Crisis or Opportunity? How to Enhance Employment Possibilities for Persons with Disabilities in the Current Economic Environment The Supported Employment Program Israel Elwyn - Jerusalem 2009 Annual Conference

 Founded in 1984 at the initiative of Jerusalem Municipality, Israeli government and US-based Elwyn Inc.  Non profit organization registered in Israel (Amuta)  Serves over 2,100 children and adults with special needs - Jewish, Muslim and Christian alike  Major program locations: Western and Eastern Jerusalem, Haifa, Ra’anana/Herzliya, Beer Sheva, Beit Shemesh. (Job training program provided nationally) Israel Elwyn

To ensure the most appropriate employment option possible in the inclusive job market for a person with a disability, and according to his or her needs and abilities. To maximize the individual's quality of life through meaningful employment The Vision

 Early Intervention  Preschools and Special Education  Residential  Supported Living  Occupational Training Centers  Small Business Development  Supported Employment  Transitional School to Work Programs  Vocational Training/Job Placement  Retiree Programs IE’s Services

IE ’ s Vocational Programs (National)

IE ’ s Vocational Programs (Western Jerusalem)

Supported Employment Program for People with Disabilities Israel Elwyn - Western Jerusalem

Core Beliefs of the Program Every employee with disabilities is:  Capable of finding inclusive employment in the community based on personal preferences and vocational abilities  Entitled to the supports necessary to allow inclusion in open job market  Entitled to equal employment opportunities in job market and to be included in all employment sectors

Supported Employees: Breakdown by Disability Supported Employees: Breakdown by Disability

Facts about the Program (Western Jerusalem)  Support provided, if necessary, for entire period of employment  200 supported employees with disabilities  150 employers  80% employed in private sector: offices, factories, coffee shops, stores, kindergartens, gardens, senior homes, kitchens, etc.  20% employed in public sector: national and local government offices, Israel’s Supreme Court, public institutions (museums, universities, hospitals, etc.)  Fair salaries and benefits as determined by law

The Recession in Israel  Rate of employment in Israel at lowest level since 2001  Number of new unemployed in first quarter of 2009: 83,000  Hi tech sector: 8,000 new unemployed in first quarter of 2009, reducing sector workforce 5%  Government experts expect number of employees in hi tech to drop 20% in 2009  Number of people seeking work in March: , , %

Employment and Unemployment Rates Employed RatesUnemployed Rates Data from Bank of Israel

Meeting the Job Development Challenge During a Recession Provide solutions for new business needs caused by recession while presenting relative economic benefits of including supported employees Yields win-win situation and creates partnership based on mutual needs  Strategies to help people retain their jobs  Strategies for developing new jobs that take advantage of current economic situation

Strategies to Help People with Disabilities Retain their Jobs  Increase frequency and quality of coaching at jobs  Emphasize placement team’s availability to employer  Ensure professionalism performance of supported worker on the job  Maintain employer (relate to employer’s needs, thank you letters)  Rapid resolution of problems on the job  Quick replacement when employee leaves job

Strategies for Developing New Jobs Taking Advantage of the Current Economic Situation  Actions to maintain current employers (holiday greetings, certificates of appreciation, conferences)  Optimize employer’s employment potential  Recruit new employers through current employers  Significantly increase number of potential employers approached  Approach organizations that are less impacted by recession and divisions that are growing because of recession (marketing, service)  Emphasize savings when filling jobs through IE (time, money)  Emphasize economic advantage in employee training, integration and supervision through placement team

 Emphasize advantages of employees with disabilities during recession :  Vocational flexibility in hours and range of functions  Employer’s need for full service but at a lower output  Long term persistence in attendance  Allows efficient use of company’s human resources  Added value from the customer’s perspective  Present advantages for employer in contact with the community  Develop strategic partnerships with companies seeking to differentiate themselves during recession Strategies for Developing New Jobs Taking Advantage of the Current Economic Situation (cont’d)

Summary During a recession, when creating new jobs is difficult, we must maintain existing employers while gaining the greatest benefit from their employment potential and upgrading our service to them. If we think creatively and work properly, the economic crisis can provide people with disabilities with opportunities.