Different employment models for people with disabilities in

„ Different employment models for people with disabilities in Europe“ Gunta Anča Member of European Economic and Social Committee Chair person of The Latvian Umbrella Body for Disability Organisations SUSTENTO Board member of European Disability Forum Board member of European Women’s Lobby April 14, 2009

Employment as a key for social inclusion Special efforts need to be made to promote the access of disabled people to employment, preferably in the mainstream labour market. This is one of the important ways to fight against the social exclusion of disabled people and to promote their independent living and dignity. This requires, not only the active mobilisation of the social partners, but also of the public authorities, which need to continue to strengthen the measures already in place. http: //www. madriddeclaration. org

Where are difficulties?

Myths Prejudices Stereotypes Discrimination

It is based on. . .

Fairytales Literature Cinema History

Barriers to employment – Negative attitudes, lack of understanding – Administrative obstacles – Inaccessibility of work premises – Lack of flexibility of employer

Who is responsible?

Role of decision-makers • Incentives for companies to employ people with disabilities • Better and more information on available incentives • Measures to compensate for lower, inadequate education • Make use provisions in EU public procurement directives • Start-up grants for people with disabilities adapted to their needs Structural Funds as a tool to promote employment and accessibility • Horizontal non discrimination legislation

Role of employers • increase their efforts to include, retain, and promote disabled people in their workforce • to design their products so that they are accessible for everybody • review their internal policies to ensure that none of these prevents disabled people from enjoying equal opportunities.

Role of trade unions • increase their involvement to improve the access and retention of disabled people in the labour market • ensure that people with disabilities benefit from equal access to training and promotion measures, when negotiating agreements in companies. • increased attention to participation and representation of disabled workers in their own decision making structures and in companies

Role of disability NGOs • • • promote new legislation and initiatives follow policy developments on national and EU level seize opportunities for change in review of existing legislation develop and promote a dialogue between employers, workers, and disabled people’s organisations raise awareness on people with disabilities as equal part of society to develop skills and knowledge of people with disabilities

Definition of disability The convention adopts a social model of disability, and defines disability as including those who have long-term physical, mental, intellectual or sensory impairments which in interaction with various barriers may hinder their full and effective participation in society on an equal basis with others.