Zero Exclusion

The most important, fundamental principle of supported employment is that everyone is included. With the right job match and the right support, everyone can be employed.

The 2008 UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities “Rights of Persons with Disabilities” recognizes the right to an “opportunity to gain a living by work freely chosen or accepted in a labour market and work environment that is open, inclusive and accessible to people with disabilities.”

Discrimination happens when people are stereotyped or treated unjustly based on their actual or perceived differences. Discrimination can be based on age, ability, ethnic background, gender, language, marital status,
national ancestry, political affiliation, race, religion,
sexual orientation, or socio-economic status. Therefore, excluding anyone from employment is discrimination.

Supported employment is about actively facilitating
gainful and meaningful employment for job seekers.
Pre-vocational work units, sheltered workshops, long-term volunteering or work experiences that are long term, are
not considered job acquisition or supported employment.

Ideally, the percentage of employees with disabilities in the workforce should reflect the percentage of persons who live with disabilities in the community (usually 10% or 1 in 10).


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