The world of work
We want a world where learning disabled people have the opportunity to earn a fair wage in a job we enjoy
… A world where we are included as equals in the workplace and are considered to be valuable members of the workforce
…A world where we can get support while preparing for work and while in employment
…A world where time spent volunteering is meaningful, with structured opportunities to learn and build skills
Erin’s story – looking for a job
Erin’s experience of getting a job means she is far too aware of the barriers people with a learning disability face when looking to move into employment. “There is a stigma about employing people with a learning disability. Too often changes that make workplaces inclusive aren’t made. It feels as though some employers just don’t give people with a learning disability a chance.”
Erin thinks employers need to be more open-minded and feels they can play an important role in overcoming misconceptions about giving people with a learning disability paid work. She says, “Just because you have a learning disability or autism doesn’t mean you can’t have a job or be a valuable member of a team.”
She recognises that people with a learning disability may need more support and says “employers need to learn how they can change things, for example the way people can apply and interview for a job, to make places of work inclusive to all.”
Over 2021-2022 Erin took part in Project Search, a scheme that works with schools or colleges and employers to find supported internships for young people with a learning disability. Interns are supported to develop employability skills with the aim of moving into a full-time paid job.
Since graduating, Erin has found work as a Supported Employment Advocate for Hft Flintshire and says she is loving it! “In my job I try to get businesses involved with Project Search and Hft Flintshire,” she explains. “I am also trying to make change by showing people that, just because you have a learning disability or autism, doesn’t mean you can’t have the things you want in life.”
To make a difference, Erin wants the Government to have more conversations with people with learning disabilities. She believes involving people with learning disabilities in the decision-making that directly affects them will be beneficial to change and will make employment much more accessible to all.
Together we will call for:
- Better support for people with a learning disability on their journey to, and while in work
- Better support for employers to dispel misconceptions and encourage accessible and inclusive employment practices
- A reduction in the disability employment, and pay gap
Take a look at our work on employment here:
The Disability Employment Charter