Towards a comprehensive employment strategy for people with disabilities Eithne Fitzgerald Head of Policy and Public Affairs

The National Disability Authority is the independent state body providing expert advice on disability policy and practice to Government, and promoting Universal Design in Ireland

Outline Some facts and figures What a comprehensive strategy would look like What’s happening, and where next

Low participation in work A third of people with disabilities have a job v. three quarters of others (Census 2006) 60% of people with disabilities not working are restricted in type or amount of work they can do Raising employment rates will mean more emphasis on supporting people to get and to keep work

% employed by difficulty in working QNHS 2002

% employment rate of people with disabilities age by type of disability Census 2006

People with ID + learning disability of working age 18-64, National Disability Survey 2006

Employment rates, disabled and other men by education level (age 25-34; Census 2002)

Main day services, people with ID 2009 MainstreamSpecial Preschool School Training 2751,689 Sheltered work 3,644 Sheltered employment 91 Supported employment 951 Open employment 187 Other day services 8,455

Supported employment Almost 4% of workers with a disability Two separate state-funded arrangements FÁS scheme –In principle 18 + hours a week –c. 900 in work; 1,100 in job assessment/job search phases HSE-funded supported employment –Less than 18 hours a week –c.1,000 receiving HSE or service provider job coach support

Comprehensive employment strategy for people with disabilities Commitment in Department’s Sectoral Plan Target of 7,000 more in work Comprehensive strategy needs to be –Comprehensive across range of government policies and agencies –Address supply and demand for labour –Comprehensive across range of disability Cross-sectoral team meeting to draw up Employment Forum with range of stakeholders to advise 3% employment target in public service

A Strategy of Engagement NDA report 6 Pillars remove disincentives and benefit traps enhance capacity and effectiveness of the education, training and employment system employers (public and private) to implement informed policies for recruitment and retention of people with disabilities

... Core elements of a comprehensive employment strategy devise and implement a preventative strategy: –reduce early school-leaving among young people with disabilities –improve retention in employment following the onset of a disability systematic process of engagement with people with disabilities Cross-cutting Issue: diversity of programme provision, including for people with severe disabilities

Where are we now Comprehensive employment strategy Headings for strategy Where for those with high support needs FÁS + HSE inputs Reorganisation of Depts –Education and Skills –Social protection + FÁS activation –Enterprise Jobs and Innovation Adult Day Services review

Review of Adult Day Services From services to supports Support for –Making choices –Transitions and progression –Inclusion in your community –Accessing education and learning –Maximising independence –Personal and social development –Health and well-being –Vocational training and work opportunities –Personal expression and creativity –Meaningful social roles –Influencing service policy and practice

Where next? National Disability Strategy Implementation Plan Employment Strategy will be a key element NDA seminars to guide next steps –What works well –What is critical to success –How do you create a joined-up approach