Disability Sheffield
Zoom: A A A A Current Page  »  About  /  Blog  /  Blog Article

Plans that Work for Work

People with a learning disability are significantly less likely to be in paid employment than other people. Research, by the Institute for Policy Research (IPPR) North, the University of Sheffield and Manchester Metropolitan University, found that many children and young people with a learning disability are not getting the support they need to get the education, training, and preparation for adulthood that they are entitled to. As a result of cuts to education provision disabled children and young people are missing out on the support that will help them prepare for employment and adulthood. There is evidence that supported internships can be beneficial in preparing people for work but access to and the quality of these schemes varies.

The research team has published their findings in a report called ‘Plans that work: employment outcomes for people with learning disabilities’.

You can download the full report here

You can download the easy-read version of the report here

The key recommendations from this research are that :-

● The government should give more support for people with learning disabilities through Education Health and Care (EHC) plans.
● The government should provide more money for schools and colleges.
● Local councils and mayors should work with employers to create more supported internships.
● The government should allow people with learning disabilities to keep EHC plans for their first year of employment.

Following the publication of the report the researchers held two workshop events, one in Manchester and one in Sheffield inviting self-advocacy groups and representatives from the local authorities and charities, including Disability Sheffield, the Department for Work, the Department for Education, Project Search and Youth Employment. The workshops discussed what works and what the barriers are when it comes to improving employment outcomes for people with learning disabilities. Over the next few months an Action Plan will be developed exploring ways of working with various organisations to influence policy and practice.

Please find links to three short films that capture the key findings

William’s story – circles of support

Speakup Self-advocacy Rotherham

Debbie’s story of employment

If you would like to hear more about this work or share your experiences of working, or trying to find work, please contact Rachael Black at Sheffield University at rachael.black@sheffield.ac.uk

Share

Leave a comment

Blog Archive

Articles by Category

Articles by Tag

Articles by Date

* indicates required

Sign up to our latest news on local and national disability related issues and events

Recent Feedback    (We'd love to receive your feedback, please click here to add some)

Very good presentation, brave of the speakers to tell their stories and had a very high impact - feedback from Mate/Hate Crime presentation and video session at Safeguarding Working Together Conference
The service received was rated as:  

feedback training

When I moved to Sheffield nearly five years ago it was my "go to" organisation. I expect it to stay that way. All the staff and volunteers seem to pull out little gems of effort that disabled people like me couldn't do without. Professionally and personally - I love em :)
The service received was rated as:  

Andrew Crooks

A fantastic presentation thought provoking and good questions from the floor around promoting this film/message to the general public not just professionals.
The service received was rated as:  

training feedback

Disability Sheffield is a forward-thinking, energetic organisation doing a lot of positive work in Sheffield. I have no doubt they will continue to do so for a long time to come.
The service received was rated as:  

Ruth