020 8879 6333
On the 14th of November 2024, the Generate Voices Forum met with Choice Support for an inspiring and insightful session on supported employment for people with learning disabilities and autism. Held on Zoom, this virtual gathering explored the challenges individuals face in finding and maintaining meaningful work and brainstormed solutions to create a more inclusive employment landscape.
Understanding Supported Employment
Supported employment provides tailored assistance to individuals with learning disabilities and autism, helping them secure and thrive in roles that match their skills and interests. This includes personalized support such as job coaching, workplace adjustments, and ongoing mentoring, ensuring individuals can achieve independence and success. The session emphasized the positive impact of supported employment—not only for individuals but also for employers and communities. However, it also highlighted barriers such as stigma, lack of awareness, and insufficient access to resources.
Voices Forum Members Share Their Stories
A key highlight of the session was when members of the Generate Voices Forum bravely shared their personal experiences with employment. Their stories provided powerful insights into the realities faced by individuals with learning disabilities and autism in the workplace.
Michelle said “I did with the co charring for Thera Trust it was Sally who came to Generate and showed me their similar job description because I didn’t know anything about Thera trust when she asked me. Then we had to prep for questions for when we went for the interview, there was five of them that interviewed us and then after that we would get told whether we would be successful in going further”
Then she added “In 2020 just before lock down we had our very first face to face board meeting then the rest were all online”
Jean Frampton explained about what Choice Support does and what the organization can help with finding jobs for those with learning disabilities and Autism.
The details were about
- Finding the dream job someone wants and match that job convincing companies to employ their clients
- Filling out a CV with someone who finds it hard to do a CV
- Making reasonable adjustments
- Help practice for interviews for example: asking the organization to provide the questions that they are going to ask during the interview
- Provide Access to work and stay with the person for a year.
Michelle Said “I’ve gone through the process and worked on many things at Generate. I don’t have a favorite.”
Jean said “that’s what Alex and I love about our jobs. We love helping people getting into jobs and volunteering programs. We help people get their dream jobs. What is your dream job? We also help you with your application forms”
Luis “My partner needs a support worker”
Karen said “there’s been a bit of trouble there. I need help. I used to work but I had to leave. I did too many hours. I did enjoy it.”
Alex said “If you need someone to help you go to work, access to work would be your best bet”
Michelle asked “Can I have my C.V refreshed?”
Jean replied “absolutely”
Malachi “Can I also use it for work experience?
Jean said “We help with that especially for people who have never worked before and they are nervous, we will find some voluntary work for you to do”
Sean said “Right now I am using indeed.com to look for jobs. I wanted to take some time off”
Jean “We stay with you for a year after you start your job”
Alex said “there are many gardens that people could help at”
Volunteering
We talked about Volunteering and how it helps someone with a Learning Disability or Autism. If you volunteer for a society or charity it will help when you gain new experiences like Terry our own Voices Coordinator he volunteers for The Merchant Navy Locomotive Preservation Society Limited and help look after a steam locomotive called Clan Line that goes out on rail tours around Kent from London Victoria and gave details of the society to Choice Support on where they are based and who to contact.
You can volunteer for anything
- Working in a Garden Centre
- Volunteering at for an event
- Working in local communities for events
Thank You Choice Support and Looking Ahead
A big thank you to Choice Support and all forum members for sharing your stories, insights, and ideas. Together, we’re paving the way for greater opportunity and understanding. Also Thank You Jean and Alex for coming to the Voices Forum meeting.
Links to Choice Support’s website are below
https://www.choicesupport.org.uk/contact-us/general-enquiries
020 8879 6333
