At Mencap when working with organisations who employ or are starting to employ people with learning disabilities in their workplace, we try to encourage good practice which will essentially make the workplace a more inclusive and accessible environment for a people with learning disability.
We provide employers and their employees with learning disability awareness training so that not only recruiting managers but all colleagues understand learning disability and how to support and communicate with colleagues with learning disabilities in the workplace. Where possible we encourage employers to identify suitable work place buddies for people with learning disabilities, this level of support can be effective in identifying someone that can act as a go to person has an issue they need to discuss or if they have questions to ask.
Our employment team provide a high level of in work support to ensure that the employee who has learning disabilities has the opportunity to learn their role in the workplace at a speed that is suitable for them. Job coaches develop relationships with the employer and will visit and or call the person with learning disabilities occasionally after they have been in post to ensure that they are supported and that things are going well for the employee. There is ongoing support available from Access to Work for the job coach to re-enter the workplace and provide support to address an issues that the employee may be having.
The employee engagement team at Mencap work closely with organisations to identify the most suitable opportunity for a people with learning disabilities, that fit with their skills and preferences.
Creating an inclusive environment for people with learning disabilities is something we want more organisations to do, giving more equal opportunities, valuing difference and dedicating time to providing support to people with learning disabilities in the workplace, opening up pathways for people to gain enriching workplace roles.
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