On the 13th January Worcester County Council launched their employment pathway for adults with learning disabilities.  It is widely known that people with learning disabilities do not have the same opportunities for employment as the rest of the population despite strong evidence that most people would like to have a job.

In 2010 only 7% of people with a learning disability have a paid job – this is a sad reflection of the difficulties that this group of people face and a significant loss to society from a group who want to contribute.  It is clear that there are still many barriers to employment for people with a learning disability.

The positive news is that there are many organisations and agencies providing employment support services for individuals with learning disabilities in Worcestershire, meaning that there are a number of options open to people who are looking for employment.  However the route to employment can be complicated and it is clear that people have difficulties finding the most appropriate service.

The Worcestershire employment pathway has been developed by the Learning Disability Partnership Board Employment Sub Group and it is intended to set out the range of options and services open to people to help them make choices or to be sign posted to the most appropriate service.

The event on the 13th January was a huge success.  I was only able to attend for a short period but the council chamber was full of people wanting to hear about the Pathway.  There were inspirational speakers, lots of useful information and an opportunity to network and speak to some of the support services that are available in Worcestershire.  I was asked by Worcestershire County Council to produce a graphic record to accompany their written document.  This 10ft long poster was on display as you approached the council chambers and it looked pretty impressive – even if I do say so myself!