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In Europe, it is more difficult to find a job if you have an intellectual disability.
This week, an event took place to help people with intellectual disabilities find jobs. The event was part of the Special Olympics. The Special Olympics is a sports contest for A show for artists with intellectual disabilities also took place during the event |
The Special Olympics scientific symposium took place this week, with stakeholders offering their views on the greater inclusion of people with intellectual disabilities in the job market. The event, which took place in Antwerp, Belgium, saw over 300 athletes, policymakers and academics pooling their ideas in a side event to the games.
Among the many recommendations was the view that employers should no longer perceive people with intellectual disabilities as being of inconvenience but instead of value.
The event, organised in partnership with the management schools of the University of Liège and the University of Antwerp, formed part of a series developed alongside the Special Olympics, including an exhibition promoting artists with intellectual disabilities.
With an employment rate 30 per cent lower than the average across the European Union, people with intellectual disabilities must be given equal opportunities in accessing employment, as lack of paid work leads to increased poverty rates and can contribute to exclusion from society.
From a research perspective, the organising academic bodies have proposed a system of “job design”, which would allow people with intellectual disabilities to benefit from an employment contract tailored to fit their needs. As a result, specific focus could be given to what each employee could contribute to their job role.
The symposium took place Monday 15 September, prior to Saturday’s ceremony drawing a close to the Special Olympics’ sporting competitions.
