Cătălin is a 28-year-old young man, visually impaired, who lives in Cluj-Napoca. In the beginning of February 2021, he enrolled in the LEAD project, following an announcement posted by our team on an online-specialist platform.
At the time when he contacted Alina, our colleague from Services Centre for Supported Employment from Constanța, Cătălin was in a delicate emotional state, disappointed by all the employment steps he had taken until then and lacking future prospects.
During the process of vocational profiling, Alina noticed that Cătălin has a great desire to change the situation, and to be involved in a useful activity, which would improve his quality of life.
Our colleague remarked that the young man communicates easily, being able to maintain a conversation at a medium to advanced level, and he has the ability to adapt quickly to various situations. Additionally, Alina observed that he is skillful, creative, resourceful, and has entrepreneurial spirit. The young man possesses advanced knowledge of computer use, and he is a graduate of a masseur technician course. Following the process of vocational profiling, Alina advised Cătălin to focus on the areas for which he has skills and qualifications, namely: on call center / customer care / customer support segment, or on massage services.
In the next stage, Alina alongside Catalin prospected the recruitment platforms, in order to identify suitable jobs for him. Our colleague happily noticed that the young man looked for a job on his own, coming with new information at each counselling session. Following these actions, the representatives of several companies, which operate in the call center industry contacted Cătălin. Unfortunately, after the employers took note of the young man’s disability, they ended the selection process.
In parallel, given his qualifications as a masseur and the young man’s interest in this profession, Alina recommended to Cătălin to find a space available in a salon to start an independent business. Our specialist in supported employment gave the young man suggestions regarding the rates he could apply, after studying the local market. Moreover, Alina assured Catalin that she would support him in promoting the salon.
In a short time, Cătălin announced to our colleague that he has found a suitable space for his business. Then, the young man, and Alina have worked on the promotional ad, which the young man later posted on social media, in specialised group, and on ad platforms. Since April, Cătălin has his own business. During all this time, Alina has monitored him by phone, has given him advice and has supported him when the young man has needed it.
Today, the young man is concerned with providing a quality service, in order to attract more customers. He feels useful and integrated into society.
Up to the end of the LEAD project, 450 young adults with disabilities (180 from Romania, 150 from Lithuania and 120 from Portugal) will benefit from equal opportunities in social and professional integration. Supported Employment services will be provided by Health Action Overseas Romania, Valakupiai Rehabilitation Center and Consultis – Consultoria Empresarial, Unipessoal Lda for 165 young adults with disabilities (60 from Romania, 60 from Lithuania and 45 from Portugal).
