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Pre-reading questions
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- What laws for disabled people does your country have?
- Are the same laws applied in your school/workplace? Please tell me more about it.
Vocabulary
I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me.
- disability /dis-uh-BIL-i-tee/
- seek /seek/
- gap /gap/
- markedly /MAHR-kid-lee/
- risk /risk/
[noun] – an illness, injury, or condition that makes it difficult for someone to do some things that other people do, and that is usually permanent or lasts for a long time
Samantha is incredibly self-assured despite her disability.
[verb] – to try to find or get something, especially something that is not a physical object
We seek to strengthen ties between our two nations.
[noun] – a difference between two things
The gap between the rich and poor is widening.
[adverb] – in a very obvious or noticeable way
He was markedly friendlier than before.
[noun] – the possibility of something bad happening
The chemicals’ risk to human health is minimal.
Article reading
Please read the whole article. Then, I will check your pronunciation and intonation.
According to a study by Ulster University’s Economic Policy Centre (UUEPC), the UK’s lowest employment rate for people with disabilities is found in Northern Ireland. Only slightly more than a third of the UK’s disabled population is employed, compared to more than half of the country as a whole. A third of young disabled people, aged 16 to 24, did not participate in any sort of training, employment, or education (NEET). People with disabilities who worked frequently had fewer stable occupations and earned less money. The report came to the conclusion that undervaluing the contributions that disabled people make to society and the economy of Northern Ireland is equal to ignoring the difficulties they face in seeking employment.
Based on the UUEPC study, only 36% of disabled people in Northern Ireland were employed. In Northern Ireland, 80% of people without disabilities are employed. As a result, Northern Ireland has the largest “disability employment gap” in the UK at 44%. The UUEPC inquiry also found that the pandemic’s limitations had a “disproportionate” negative impact on disabled people. According to earlier Ulster University research, broader support services for people with learning disabilities “disappeared or were markedly reduced” during the epidemic. Furthermore, it indicates a greater risk of poverty for disabled people in Northern Ireland.
Based on the UUEPC study, only 36% of disabled people in Northern Ireland were employed. In Northern Ireland, 80% of people without disabilities are employed. As a result, Northern Ireland has the largest “disability employment gap” in the UK at 44%. The UUEPC inquiry also found that the pandemic’s limitations had a “disproportionate” negative impact on disabled people. According to earlier Ulster University research, broader support services for people with learning disabilities “disappeared or were markedly reduced” during the epidemic. Furthermore, it indicates a greater risk of poverty for disabled people in Northern Ireland.
Comprehension questions
I will read each question. Then, please answer them based on the article.
- Where is the UK’s lowest employment rate for people with disabilities found?
- According to the article, what is the conclusion of the report?
- What percentage of the disabled people in Northern Ireland were employed?
- What percentage is the disability employment gap in the UK?
- What does the disability employment gap indicate?
Discussion questions
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- Have you ever witnessed bad judgment or a lack of accessibility toward people with disabilities? Please tell me more about it.
- Do you often feel that those who are disabled need your help? Why or why not?
- If you were a disabled person in Northern Ireland, what would you do to get employed?
- Are all disabled people qualified to be employed?
- In your opinion, what should the national government agency responsible for people with disabilities do to close the employment gap in Northern Ireland?