EESC Public hearing Employment of persons with disabilities

EESC Public hearing Employment of persons with disabilities: how can we change society's view • Guided by: • SDG 8 • CRPD Art. 27, 28

http: //wecanwork. ug/ https: //lab. light-for-the-world. org/

Make 12. 4% Work (Uganda) 12. 4% of the population lives with a disability (officially) Driven by young persons with disabilities from the start Commitment and action from livelihood actors Cross-sectoral (private, civil society, public) Make disability inclusion a reality Highlight that it is: • good business • possible, given commitment, know-how and role-models

1. What can be done, to change the view of society on persons with disability in the field of employment? 2. What are the key elements of success of your initiative/ programme? 3. What could be changed in the existing framework to make it more effective?

What are the key elements of success of your initiative/ programme? • Youth with disabilities as changemakers, 1 st contact points • Approach employers • Ownership & follow-up • Work placements and Internships for youth with disabilities • Assist employers (support, training, …) • Assist youths (training ) • Multimedia approach and documentation of best practices • Social Media as an Advocacy Tool • Employers form a sustainable network of partners

What could be changed in the existing framework to make it more effective? • Establishment of affirmative action measures • Donor Policies can aid or hinder disability inclusion • Donor flexibility and adaptability aids efforts on disability inclusion • Positive, step-by-step approach to implementation

What can be done, to change the view of society on persons with disability in the field of employment? • Put persons with disabilities in the driving seat • Get employers and persons with disabilities talking • Address mistaken perceptions • Highlight benefits of diversity • Keep investing in education too

Thank you!