Breaking down barriers and busting myths: my journey as a supported employment advocate
By Erin O’Donnell
After leaving school, I joined DFN Project SEARCH as an intern in Flintshire, which works in partnership with Hft. I graduated last year and I’m now working for Hft as a Supported Employment Advocate which I love as part of my job involves breaking down barriers and busting myths around employing someone with learning disabilities and/or autism.
In this blog, I want to delve into the frustration I feel regarding society’s perceptions of learning disabled people and discuss the amazing work I’m now involved in. I also feel frustrated with perceptions of people with disabilities in general because it is these negative perceptions that hold us back and stop people achieving their full potential.
As an advocate for inclusivity, I believe it is crucial to challenge these misconceptions and create a more accepting society.
Changing perceptions
To change these perceptions, we need greater representation of people with invisible disabilities in the media. By showcasing their abilities and achievements, we can challenge stereotypes and foster greater understanding. Additionally, increased awareness in schools and workplaces is essential. Education plays such an important role in shaping attitudes, and encouraging an inclusive environment from an early age can have a massive impact.
As someone on the autism spectrum, I have personally experienced the biases and misunderstandings surrounding autism. However, rather than allowing these to define me, I have used them as motivation to break down barriers and create positive change.
The power of employability
Through my work as a Supported Employment Advocate, I can really understand the transformative power of being employed. Having a disability should not limit anyone’s dreams or aspirations. We need to instead empower individuals to pursue their goals despite the obstacles they may face.
I went to London in February to speak to MPs about employment for people with learning disabilities and/or autism, which is something I never thought I would have the opportunity and confidence to do. I have also been working with people we support to develop a neurodiversity training package to deliver to employers which aims to help break down barriers, bust myths and improve employers’ understanding of people with neurodiverse conditions.
Inspiration to help others
I love being part of a team who really wants to help make a positive change to people’s lives by helping them achieve their dreams just like they did for me when I was on Project SEARCH. Now I try to provide the same support to others.
Autistic and neurodivergent creators on social media have been a significant source of inspiration for me. Through their stories and experiences, they have helped me embrace my own autism and have made me feel less alone in my struggles.
Love for the job
The part of my job I love the most is capturing the success stories of people we support and hearing about how they have been able to achieve their goals. Witnessing their journeys towards realising their goals is incredibly rewarding.
One of the highlights of my day is venturing out to visit people we support and hearing about what they have been up to. It is through these interactions that I gain insights into their lives, interests and accomplishments, reinforcing my passion for advocating on their behalf.
My own goals
My ultimate goal in life is to have made a positive impact on others’ lives. I aspire to have helped people achieve their dreams while also working towards changing society’s perceptions of people with learning disabilities and/or autism.
Ultimately, I hope the world will be a lot more understanding of people with disabilities in general.
In conclusion, my journey as a Supported Employment Advocate has been incredibly fulfilling. While society’s perceptions of learning disabled people can be frustrating, I am driven to challenge these stereotypes and foster a more inclusive society.
