'Measures needed to tackle joblessness among disabled'

The National Disability Authority is calling for major changes in government policy to tackle low employment levels among disabled people.

A new report commissioned by the authority recommends a range of measures to address the situation, including reform of the education and training system to ensure disabled people area equipped to compete for jobs.

It also says disabled people should get a special tax credit and be allowed to retain medical cards for one year after they find a job.

The NDA says the most recent figures show that just 37% of disabled people were in work in 2004, compared to 67% of other adults.