University College Dublin
Social and Vocational Rehabilitation Programme
The Michael Smurfit Graduate School of Business
Blackrock Co. Dublin
Abstract
This paper shows the main results of a study completed in August '99. The study aimed to explore patterns of good practice in developing paths to employment in mainstream companies for people with primary learning difficulties. The purpose of the study was to contribute to the production of a guide on tested paths of good practice and the identification of a framework of key issues and models utilisable as a basis for further studies. The study also explored employment policies for people with disabilities and provided some general statistics on employment provider agencies.
The investigation of good practices was conducted through an analysis of process and context variables, and outcomes of four employment provider agencies located respectively in Germany, Italy, Spain and the UK. These agencies, which operate a 'place, then train' approach, were selected taking into account the advice of a panel of European experts. Data was obtained through the collection of written documentation and through open-ended (face to face) interviews with the managers and collaborators of the agencies.
General findings revealed three different models of employment practice. The distinctive characteristics between models included the varied sequences of training and actual employment, the duration of client training, and the level of client support provided. While two of these models included key elements typical of the American 'supported employment' approach, one model was independent. In addition, results indicated that, although the concept of employment practices implies a 'human rights oriented' approach, all the agencies studied were characterised by a number of 'care/welfare oriented' elements with no regard for the degree of the clients' difficulties.