Beginning of Supported Employment Service: 2004

Laborvalía manages 17 occupational centers in the province of Ciudad Real. In 2004, they identified the need for some of the participants in these centers to access the regular labor market through the supported employment methodology. This marked the beginning of their supported employment program.

The professionals believe that the key to a successful supported employment service is to properly match the job to the tasks required and to the needs and interests of the hired individual. Another crucial factor is the promotion of stable natural supports, which are trusted and reliable individuals within the company. The role of natural supports is essential so that, as the presence of job coaches diminishes, the person with a disability maintains their connection with their coworkers.

In recent years, the number of contracts has increased, but these are typically shorter compared to when the methodology was first implemented. Laborvalía encourages companies to offer contracts of at least one year. The challenge for their Supported Employment Service is to work towards making these contracts permanent.

More important than the specific disability of the participants is their interest and motivation. If they are interested and motivated to work, the employment project has a high likelihood of success. With these conditions, it becomes easier for them to learn tasks and feel comfortable in the company.

Laborvalía runs a training service with 100 places where individuals with disabilities are prepared for independent living, focusing on the development of social and job-related skills. From this training service, an employment board is formed, providing candidates to fill company job openings.

Laborvalía visits companies interested in hiring individuals with disabilities, supported by job coaches. After analyzing the tasks, responsibilities, and conditions of the position, Laborvalía seeks a suitable candidate from among those participating in the occupational centers or the training service. Once the company hires the individual, the job coach accompanies the person with a disability during their workday, gradually reducing support as the inclusion process becomes autonomous and satisfactory.

In 2021, Laborvalía received the Premio Reina Leticia de Cultura Inclusiva (Reina Leticia Award for Inclusive Culture) for the project » Valorarte: la creatividad del talento no explotado” (Valorarte: The Creativity of Untapped Talent»). This initiative brings together muralist and sculptor Rafael Rodrigo «Meone» with individuals with intellectual disabilities to decorate walls and facades in various municipalities across European countries. Today, it has become a way of life and work for the Valorarte team.

COMPLEMENTARY ACTIVITIES
Training Service
Leisure activities, sport, musical preparation group.
They offer training with internships in companies (ONCE’s «Uno a Uno» program). These internships provide an opportunity to understand competencies and needs. Some individuals are hired by the companies where they completed their internships.

Training: Auxiliary activities in private centers, with internships in shopping centers. A degree from the UCAM (Universidad Católica San Antonio de Murcia) School of Law through the “Incluye e Inserta” program.

SECTORS WITH THE HIGHEST DEGREE OF INCLUSION
In Ciudad Real, there are many public employees and few companies, which is why most individuals work in the cleaning sector, where the most job offers are available. Another sector with more hiring is commerce. There is also demand in hospitality, but it has proven to be a difficult and stressful sector for the people who belong to Laborvalía.

SUPPORT PROFESSIONALS AND COMPANY MANAGERS OPINIONS

There are many employment opportunities, but maintaining them is more challenging. Many companies do not renew contracts once they expire.
The most difficult challenge with companies is that hiring incentives should last longer. We believe it is more meaningful when companies that are not required to hire people with disabilities do so. Raising awareness is crucial to achieving this. When companies take this step, they usually feel satisfied with the results.

Sometimes, it’s necessary to broaden interests through more training or by motivating individuals to explore new job opportunities, as this can open doors and allow them to try professions they might enjoy but were previously unaware of.

In recent years, there has been increased awareness among companies, more contracts have been signed, and there is a greater willingness to employ young people with disabilities. Through the training service, we have realized that employment is a Right, but the goal can go beyond that, towards independent living and successful social inclusion with employment support.

Employment involves a series of complementary training and support activities that need to be promoted and funded.
Family plays a decisive role in motivating individuals to work and live independently.
At first, we only focused on employment, but we realized the need to include other services that accompany and support individuals in their life projects, not just at work.

PEOPLE HIRED THROUGH SUPPORTED EMPLOYMENT OPINIONS
Interview with workers employed in creating artistic murals for urban decoration:
This job has given me the opportunity to travel. We are like a family. The van we use is like a confessional. There is a clear «before and after» from our travels.
The artist adapts to us. The designs are prepared for us.
There should be more supported employment associations. The support figure should exist in every company, in every job, because otherwise, it is impossible.