Spotlight on: Inclusive Employment
Spotlight On: Inclusive Employment
Learning Disability Network London recently held an event about inclusive employment.
Our aim was to shine a light on the lack of employment opportunities for learning disabled and autistic people.
Currently 95% of people with learning disabilities do not have a job.
People with learning disabilities and autistic people, as well as supported employment experts, talked about their experiences. We held the event at the office of Brewin Dolphin in central London, who kindly loaned us their space.
George’s Story
George, who has a learning disability, recently began a new job at a community space and coffee shop in Westminster.
He works as an assistant at The Onion Garden.
His favourite task is watering the plants. It is the first thing he does when he gets to work.
George found the job with great networking and people-skills.
In the past it has been difficult for George to find a job though. Like many people with learning disabilities, employers didn’t give him opportunities.
“It’s going really good, because I like the place. The things we do: cleaning tables, taking the covers off chairs, talking to people, doing events. Watering plants is my favourite part. I like plants and I have to water them every day. ”
Jay’s Story
As an autistic person Jay has faced workplaces that are not right for her.
In 2018, Jay started jobs at a popular café chain and housekeeping at a hotel. It was before she received an autism diagnosis.
She remembers that they expected her to learn very quickly and it was overwhelming: “You have about three days to remember everything… I was just crying at work because it got too much.”
“I had to walk out. I didn’t have a diagnosis then, and they looked at me: ‘Why are you crying?’. Nobody really understood me and I couldn’t count on anybody to. I wanted to do what everybody else did and get into work. It made me feel like I can’t do it, like I can’t be part of society.”
Kassra’s Story
“I want people to understand special needs, autism and learning disabilities very very well. Not to discriminate, not to have doubt, but to be more understanding. That is important to me.”
Kassra has lots of experience as a volunteer, but he dreams of a paid job.
He has just started volunteering at the Natural History Museum. He is a learning volunteer and shows displays to people who come to the museum. It fits with his love of science and the natural world.
Kassra has also been a volunteer at College Park – a school which supports children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities – and as an usher with Southwark Playhouse.
How we can help you
EMPLOYMENT
If you would like to explore inclusive employment, we can help you find the right local service and be a friendly ear in the process. Please contact:
Mandy Crowford:
mcrowford@ldnlondon.org
or
Luana Baptista:
lbaptista@ldnlondon.org
LDN EATS
If you would like to enquire about catering for your workplace or an upcoming event, we can provide a quote and answer any questions you may have. Please contact:
Adele Alexander:
aalexander2@ldnlondon.org
ESG PARTNERSHIPS
We have a number of packages to help companies fulfil their ESG goals, changing outcomes for people with learning disabilities and their families.
Please contact:
Katie McDaniel:
kmcdaniel@ldnlondon.org
