Disability scholars highlight that persons with disabilities (PwD) are among the most discriminated against groups regarding employment in the Open Labour Market (OLM). In the EU, 22.2 million PwD are currently employed (half of PwD population). PwD face unemployment durations that are 40-50% longer than non-disabled individuals, and reemployment probabilities that are 30-50% lower than those without disabilities. Also, structural stigma and discrimination by employers significantly contribute to the increased risk of LTU (Long-term Unemployment) for individuals with mental illness or mental health issues. LTU PwD are almost twice as numerous as those without disabilities. Based on studies and real-world applications, including PwD in the OLM and tackling LTU would not only dismantle long-standing stereotypes within workplaces and benefit individuals (higher incomes, improved quality of life, and greater social inclusion), but can also benefit businesses, and entire national economies and societies, as it allows to tap into a valuable labour pool & to reduce the need for welfare support.
The project will transform the current situation by transferring and scaling up two innovative Supported Employment (SE) practices. SE is a methodology that is already being used across Europe – though not as widely as it should be – and it has proven to be the most effective methodology for ensuring long-term employment outcomes for persons with disabilities, as well as other LTU groups. In fact, the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities urges states to promote SE, including work assistance and job coaching. The two selected practices – and their transfer and up-scaling plans – complement each other and together, embody the essence of social innovation as defined by the call.
The project will contribute to the expected aims and outcomes of the call as it will:
(1) foster collaboration at the local level by providing ongoing support to both jobseekers and employers as equal parties and ensuring cooperation with local employment stakeholders (employer services, businesses, service providers for PwD, local authorities) and partnerships between local employers and communities
(2) embed effective outreach and engagement of PwD and other vulnerable groups in LTU, recognising that they face the most barriers.
(3) provide an individualised, accessible, and inclusive approach for LTU PwD and other vulnerable groups, by providing the necessary support for PwD through its place-then-train concept, distinct from traditional vocational schemes;
By implementing the 6 pre-defined call activities, the project will also:
- a) establish strong, innovative models of SE across the pilot regions by providing sustainable solutions to reducing LTU.
- b) directly reduce the unemployment rates of PwD by connecting them with OLM opportunities
- c) Facilitate collaboration among wider networks and strengthen policy and Employer Engagement.
During the 36 foreseen months, the project will be implemented under the ESF+ programme by a partnership that brings together 5 European, 1 international, 1 national and 9 local organisations based in Belgium (EASPD, EUSE, EPR, OTB, GTB, SYNKROON, ALDA), Austria (Zero Project, ZFSW), Spain (Fundación Intermedia, AESE), Romania (ADV), Italy (AIAS Bologna), Greece (MARGARITA), Croatia (URIHO) and Norway (Funkweb).
