IBB 2

This report focuses on the role of adapted work settings in the international framework provided by the UNCRPD; in particular, special attention has been given to Article 26 and 27, as they both deal with principles, measures and services offered by adapted work settings.
Adapted work settings, commonly known also as sheltered workshops, are not referred to in the UNCRPD. This requires clarifications for the thousands of people that benefit from their services and whose future looks therefore uncertain.
The analysis was carried out starting from three main subjects:
- what the Convention brought in general terms through its paradigm shift and the subsequent challenges for social services
- the analysis of the current text of Article 26 and 27 and the links to the role of sheltered workshop matters
- the history of the discussions around the inclusion of sheltered workshops in the UN CRPD.

Services like sheltered workshops may sometimes and very often fulfill more than one function for persons with disabilities, thus their compliance to the UN CRPD articles is particularly sensitive. In the framework of a holistic approach to persons with disabilities, where disability itself is not the focus of attention, but everything is about the individual and the enjoyment of his rights, it is of utter importance to keep a good balance between the multitude of skills, personal choices, possibilities of individual development and society’s response.    
The report provides a state of play of possible links existing between sheltered workshops and the UN CRPD in order to gain a view on future developments needed in the provision of work opportunities to persons with (intellectual) disabilities.

The full report is available here.

For more information on the report please contact Ms. Sabrina Ferraina at sabrina.ferraina@easpd.eu.

Duration 2 years: 1/10/2010 - 30/09/2012

The project     

"Equal opportunities for all!", this goal was formulated by the European Commission to enable people with disabilities unrestricted participation in society. Many ideas for integration in employment have already been set into practice.  Until now, persons with disabilities haven’t had access to jobs in the social sector which explains the missing tradition of employing persons with disabilities in this field. From 2003 to 2006, an inclusive training model was developed in order to train people with disabilities to become advisers for persons with disabilities themselves. With this training model, people with disabilities for the first time ever were able to participate in a vocational training in the social sector on European level.

 The main focus of the current IBB2 project is the interface between vocational training and employment. Adapted supporting systems which involve employers and the whole team in the workplace are needed to make this transition successful.

During the next two years a European project partnership will try to achieve this in close cooperation with persons with disabilities, service providers, vocational training schools, interest groups and social workers.

For further information, you can download the leaflet in several languages:

• English
• German

Challenges and opportunities

The particular challenge now is to acknowledge that roles have shifted: people with learning disabilities are no longer users, but have become colleagues The establishment of integrative teams results in a win-win situation for all participants: 

• Access to the social sector as a new of employment for people with learning disabilities
• Broadening perspectives through the creation of integrative teams involving all participants
• Contribution to society by means of an active diversity management 

Project goals

The overarching goal is the development of a comprehensive support model with the focus on diversity management and mentoring. Creating jobs in the social sector as well as creating sustainable labour market opportunities.

• Development of guidelines for the implementation of the mentoring model in each partner country.
• Compiling a course concept and training material to successfully implement integrative care worker teams.

To get informed about the most recent state of play of this project, have a look at the newsletters:

• Newsletter 1, english, german, spanish, french, polish
• Newsletter 2, english, german, spanish, french, polish

More information can be found on this website or contact Ms Sonia Staskowiak: sonia.staskowiak@easpd.eu

This project has been funded with support from the European Commission. This communication reflects the views only of the author, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.