gateway maryland’s Post

Today is National Supported Internship Day 2024 🎉 💼 Did you Only 4.8% of people with a Learning Disability and/or Autism are in Paid Employment? What is a Supported Internship 🤔 Supported Internships such as DFN Project SEARCH help individuals who have a Learning Disability and/or Autism become ready to step into the world of work, by gaining the skills, Knowledge and confidence they need to become Job ready. Project Search does this by doing both classroom work and workplace rotations where they will have support from Job Coach, Tutor and mentor to gain transferable skills and knowledge that they can use in their future Career. To highlight the Importance of Supported Internships such as DFN Project SEARCH and the opportunities they create for people with a Learning Disability and/or Autism, We spoke to some of the Interns and their Families to get their thoughts on Project Search and how its helped them. Please keep an eye out on this page to hear their thoughts... #NSID2024 #NationalSupportedInternshipDay #SupportedEmployment #Autism #LearningDisability #Inclusion #Neurodiversity #DFNProjectSearch #NeurodiverseWorkforce

Internships play a crucial role in helping individuals with intellectual disabilities find meaningful employment and integrate into the workforce. These opportunities provide not just hands-on experience, but also the chance to develop essential skills, build confidence, and showcase their abilities in a real-world setting. For many people with intellectual disabilities, internships are the stepping stones to long-term employment. Through these programs, they discover jobs that align with their strengths and passions, allowing them to thrive in the workplace. In fact, research shows that individuals who participate in internships are three times more likely to secure employment than those who don't. By offering internship opportunities, we can create pathways to success for people with intellectual disabilities, helping them find their place in the job market and contribute to society in meaningful ways. Let's continue to support and expand these programs to ensure everyone has the chance to shine. 🌠 #DAWproject #DiversityAtWork #DAW #Inclusion #SkillsforDisabled #CognitiveDisability

What do you know about Flexible Supported Employment Pathways? Charlie, who runs the autism base in Llanishen, talks about the benefits of the FSEP scheme for young people with an autism diagnosis. Unfortunately, many young people with Additional Learning Needs do not have access to work experience and therefore are not prepared to join the workforce. But with a bit of training and support employers can access a whole new pool of potential talent that is being overlooked. National supported internships are one example of a flexible supported employment pathway that young people with ALN can take. We will be sharing more about this tomorrow for National Supported Internship Day! Find out more about supported internships by visiting: https://orlo.uk/OmFA3 Support NSID: https://orlo.uk/TYo7l Cardiff Commitment can support you and your business to connect with young people in Cardiff. If you're interested in the work we do and want to find out more visit https://orlo.uk/WNYNi or email victoria.poole@cardiff.gov.uk #NSID2024 #cardiffcommitment #ambition #opportunities #skills #supportedinternships #aln #projectsearch #flexiblesupportedemployment #flexibleemployment #flexiblesupportedemploymentpathway #FSEP

Today is #NationalSupportedInternshipDay! Did you know only 4.8% of people in England with a learning disability and/or autism go on to secure paid employment. We need to change this and that’s why we’re calling on YOU to support young disabled people into employment by becoming a supported internship provider. ✨ Supported Internships are a work-based study programme for 16 to 24 years old with SEND and can help kickstart a young person’s career and put them on the path to employment. 🙌 That’s why DFN Project SEARCH have launched National Supported Internship Day to raise awareness of the impact of supported internships can have on the lives of young people. DFN Project SEARCH’s supported internships have seen up to 70% of their graduates gain paid employment, and it’s not just the interns who benefit but wider society benefits from a diverse talent pool. Find out how to get involved here: https://lnkd.in/eVs445h5 #NSID #NationalSupportedInternshiDay #Autism #SEND

We can't talk about internships and career development without mentioning the disparity in employment for people on the Autism spectrum. Recent studies indicate that up to 85% of adults with autism are unemployed due to discrimination and a lack of understanding of the unique skill sets that people with autism bring to the workforce. Thankfully, there are some roarsome organizations, foundations, and companies that are working to change that, and we'd like to highlight one—@arc-of-monroe-county and their SELF employment readiness internship. Read more about their work here: https://lnkd.in/evb6V4UY #InternshipAwarenessMonth #AutismAwarenessMonth #Inclusion #LifeSkills

For some young people with additional needs transitioning from education into employment isn't always easy, but DFN Project SEARCH aims to change this through its supported internships. 💪 Through the one-year transition to work programme young adults with a learning disability or autism spectrum conditions, or both are able to gain valuable skills and experience. Working closely with the public, private and voluntary sector the programme facilitates supported employment internships for young people in their last year of education, helping them to take positive first steps into the world of work. Sarah Moorhouse, Project SEARCH tutor explained more: "Supported internships are life changing for both the young person and their families as they open up a world of choice and opportunity. "By accessing three, fully immersive, work placements interns gain valuable transferrable skills, knowledge and behaviours to ensure that they are successful in the world of work. "Furthermore, employers can gain a deeper understanding of inclusion and welcome a previously untapped pool of employees who bring both diversity and different thinking to their workplace. Nationally, only 4.6% of people with a disability known to their Local Authority, are in employment, compared to over 70% of DFN Project SEARCH Graduates. "The Burnley site, based in The Calico Group, has a success rate of 100%, meaning all of our 2022/23 cohort are now in sustainable and meaningful employment." 💬 Read the full feature on Project SEARCH in our latest InBusiness Burnley article: ➡️ 🔗 https://lnkd.in/eK39A9TQ 🔗 ⬅️ #burnley #lancashire #emplyment #brilliantburnley #disability #inclusion #learningdifficulties #internships #austism

Today (27 March) is #NationalSupportedInternshipDay! Did you know that Supported Internship host employers have reported increases in staff morale and even drop offs in sickness rates, as well as improved processes due to interns suggesting new ways of working? For those not familiar with Supported internships, they are work-based study programmes tailored for young people, aged 16 to 24, with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). They can help young people with an Education, Health and Care Plan develop vital employment skills, as well as build their self-esteem and confidence. Warwickshire County Council is working to improve employment opportunities for young people with SEND and in 2023 launched new guidance to help local employers and education providers understand more about supported internships and how to develop a successful programme. There are also new guides available for young people and parents and carers, as well as an Easy Read guide. You can find all guides and more information at: https://lnkd.in/eEcrcr-4 #NSID2024 #SupportedInternships #Internships #NSID #InclusiveEmployment #Inclusivity

Why should employers look at getting involved with our Supported Internship Programme? 1. The process of the Supported Internship acts as an extended interview, this increases the chances of getting the right person for the job. 2. Hiring those with disabilities will increase diversity within your company and will help you to achieve equality and diversity targets. 3. It can further increase productivity within your company as your employees can delegate tasks to the intern. 4. A workforce that includes people with disabilities is valued by customers - Studies found that 87% of consumers prefer to use companies that hire people with disabilities. 5. People with learning difficulties may have skills that are currently lacking within your existing staff. Therefore, a diverse workforce can increase productivity whilst reducing costs for the business. 6. There is evidence that individuals with a learning disability take less time off work and that they remain with a company for longer. #NationalSupportedInternshipDay #NSID2024 #HalesowenCollege

Employing young people with additional needs is more than just an act of inclusion—it’s an investment in your business’s future. DFN Project SEARCH provides expert guidance to ensure both employers and interns benefit from a supportive and successful experience. Find out how this partnership can create lasting value for your organisation. https://lnkd.in/gDAaHhAm #InternshipsWork #SupportedInternships #InclusiveEmployment

Supported internships bridge the gap between education and employment for young individuals with disabilities, offering them practical work experience within real workplace settings. An initiative that not only fosters diversity but also enriches our workforce. Learn how your organisation can take part and benefit from Supported Internships: https://lnkd.in/eju9_pEk #Inclusion #SupportedInternshipsDay #NSID #NationalSupportedInternshipDay #InternshipsWork