People with disabilities have the right to participate in the workforce, and government and employers have a duty to support them in that goal.
That was the message from Communities Minister Paul Givan today as he announced new contracts of the Executive’s flagship ‘Workable (NI)’ disability employment programme, launched at Cedar Foundation in Belfast.
Workable (NI) supports people with a range of disabilities to secure and retain paid jobs across every employment sector throughout Northern Ireland. The programme is currently supporting almost 700 employees.
Speaking at a launch event of the new phase of Workable NI, Minister Givan said: “Disabled people are often faced with numerous and complex barriers to finding and retaining paid employment. Workable NI provides its participants with tailored support for their individual needs to help them move into and sustain suitable employment. Employers who have been involved in the programme have found that participants of Workable NI have the ability, motivation and determination to enhance any workforce. Their appreciation is evidence of how the Workable NI programme is not only successful for the individual participant but can also create a more diverse, inclusive and richer working environment.”
The Minister continued: “This new phase of the Workable NI Programme has increased flexibilities regarding hours of employment and levels of support on offer. Ensuring disabled people are afforded their right to work is a priority. I wish Disability Action, Supported Employment Solutions and Ulster Supported Employment and Learning, continued success with the programme and reaffirm our commitment to working in partnership to ensure the programme grows from strength to strength.”
SES will provide teams of dedicated and specialist employment officers, who will work with individuals who are seeking employment or those who are in work, but experiencing real difficulties 
due to their disability. They also offer tailored support to the host employer, including disability training for staff, mentoring support and input into the employee’s performance review process.
More information can be found here
