Supported Employment is based on the principles of empowerment, social inclusion, dignity and respect for individuals. Disabled people and people with long term conditions have historically been denied their right to make a contribution to their communities and the independence that a working life brings.  Supported Employment providers in Scotland are committed to working to an agreed set of principles that guarantee a high quality service for employers and clients.

 

What does this mean in practice?
  • Individuality – Each individual is regarded as unique, with his / her own interests, preferences, conditions and life history.
  • Respect – Activities are always age appropriate, dignifying and enhancing.
  • Self-determination –Individuals are supported to improve their interests and preferences, express their choices and define their employment / life plan according to personal and contextual conditions.
  • Informed Choice – Individuals are supported to understand their opportunities fully, so they can choose consistently within their preferences and with an understanding of the consequences of their choices.
  • Empowerment –Individuals are supported to make decisions on lifestyle and participation in society.
  • Confidentiality –Supported Employment services consider information given by individuals as confidential. Any disclosure is at the discretion of and with the agreement of the individual.
  • Flexibility –Services are flexible and responsive to the needs of individuals and can be adapted to meet specific requirements
  • Accessibility – Services, facilities and information are fully accessible to all disabled people.

What does it mean to get a job? This is what a supported employment client told us:

‘By having a job I have been able to raise my own expectations of what it means to have a good life. In fact, not just to have a good life but a great life and be prepared to work hard and go out there and achieve it.’

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