Learning Disability Network London recently held an event about inclusive employment.
Our aim was to shine a light on the lack of employment opportunities for learning disabled and autistic people.
Currently 95% of people with learning disabilities do not have a job.
People with learning disabilities and autistic people, as well as supported employment experts, talked about their experiences. We held the event at the office of Brewin Dolphin in central London, who kindly loaned us their space.
Four experts – people with learning disabilities and autistic people – spoke about their experiences in the world of work. They took part in live interviews, with questions from Ciaran Willis, who is a member of LDN London’s communications team.
Sally Ishag spoke about working in customer service roles at Kensington and Chelsea Council, and at Boots. She needs some reasonable adjustments when she is working. Sally has been frustrated by how difficult it is to get a full-time job, even though she has lots of experience.
Arthur Cassagne told us about working as a barista, as part of a programme we are running with Becauze, a social enterprise. He now gives mentoring to other people at LDN London who want to be baristas.
Jay Dublin-Beeton, who is an autistic person, has faced workplaces that didn’t give her the support she needed. She talked about the style of learning that suits her, and how employers can better support autistic people at work.
Ismail Hussain has worked for 16 years at Primark in Marble Arch. He spoke about what he enjoys about his job and what he is hoping for in the future.
Sola Okusaga from Westminster Employment Service spoke to Simon Jarrett, a historian about learning disabilities, as part of a Q and A session. Sola supports young people, including people with learning disabilities, to find meaningful jobs. She talked about how employers can better meet people’s needs and create a more effective recruitment process for everyone.
Julia Green and Maurice George work at BASE (British Association for Supported Employment) where they are the CEO and South-East Lead.
Julia talked about what works when it comes to supported employment, including the importance of inspiring role models and meaningful work opportunities.
Maurice told us about how businesses will benefit from the talent of people with learning disabilities. Although people with learning disabilities and autistic people take longer to learn, statistics show they are generally more consistent and productive employees.
Our team at LDN Eats also spoke at the event. LDN Eats is a new programme we have set up, helping people with learning disabilities to learn skills and find jobs in the catering industry. Staff members Mandy and Adele talked about how LDN Eats will work. Daniel and Valmie, two of the trainees, spoke about their experiences so far.
“I am a bit shy sometimes. I needed encouragement to apply for the job and go to the training but I’m glad that I did. Doing the training has helped with my confidence.”
Mary, Quality Checker
If you would like to explore inclusive employment, we can help you find the right local service and be a friendly ear in the process. Please contact:
Mandy Crowford mcrowford@ldnlondon.org or
Luana Baptista lbaptista@ldnlondon.org
If you would like to enquire about catering for your workplace or an upcoming event, we can provide a quote and answer any questions you may have. Please contact:
Adele Alexander aalexander2@ldnlondon.org
We have a number of packages to help companies fulfil their ESG goals, changing outcomes for people with learning disabilities and their families.
Please contact:
Katie McDaniel kmcdaniel@ldnlondon.org
George, who has a learning disability, recently began a new job at a community space and coffee shop in Westminster.
He works as an assistant at The Onion Garden.
His favourite task is watering the plants. It is the first thing he does when he gets to work.
George found the job with great networking and people-skills.
In the past it has been difficult for George to find a job though. Like many people with learning disabilities, employers didn’t give him opportunities.
As an autistic person Jay has faced workplaces that are not right for her.
In 2018, Jay started jobs at a popular café chain and housekeeping at a hotel. It was before she received an autism diagnosis.
She remembers that they expected her to learn very quickly and it was overwhelming: “You have about three days to remember everything… I was just crying at work because it got too much.”
Kassra has lots of experience as a volunteer, but he dreams of a paid job.
He has just started volunteering at the Natural History Museum. He is a learning volunteer and shows displays to people who come to the museum. It fits with his love of science and the natural world.
Kassra has also been a volunteer at College Park – a school which supports children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities – and as an usher with Southwark Playhouse.
