What work oportunities are there out there for people with leaning difficulties?

[Brent pigeon]

I am constantly looking for jobs that special needs students can look into. Can you sggest any optons for people who do not have much in the way of qualifications?

[*Princess*]

I guess it depends on the severity of the learning disability.

I worked with adults with learning disabilites, many with downs syndrome, who held down jobs in the kitchens or gardens, as well as outside jobs such as paper rounds.

However, if it's in terms of a much less severe LD, it could be that they enjoy working in a shop, or a cafe, or even an office if they feel they can manage. As for qualifications, there are many jobs which offer training so this can be overcome!

I'd say Good Luck and that I think it's fantastic that you're/they're looking for a job as opposed to claiming benefits.

[Ice.Maiden]

I agree with princess. I have quite a lot to do with people who have special needs, including my own son who's autistic, but this doesn't mean that they won't be able to work and contribute to society. There are also colleges which specialise in courses for students with difficulties, and they're helped towards gaining some qualifications. x

[Brent pigeon]

I am the perosn who posed the question. I know they are able to do all sorts of routine jobs and can make very good, highly motiveated employees but who, precisely, will take them on? I have found it much harder in recent years to get them that all improtant first paid job. Part time is fine, but where to look? Someof them could do data entry, though slowly. Is thare any firm out there that is on the level that they could get that kind of work from?

[saxy_jag]

I used to assist careers teachers in a special school, so I've seen a lot of areas where people with learning and physical disabilities can work. The trick is to find the local employment schemes that specialise in helping these people into work. There used to be one here in Leicester, for instance, that placed people in jobs, but also paid people to go to the jobs with them and support them for the first few weeks.

I can tell you of one success story. A lad from our school got onto this scheme and found himself waiting and clearing tables at a local hotel - a very exclusive, family owned hotel, I might add. He showed a flair for laying tables and before long was doing so for the hotel's wedding parties. Three years later he was pretty much supervising the whole 'wedding' team, knew his wines inside out and was taking foreign holidays that he'd paid for himself.

Sometimes all it takes is an enlightened employer with a little belief in someone.

[Brent pigeon]

I was pleased to read about the schmee in Leicester but I am in London, anynone know of employers in London who will take on people with learning dificutles?