not only of themselves, but also of others. For them, there are older, more isolated people with a visual impairment who also require support and services but whose needs are distinctly different from their own. Some are even volunteering with charities in their area to provide help to such people.

All this reminded me of a couple of important points. Firstly, we live in a climate where people who claim any sort of disability benefit are liable to be labelled scroungers. But in my experience, young people with disabilities have no desire to scrounge. They want to play a full part in society. They want to fulfil their potential in life, in education and in work. They are also prepared to give back and to help others if they can, as the participants in my discussion group last week showed.

The second point has more to do with age than disability. The cohort of young people that is currently entering - or attempting to enter - the job market has a huge amount going for it. Their ability to communicate and their openness to change are refreshing and full of potential. They are also much more giving than is generally acknowledged. For example, recent stats from the UK Cabinet Office suggest strong levels of volunteering among younger age groups.

But this cohort also faces significant challenges, given the realities of an economy that offers a lack of entry-level jobs and rising costs of living. So let's hope employers and the government work to give young people a break and support them in progressing towards their goals in work and life, whatever their abilities.