Experts and locals with learning disabilities gathered with their families to celebrate employment success and advise others today (Monday 15 March) in Hindley, where the Employment Sub Group of the Wigan Learning Disability Partnership Board hosted a special information day.
The sole aim of the group is to make the option of paid employment a reality in the Wigan and Leigh Borough and open employment opportunity that were unheard of 20 or 30 years ago.
Guests, service providers, and more than 100 people attended the lively and interactive event which was designed to help "self advocates" from 16 to 65 years of age find work across the community.
One of the highlights was a moving drama performance by the More than Words theatre group. Made up of six disabled actors, the group showed visitors how life really has changed for the better for people with learning disabilities. Then - they were locked away in institutions away from friends and family. Now – they are living live life to the full, employing their own PA’s, working, travelling independently, living in their own homes, whilst enjoying shopping and lunching with friends.
The audience watched an emotional DVD of several employers and their employees sharing their supported employment experiences. This DVD is freely available for any employer or prospective employee wanting to find out how they to can get involved.
The event also marked the official launch of www.looking4work.org.uk(external link) a website specifically built for people with learning disabilities which enables them to find out information about employment in the Wigan Borough. It lists organisations from the voluntary, business and statutory areas within the local community so people can find out what’s available in Wigan and to share their skills.
The website was built by Embrace - a Wigan based charity which helps people with disabilities and their families with support, advice and information. For more than a decade it has helped thousands of people understand services to ensure they have an inclusive life.
Everyone also had the opportunity to take a Brief Guide for Carers information booklet away with them, designed to answer questions of relative or carers of someone with learning disabilities who is thinking about employment.
Louise Sutton, Service Director, Personalisation and Community Services says: “We employ more than 30 people with various disabilities across many different departments of the Council, each and every person is a very valued member of the team.
“We have consulted with parents, carers and self advocates about the barriers they feel they face when trying to enter the employment market. We are committed to working with local employers and answering any questions they may have when considering employing a person with learning disabilities. We feel this DVD will help to show employers what it can be like working with people with learning disabilities.”
Councillor Keith Cunliffe, Healthier Communities and Older People Champion says; “People with learning difficulties have the same rights as everyone else in the community.
“It is vital that people are supported to enter and remain in the labour market, gaining employment in worthwhile satisfying careers. This is about much more than simply earning a living, but it also gives purpose and pride, being part of the community and knowing they are contributing.”
