What bugs me around rows over diagnosis and the "NEET" debate is that it forgets a lot of jobs autistic or other SEND adults would go into in previous years has pretty much gone for now.
Retail, Cleaning, Warehouses, Garderning, Admin etc.
I work with adults that have been officially diagnosed with disabilities of all types. I agree with your statement. I think creating jobs specifically accessible for persons with disabilities should be something industries and governments should be more worried about, rather than fretting over the concept of over-diagnosis. If it’s true that we are getting a huge influx of disabilities diagnosed, then wouldn’t it make sense to utilize that demographic in the workforce?
I’m not as convinced retail is a generally safe environment for folks with disabilities (particularly thinking of Autism, though), but I completely agree that cleaning and warehouses are HUGE for us with disabilities. Low social pressure, repetitive tasks, and usually close support from supervisors make those two generally good fits for those with Autism in particular. I’m lucky to have a local custodial employer who is very willing to work with my clients, but despite the fact that we have like five or so warehouses/factories in this town NONE of them are willing to assist these disabled clients to get quality work.
I believe employers and governments could do more to encourage us to work rather than solely rely on government-funded social services since all the options for jobs out there are not disability friendly at all.
(Note: I’m not saying that relying social services are not acceptable nor am I inferring that all individuals with disabilities should be working. I am merely suggesting that more safe opportunities in workplaces could lead to less reliance on social services overall.)
I understand what you mean about retail, I should also clarify that my retail experience was in a garden centre outdoors which was not too stimulating. My own personal worst is hospitality, I had to leave soon after I started.
I think Alan Millburn did allude to what you are saying a few months back that we don't really spend a great deal on helping people (including SEND adults) get into work.
It's depressing you mention how unhelpful your local warehouses are. I have been told similar around employers in this area. In interviews now I never disclose my disability, they don't have a legal right to know if i am correct.
To be honest there just seems to be so little work at the moment. Even on Indeed and Reed there does not seem huge amounts within a 45 minute radius of my area.
I think my garden centre was strange as it seemed to be year round. I recall having freezing hands in december just before christmas!
That is a good approach to take. Funny enough today I did fill in a form and did mention the autism as it asked about disability. I don't normally do that but took your advice on board!
It is illegal here too, but they make up reasons and it is hard to prove.
It is depressing to hear that employment is tricky to find in the US as it is here. Can I ask where you had luck getting your clients employment?
I think my garden centre was strange as it seemed to be year round. I recall having freezing hands in december just before christmas!
That is a good approach to take. Funny enough today I did fill in a form and did mention the autism as it asked about disability. I don't normally do that but took your advice on board!
It is illegal here too, but they make up reasons and it is hard to prove.
It is depressing to hear that employment is tricky to find in the US as it is here. Can I ask where you had luck getting your clients employment?
