Learning Disability Week – Meaningful employment for those with learning disabilities and autism

Can you tell us a bit about some of the leading programmes and projects DFN Project SEARCH engages with?

There are over 69 internationally recognised DFN Project SEARCH programmes and we are committed to expanding our provision to ensure that more young people with learning disabilities and autism have access to a meaningful employment pathway. In England, less than 6% of people with learning disabilities and autism, known to adult services, are in paid employment. Comparably, our data shows that 60.5% of DFN Project SEARCH graduates have achieved full time, meaningful, competitive, and integrated employment, paid at the prevailing wage.

DFN Project SEARCH programmes are successfully running in a range of host businesses including hospital trusts, universities, local government, distribution centres and more. We have recently signed a contract with NHS England, Health Education England, NHS Improvements and NHS Employers to increase the number of DFN Project SEARCH programmes to include 42 brand new sites to be based in hospitals over 2021 and 2022. This exciting development means that NHSE, HEE & NHS Employers have committed to funding the licence fee for each new hospital site identified as part of this contract. It is a fantastic development in the DFN Project SEARCH journey to be working with such strategic partners to increase the opportunities for an additional 500 young people each year with learning disabilities and autism to access this model and transform workplaces and workforces.

What kind of work do you support individuals to secure? Are there any particular areas that hold a big opportunity for employers?

DFN Project SEARCH-supported internship programmes are based at large host businesses such as hospital trusts, local authorities, universities, and distribution centres. Interns are exposed to real job roles and there are no limits to the kind of employment they secure at the end of the programme. Interns are often employed within the host business and many more have found paid work externally. Graduates have secured employment in many industries, including healthcare, retail, hospitality, office administration, reception, manufacturing, teaching, security, transport and more.

What would you advise organisations to do as they look to recruit in a more inclusive way for individuals with learning difficulties?

Our advice to organisations would be to consider how their recruitment processes could become more inclusive to people with learning disabilities and autism. Considering reasonable adjustments or alternative interview methods will allow for a wider talent pool to showcase their diverse talents. Accepting a video CV and including a practical element to the interview process, such as a work trial, are two examples of how to measure a candidate’s suitability to the role. Reasonable adjustments support candidates in the interview process, for example, allowing a Job Coach to attend with the candidate, providing questions in a written format, making sure the environment is fully accessible, and allowing extra time to answer questions. Reasonable adjustments can be considered on an individual basis and the purpose is to ensure the candidate is not put at a disadvantage.

The benefits of hiring from a diverse talent pool are numerous and has significant positive social, economic, and financial implications, in addition to boosting team morale, improving creativity, and truly reflecting the wider needs of our society. We encourage organisations to learn about and share these benefits with their teams.

4. How can readers find out more about DFN Project Search’s work?

The DFN Project SEARCH website provides information about our data, outcomes, existing programmes, and how to get involved in setting up a programme.

This 6-minute video will really bring the programme to life for you.

If you are interested in starting up a DFN Project SEARCH programme in your area, or would simply like to find out more information, you can contact info@dfnprojectsearch.org to be connected to one of our Programme Specialists. We would be delighted to talk to you about how we can work together!