European Semester 2016/2017 country fiche on disability.

Abstract

[EN]This country report has been prepared as input for the European Semester from a disability perspective. In Spain, unemployment among people with disabilities—especially those with cognitive disabilities—remains a major issue, with rates over 17 percentage points higher than the EU average. Most employment policies focus on sheltered options, limiting inclusive labor market access. Education and social inclusion outcomes for people with disabilities are among the lowest in the EU, worsened by economic crisis and growing inequality. Structural problems include poor coordination between education, employment, and social services, lack of transition support, and limited mobility due to decentralized systems across 17 Autonomous Communities. There is also insufficient policy for supporting students with disabilities in tertiary education and for families caring for dependents. Improving inclusive employment and education requires better data, aligned programs, and measurable initiatives.