Perspectives of young people with SEND on a supported internship programme in the UK

Individuals with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) are currently underrepresented in employment, and supported internships have been promoted to increase the likelihood of young people with SEND gaining paid employment. The SEND Code of Practice and the Preparing for Adulthood agenda emphasise the need to improve future outcomes for young people with SEND. This study explored young people's views on a supported internship programme and perceived facilitators or barriers to preparing for adulthood. A qualitative approach was adopted, analysing semi-structured interviews with eight young people with SEND on one supported internship programme. The findings indicated that the young people positively evaluated the supported internship, appreciating the availability of opportunities and the support provided while on the programme. Perceived barriers included adults not understanding or meeting their needs, perceptions of still being treated like children and the lack of availability of certain opportunities. Findings are discussed with relevance to existing research, and implications for practice and future research are also outlined.