Name of practice: Professional Development/Employment

Organisation: Zukunft trotz Handicap e.V.

Country: Bavaria, Germany

Funding: As an association, they initiated and coordinated the above-mentioned projects since 2013, bearing the costs with the help of donations and membership fees.

Description of the organisation: Zukunft trotz Handicap e.V. advocates for the active participation of individuals with intellectual disabilities and autism in shaping their own lives and contributing to society as respected and engaged citizens. The organisation provides community programmes, supported living, employability, and training services (including catering, housekeeping, and nursery school staff), and counselling services for parents and young adults with intellectual disabilities and autism, focusing on advice and support during the transition period after school. Their services are designed to support and promote the rights of choice in accordance with the UN CRPD. Zukunft trotz Handicap e.V prepares young adults for active participation (work) in the mainstream labour market and provide ongoing support and guidance as they navigate their journey.

Description of practice: Entering the mainstream labour market poses a significant challenge for individuals with disabilities, particularly those with intellectual disabilities and autism. Despite legal provisions such as Article 3 of the German Basic Law and the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, disparities persist in training and employment opportunities. Historically, persons with intellectual disabilities, having traversed special schooling to sheltered workshops, encounter limited prospects in traditional training and employment avenues. Moreover, existing training programs often fail to accommodate their interests and specific needs, further impeding their access to mainstream employment.

Through their qualification programme, Zukunft trotz Handicap extend an additional educational avenue to young adults with intellectual disabilities, many of whom have primarily experienced employment within sheltered workshops catering to individuals with disabilities.

Presently, they offer two distinct programmes: the “daycare training programme,” preparing individuals for careers in childcare, and the “gastronomy training programme,” equipping participants for roles in the hotel, catering, and housekeeping sectors. Comprising both practical and theoretical components, including a final examination, our programmes certify graduates for entry into these respective professional domains.

The Daycare Training Programme runs for 12 months, and it includes a 6-month internship in the daycare centre, coordinated in cooperation with the organisation “Bildungsimpulse” and implemented in the daycare centres in the region. As for the content of this programme, participants are given personal and vocational motivation support to improve their professional profile, skills and abilities, as well as training on the functioning of the daycare centre (staff, processes, etc.) and on children's needs, participation, interaction and communication. At the end of the programme, successful participants receive a certificate endorsed by the District of Upper Bavaria.

The Gastronomy Training runs for 8 months (one module per month), as part of a cooperation together with DEHOGA Bavaria and BTW – Bayern Tourist GmbH, taking place at the vocational school for chefs in Munich. The training provides participants with knowledge and skills to catering services from preparing and pouring infusions and cold drinks, to setting a guest table, serving simple cold and hot dishes, as well as serving to and dealing with clients. As one of the results of this training programme, an Inclusion Coffee Shop was opened in May 2023.

Achieving sustainable employment placements subject to social insurance contributions requires tailored support for young adults navigating the open labour market. They collaborate closely with participants to identify suitable organisations and companies based on their aptitudes and skills, facilitating their integration into the workforce. To ease the transition for initial cohorts, Zukunft trotz Handicap built partnerships with various stakeholders.

In response, their programmes offer practical instruction tailored to individual needs and interests, reaching out to underserved social groups lacking traditional training opportunities. Securing cooperation from corporate partners necessitates persuasive efforts, while their extensive network ensures that all available programme slots are filled by individuals from their target demographic.

Impact: The vocational training programmes for childcare and gastronomy have made a significant impact. These sectors face high demand for skilled workers and are increasingly receptive to innovative approaches for meeting this demand. This concept has garnered attention from organisations across Germany, sparking interest in its adoption and adaptation for other fields such as healthcare. Particularly for childcare and after-school care facilities facing acute shortages of skilled workers, this concept presents a compelling solution. Its transferability to other organisations hinges on maintaining strong relationships with partners and fostering ongoing dialogue among stakeholders.

This approach allows for a holistic reflection on sensitivities and effective resolution of any arising issues. By raising awareness about the potential of individuals with disabilities, they can enhance the willingness to train and employ this demographic, fostering greater societal inclusion and long-term sustainability.

Moreover, fostering inclusivity within the workplace entails fostering social interaction and collaboration within this sphere. By increasing the employment of individuals with disabilities in social institutions or diversifying roles within the catering industry, barriers and prejudices are actively diminishing, cultivating an environment of acceptance and understanding. This not only enhances workplace dynamics but also enriches the broader social fabric, promoting diversity and inclusion as core values within our society.

Scalability & transferability: The integration of individuals with intellectual disabilities into the workforce extends beyond a mere socio-political obligation for Germany; it stands as a strategic imperative and an economic necessity. These programmes offer invaluable support to skilled labour in these domains, recognising the value that persons with intellectual disabilities and autism bring to the workplace when positioned and supported appropriately. Often, they exhibit heightened motivation and dedication to their work, surpassing that of their peers.

The transferability and sustainability of our approach extends far beyond individual workplaces, encompassing broader societal impact. By demonstrating the value and effectiveness of integrating persons with disabilities into various sectors, they are able to pave the way for scalable and enduring practices. Through ongoing collaboration and knowledge-sharing with stakeholders, they ensure that their initiatives remain adaptable to diverse contexts and continue to yield positive outcomes. This commitment to transferability and sustainability not only enhances the immediate workplace environment but also fosters long-term societal resilience and inclusivity.

Contact Information: Melika Ahmetovic, Vice-chairperson of Zukunft trotz Handicap