Experience exchanges between young adults with disabilities enrolled in LEAD project

On the 15th of June, 2022, HAO organised at the headquarters of the Services Center for Supported Employment from Constanța a meeting between young adults with disabilities enrolled in the LEAD project. During this event, facilitated by Olivia Grigore, our beneficiaries who changed their lives after joining our project shared their stories with other young adults with disabilities, looking for a job.

On this occasion, Bianca and Memet, part-time employees at Hervis Sport and Fashion and Carrefour Romania, shared interesting information regarding: the job interviews, the work trials, the requirements of the employers, the work schedules, the tasks that they need to perform, their colleagues and teamwork. Also, our young beneficiaries talked about the changes they experience in their lives, and they answered the participants’ questions.

For example, Bianca contributes to her monthly housing expenses, and covers her personal needs. The young woman is very excited because she has become a core member of the team, appreciated by colleagues and customers. Bianca talked about a difficult period of her life, after she failed the baccalaureate. On that time, she was discouraged, and she did not even dreamed to get a good job, and to make friends among her colleagues.

On the same meeting, Memet proudly talked about his professional evolution. The young man explained that he initially worked in the packing department, but the supervisor appreciated his efforts and skill. As a result, Memet was moved to the natural juices area, where he quickly learnt to use a juice-maker.

This experience exchange was very well received by the young participants. Later, Olivia has noticed the increase of self-confidence of participants, and she has observed that the specialists’ suggestions have been more well received by the young adults.

“Young adults with disabilities can successfully integrate intothe labour market, they can build a career, and they can become respected and valuable members of society, with the proper support, offered by our team and by employers. The Supported Employment process works! There are countless examples! One element matter: the young adults’ desire to work”, said Olivia.

The project “Labour market Employment for young Adults with a Disability – LEAD” is funded by Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway through the EEA and Norway Grants Fund for Youth Employment.

Cristina Șerbănescu

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