Our Open Employment Pilot Program has kicked off! Starting in the South West, we will be working to place individuals with a disability into open employment, thanks to the SW Open Employment Pathways Grant. This Program will play a pivotal role in our mission to provide people with disabilities access to purpose-driven work, social connection, and independence.
Our Pilot Program:
Intelife will be focusing on developing a robust and ongoing pathway into open employment for individuals with disabilities through partnerships with State Government agencies. Our approach will be comprehensive, offering support and training across three critical areas: individuals with disabilities, our support staff, and the employers themselves.
What is Open Employment?
Open employment means integrating employees with disability into the mainstream workforce, working alongside employees without a disability.
There are many benefits to open employment. For employees, they can enjoy greater financial independence and social connection. For employers, inclusive workplaces are more likely to be highly effective, innovative, and provide excellent customer service.
- Additionally, research shows that most workers with disabilities are highly productive, less likely to be absent, and experience fewer work-related accidents. Additionally, employees with disabilities tend to be more satisfied with their jobs and stay longer with their employers.
How it works:
- The employees could work a few hours a week, or full time, dependent on the employee and the work on offer.
- The employee may have an Intelife Support Worker with them
- Our team will align a person’s skills and interests to a specific job – benefiting both the individual and the business.
- We can assist an employer to create a role using job carving, matching the skills and interests of the individual to the work that they need completed
Project Objectives:
- Enhancing Employment Opportunities:
Our Pilot Program will cater to individuals with high support needs. This Program will not only provide these individuals with the tools and resources they need to succeed but will also enhance the overall support structure surrounding them. - Empowering Supported Employees:
Our goal is to empower supported employees to transition into open employment by breaking down the barriers that often hinder their progress. Through the development and launch of an inclusive pathway, we will help these individuals achieve greater independence and success in the workforce. - Leading the Way in Inclusive Employment:
Intelife is committed to leading the charge in fostering inclusive employment opportunities. We will develop and launch a business partnership program that encourages and supports businesses in creating welcoming, inclusive environments where employees with disabilities can thrive.
This grant marks a significant step forward in our ongoing efforts to support individuals with disabilities to find open employment. We are excited to embark on this journey and look forward to the positive impact this initiative will have on our community.
