Why disability-inclusive employment benefits all of us | Blogs

Inclusion Works: What We Learned

This potential for change was highlighted by the UK Aid Inclusion Works Program (part of Inclusive Futures consortium initiative led by Sightsavers), which ends in 2023. The program showed us how structured labor market analyzes not only helped to understand the gaps, but also to identify sectors and industries that offer the best opportunity for greater inclusion in the labor market. labor force. The next step was to partner with pioneering companies that really wanted to make it happen.

We learned that decent employment does not limit us to looking at salaried work or self-employment, but can also lead us to agricultural supply chains (agriculture) and microentrepreneurs in retail networks.

We also learned how demonstrating a change in one context can lead to similar changes in another. I am not for one moment suggesting that we have reached the tipping point yet. We’re far from it, but we’re starting to feel like there really may be one!
Working with Accenture and their Skills to Succeed Learning Exchange helped us understand much better that there are many people with disabilities who just need to access an online learning system to build their self-confidence. This can help people apply for job opportunities and successfully navigate the hiring process. The system costs us nothing, apart from providing cheap Internet access to students.

We also gained a greater understanding of the potential within private sector value chains by working with Diageo in Kenya on inclusive agricultural supply chains. Hundreds of farmers with disabilities are now enrolled in the Diageo supply chain, supported through a commercially viable network of farmer centers that attract an equal number of farmers with disabilities. This is beginning to be replicated in other African countries where Diageo has a business interest, and the value chain approach has led to retail network partnerships with other companies, including Coca-Cola Beverages Africa and Unilever.

What we have learned about increasing technical IT skills through the Nairobi IT Bridging Academy (piloted by Inclusive Futures) is now something we are replicating in Nigeria and South Africa. This work is always done in collaboration with the private sector, to ensure at least three to six months of internships for participants who graduate with an industry-recognized Cisco Systems accreditation.

Finally, we have learned that we need to ensure that there is a solution to that ‘missing middle ground’ (the absence of a skills development function) in labor rights. We have started to address this by working with the ILO to establish functional, private sector led, national business and disability networks. These act as knowledge sharing opportunities for employers, backed by experience from the disability movement.

The essential element: commitment

None of this work is possible without significant engagement with disability organizations and private sector companies. One of the most powerful things I have learned in the last four years is that, in the words of Sally Nduta, Executive Director of United Disabled Persons of Kenya: “We need to learn to start together, identify challenges together and identify solutions. together so that we are walking that journey together.” When we get it right, change happens!

Are you interested in learning more or partnering with us on inclusive employment for people with disabilities? Contact Simon by email [email protected]