Hiring people with intellectual disabilities

Good practices on professional inclusion for people with intellectual disabilities

People with intellectual disabilities have the right to work. Companies should give people with intellectual disabilities the opportunity to work. Some companies already have workers with intellectual disabilities. These companies are a good example. They show that people with intellectual disabilities are able to work. They also help people with intellectual disabilities to develop their skills.

People with intellectual disabilities depend on others to be independent. They are often discriminated to access education or to get a job and consequently prevented from developing their abilities and skills. For them, getting a job is also a way to play an active role in their communities, explore and develop their abilities and make people see beyond the disability label.

In 2000, an EU directive was set aside to tackle professional discrimination of people with intellectual disabilities. The directive imposes the obligation for all employers to provide reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities. As a consequence, some companies have put into practice innovative projects to meet their legal responsibilities.

Following the approval of the directive, the Spanish foundation Fundacion Iniciativas launched 'Son capaces' (They can do it), to promote the inclusion of people with intellectual disabilities at work in the Spanish region of Galicia.

The project is supported by FADEMGA, regional organisation of our Spanish member FEAPS, and promotes assisted employment for people with intellectual disabilities. On a first stage, the employee is trained in the workplace by a job trainer. Once they have successfully completed their training, they get hired on one of the group’s roadworthy test stations.

One of their first employees with an intellectual disability was Esteban. Before getting his current job he worked in two occupational centres. His work at the roadworthy station has brought him many benefits: meeting new people, overcoming shyness and fear of talking to strangers or getting his driving license. He considers this job opportunity has significantly changed his life.

Luz Maria also got a job thanks to this project. After working in two occupational centres she could not find employment. She went to FADEMGA, where they found a job offer for her in a roadworthy test station. Now, she really feels part of the team and she gets on well with her colleagues.

Over the years, the foundation launched a specific website on the project and has diversified its activities for the inclusion of people with intellectual disabilities by organising trainings and leisure activities specifically addressed to them. On its website, the foundation encourages other companies to embark on similar projects, since the benefits these will report will far beyond exceed the invested efforts.

Many people with intellectual disabilities have the motivation and the skills to get a job, but they need someone to trust on their abilities to show what they are capable of. Private companies should not forget their social responsibility to ensure the professional inclusion of this group.