Confluye designs personalized pathways to ensure successful access to the labor market for people with disabilities.

Supported Employment (SE) stands as a cornerstone of the work carried out by the association Confluye. This model hinges on a collaborative effort involving the job coach, the individual with a disability seeking employment, and the company or institution offering the job. The process begins the moment someone expresses a desire to enter the workforce—a common occurrence. From there, a job coach conducts a thorough assessment of the individual’s skills, interests, and needs, assisting them throughout the job search. The coach provides clear guidance for performing workplace tasks and continues to offer support even after employment begins.

The ultimate goal: to reduce support over time until it becomes unnecessary—when the individual has gained sufficient autonomy to address everyday challenges and workplace demands independently.

Gema Sánchez-Cabezudo, a guidance counselor and job coach at Confluye, describes her mission: “My main objective is to empower people to become as self-sufficient as possible in their jobs. That means building their confidence and skills so they can take ownership of their responsibilities,” she explains. “I also collaborate with employers to implement reasonable accommodations that allow the person to perform their duties effectively.”

One of the individuals she supports is Miguel Velado, a member of Confluye with experience across several organizations. After passing a civil service exam, Miguel secured a permanent position in the Department of Economy, Innovation and Finance at Madrid City Council (Economía, Innovación y Hacienda del Ayuntamiento de Madrid). “Gema helps me. We planned out the tasks I needed to do and she gave me instructions. Whenever I had questions, I could ask her,” he says. The support provided included liaising with his team and supervisor, identifying his core competencies, and creating a workflow that leverages his strengths while addressing areas for improvement.

“I’m really happy because I try to do things as well as I can, and that gives me satisfaction—even though everyone makes mistakes sometimes,” he reflects. Miguel juggles his city hall job with part-time tennis coaching and a warehouse internship. Staying active, he says, brings him joy—and pride in earning his own income.

A critical factor in Confluye’s model is aligning the hiring company’s needs with the skills of prospective employees. Previously, the norm was “train first, then work.” But this approach often proved ineffective for integrating individuals with intellectual or learning disabilities into mainstream workplaces. Today, Confluye has shifted toward a “work-train-sustain” model: offering real-time, on-the-job support from day one, leading to more meaningful and durable inclusion.

This is the path taken by Elsa SC, manager of a consultancy firm in Rivas Vaciamadrid, who recently hired Carlota Isabel AC after an interview. “We’re still in the trial phase. I’m assigning her simple tasks now, and the idea is for her to gradually take on more complex responsibilities,” Elsa explains. With high daily workloads and a fast-paced environment, Elsa says the support from Confluye has been crucial in helping Carlota build confidence and navigate the transition.

Carlota, 21, completed her vocational training in administrative services two years ago. In 2023 and 2024, she worked in the Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities, performing administrative duties. When her contract ended, she turned to Confluye—and now holds a position at the private consultancy.

“It’s going really well, though I’m still learning the ropes,” she says. Drawing from both her experience in the public sector and her new role in a private firm, she feels satisfied with her professional journey. “Working at the Ministry gave me structure, and I enjoyed meeting people and getting out of my hometown, Arganda del Rey. I really missed that routine during the six months I was unemployed.”

Carlota is now handling payroll reviews, registering associations, and downloading official certificates. Soon, she hopes to manage income tax returns. “Confluye has been a huge help, and my coworkers too. I’ve got my notes, and when I don’t know how to do something, I check them—or search online,” she adds.

Alberto Domínguez, another participant, recently began working at a Basque restaurant in Rivas. Though he previously spent two years in landscaping with the Vicálvaro Municipal Board and 18 months restocking shelves at a supermarket, hospitality is new to him—and that’s precisely the appeal. “I want to try something different. Gardening is my passion, and I’d love to return to it, but right now I need a job to help support my family. No one else at home is working,” he says.

For Domínguez, each job represents more than a paycheck—it’s a step toward independence. In parallel with his current role, he’s preparing for a civil service exam to work in public facilities maintenance, studying and taking practice tests with guidance from a Confluye coach. “Having this support gives me confidence,” he says.

Daniel García Díez works in cleaning and maintenance at ANADAT, a company that has fully embraced inclusive hiring. “Daniel’s integration has been excellent. He’s energetic and fits right in with our company culture,” says David Sanz Gutiérrez, ANADAT’s head of administration. He credits Confluye for streamlining the adaptation process. “They’ve made everything easy. I believe it’s essential that companies offer positions to people with disabilities—and we’re open to hiring more in the future.”

Historically, people with disabilities have been channeled into low-skilled, low-paid, manual jobs—often misaligned with their aspirations and capabilities. But thanks to the tireless efforts of organizations like Confluye, that landscape is shifting. Today, the range of sectors accessible to people with disabilities is growing, as employers open their doors to untapped talent.

Confluye continues to advocate for that transformation—urging companies, institutions, and public bodies to embrace what these individuals can bring to the table. Each step forward brings us closer to the brighter horizon envisioned by supported employment: true and effective equal opportunity for all.

Article written by: Esmeralda R. Vaquero, periodista.