The vast majority of people with disability in one county are without employment and suitable accommodation - despite wanting to lead independent lives, a survey has found.
The report, "Visualising Inclusion", found that one-third of people with disability in Co Kerry are without secondary education. Some 80 per cent of people with disability are available for work, yet only 23 per cent of them are employed.
Low pay, lack of qualifications and the attitudes of employers are cited as barriers to gaining employment. Most find their accommodation unsuitable and half of all respondents are living with their parents or other family members. The housing picture is worst in rural areas.
Transport is a major problem. There is a lack of public transport and the expense of taxis is a significant barrier among those dependent on taxis, the report found.
"The findings will be a shock for some. Many people with disabilities already know the reality," said Ms Jacqui Browne, who chairs the Kerry Network of People with Disabilities in Ireland.
The results of the Kerry survey mirror other areas. But there is widespread lack of real data and information on the needs of people with disabilities, she said.
The research in Kerry included in-depth interviews with 104 people representative by disability, gender and locality.