Teo is a 20-year-old young man, diagnosed with mental retardation. He has a disability certificate. The young man graduated a vocational school. In his free time, he plays on the computer, listens to rock music and goes skateboarding.
He worked with an advertising production company, for a short time. Unfortunately, the employer did not adapt the workplace, because he didn’t know about Teo’s disability. As a result, the young man failed to perform his job duties and the employer gave up on him.
The young man contacted our colleague, Olivia Grigore, from Services Centre for Supported Employment – Constanța following a recruitment announcement posted by our team on an online platform. He and his mother met our colleague. They were demoralized and they didn’t think Teo would be able to get a job. Olivia noticed that belonging to a group was very important to him. Also, she observed that a mentor’s advices are needed.
Our colleague made him a reading plan and invited him to join her personal development workshops organized within LEAD project, in order to help him reduce the time spent on the PC and develop his communication skills. Teo has received support and consultancy, and he has made progress.
According to Olivia, Teo faced difficulties in the employment process, although he is quiet, docile and he has common sense. His communication problems and the 4-hour work restriction were the main obstacles.
Our colleague accompanied him to a job fair and to an interview for a commercial worker job, in order to help him manage his emotions during the discussion with potential employers. A few months later, Olivia organised another job interview for Teo. The young man made a good impression on the company’s representatives and he was hired as a worker (textile printing). He easily integrated into the company’s team. According to Olivia, significant intervention in his working relations was not necessary.
Our colleague noticed that after employment, the young man has gained more self-confidence.
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
