Social integration programme

Owing to myths, stigmatisation, poverty and lack of support systems, society is hesitant in accepting those with intellectual or psychiatric disability. Supported Employment is the single most effective empowerment tool for these people.

Despite progressive legislation such as Employment Equity and the Code of Good Conduct, people with disabilities still find it difficult to find jobs in the open labour market. When the person has intellectual or psychiatric disability, the difficulty is even more pronounced.

Most prospective employers simply don't understand these disabilities; when faced with a job candidate who has psychiatric or intellectual disability, they are apprehensive about the person's abilities – as well as how he or she will fit in with the rest of the staff.

Sensitisation Workshops
Our sensitisation workshops are invaluable in helping employers and other staff members to overcome these fears.

Other aspects of the programme include:

• job coaching and skills training for people with intellectual or psychiatric disability, which aims to prepare them for the workplace and provide an ongoing supportive service;
• the development of a database of persons with mental disabilities that have the potential to be employed - and facilitate in the placement of these individuals in suitable employment.