Improving outcomes – making sure more people with learning disabilities get and keep jobs Kathy Melling Julie Lynes - Grainger

Low expectations ‘No one has ever said I could do a paid job’ People with learning disabilities can get a good, paid job

Some facts  6.8% known to Adult Social Services in England are in employment  Only 2.3% of those in residential care are in employment  90% of people with learning disabilities who responded to Valuing People Now said that employment should be a priority  Mencap found that 65% of people with learning disabilities want to work (2005)

What does evidence suggest needs to change?  Children with learning disabilities should be asked what job they want to do when they grow up  All young people should get meaningful work experience at school and college

What does evidence suggest needs to be different?  College courses should give people skills for work – marketable and competitive skills  It will be normal for people to leave school or college and get a job

What does the evidence tell us  If people are working full time, the majority will be better off without their benefits  Not many examples of people with complex needs in jobs  Employment is shown to bring health and social inclusion benefits

What does good employment support look like? Supported employment or job coaching Based on what people know works Starts from age 14 About REAL jobs Wages are paid at the going rate for the job, with the same terms and conditions as all other employees The job helps the person to meet their life goals and aspirations The role is valued by managers and colleagues The job has similar hours and times at work as other employees with safe working conditions

What does good employment support look like? Overarching guiding principle: Fundamental to supported employment is that everyone can work with the right job and the right support. Providers of supported employment should be able to offer a nil rejection policy, as everyone should have the opportunity to work and contribute to society.

What does good employment support look like? Guiding principles: Choice and control Partnership Full inclusion Rapid job search Careers Natural supports Long-term support Assistive technology Continuous quality improvement Right to work in a safe workplace Protection of human rights and freedom from abuse

What does good employment support look like? Work with the job seeker Engagement Getting to know you Agreeing a plan together Work with the employer Engagement Understanding needs and identifying vacancies Getting to know the job Job match Employers get the right worker and jobseekers get the right job Arranging the right support DEVELOP A CAREER

Project Search  Internship model  Established in USA and running for 14 years  Good record in getting people jobs  Strong local partnership – employer- led  Tutor and Job Coach  14 sites in England already getting people into work  Evaluation

What Getting a Life is finding out!!  Plan for employment – person-centred approach involving family carers  Work with supported employment providers  Ensure meaningful work experience  Make sure people learn the skills people need to get a job!!