Getting to Work: The Hidden Barrier to Disability Employment

Barriers to employment for people with intellectual disabilities are often framed around skills, workplace adjustments, or stigma. Yet one major, overlooked challenge is simply getting to work

Limited public transport routes, especially on industrial job sites, and costly alternatives like taxis create obstacles to securing a job.

For people with intellectual disabilities, these transport barriers mean missed opportunities for paid work, independence, and community participation, regardless of their skills or suitability for the job.

At Kilmarnock, we’ve always believed that meaningful employment can be the key to a purposeful life. That’s why our training and supported employment programme is holistic and addresses not just on-the-job skills but also practical life challenges, like transport.

Cycle coach, Paul Odlin conducts regular training and mentoring sessions for the Kilmarnock team.

We help each person find sustainable transport solutions, whether it’s getting a driver’s license, cycle training, or planning a bus route.

This has become especially important for coaching more individuals to transition from supported to open employment this year.

As part of this, we are grateful to Christchurch City Council, for their sponsorship, and to Paul Odlin for regular 1:1 cycle safety training sessions that help over 14 employees gain skills and confidence to commute to work.

Access to reliable transport can be the difference between opportunity and exclusion.

By listening to lived experiences and removing hidden barriers, we’re building workplaces where everyone has a chance to thrive.

Looking to Make an Impact?

We are always searching for new partners to support our social mission.

By working together, we can open more doors to meaningful employment for people with intellectual disabilities.

Contact us to discuss sponsorship opportunities today.