Employment and Training
The UN Convention on the Rights of People with Disabilities states that people with learning disabilities have the right to earn a living through work that are accessible and inclusive.
It is the duty of the Government to ensure that people with learning disabilities are protected against discrimination in employment and that reasonable adjustments are made in the workplace. The Government should also ensure, that disabled people enjoy fair working conditions and have the same rights as others e.g. trade union membership and protection from harassment.
The UN Convention states that Governments should employ disabled people in the public sector; they should promote career development, plus self employment and open
employment in the private sector.
The WAG Policy and Practice Statement 2007 for Adults with a Learning Disability says that people with a learning disability should have equal access to Government or other training schemes and other educational or lifelong learning opportunities where this could help with their personal development or career prospects and secure paid employment.
Routes towards employment are varied. Training should ensure that employment opportunities are considered as part of the person’s individual planning or transition process.
Routes to employment:
- Individual accredited training programmes
- Government training programmes, e.g. Work Programme
- Generic soft skills, e.g. team work
- Qualifications and vocational skills
- Work tasters and work experience
- Social enterprises for training, work experience and employment
- Voluntary work with local charities and voluntary organisations
- Intermediate Labour Market, providing short term paid jobs prior to gaining open employment.
- Supported employment, which obtains jobs and then trains individuals on site.
See also Careers Guidance