Abstract
Introduction
The V.O.T.E. project, (Vocational Opportunities
in Training for Employment) in partnership with Mencap, SEELB and the Ulster
Community and Hospital Trust, aims to increase opportunities for school leavers
with complex and multiple disabilities to participate in work activities.
Many of the young people in the project have challenging behaviour, medical issues, limited understanding of work, limited concentration. The V.OT.E. project working to help meet the needs of these young people after school.
Method
With support from V.O.T.E. staff and the teacher, the
young people are being mad aware about the options after school through
industrial visits, work experience and work skills programme. As it is a pilot
project, young people, parents, schools an employers are advising project staff
to develop a programme to increase opportunities for this group of school
leavers.
Results
After one school year, 6 out of 10 students are in
work placements with four of the sampling 2 jobs.
Conclusions
Previously this group of school leavers would
have attended the daycentre full time. Through the V.O.T.E. project, a range of
appropriate work options has been developed.
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