Gloucestershire conference addresses stigma of adults with learning disabilities as lazy and unemployable

A recent conference on employment opportunities for adults with learning disabilities saw a warm response from local Gloucestershire businesses, with more than 120 turning up to support the event.

Organised by Gloucestershire County Council, in collaboration with the Forwards Work Club Gloucestershire, the conference showcased the importance of adults with learning difficulties having the chance to pursue a working life, as well as informing businesses how they can also benefit.

Learning disability employment commissioner, Vikki Walters, spoke on the success of the event and how visiting employers had left behind many misconceptions about the employability of individuals with learning issues.

She comments: “The showcase conference was a great event and I am extremely happy with its results. So many employers approached me after the event to tell me how much they had learnt and how inspiring they had found it.

“There are many stigmas attached to learning disabilities and many people assume that they are lazy and unable to manage the pressures of employment. This conference was evidence that this simply isn't the case and a person with learning disabilities can perform and give as much to a job as any other employee.”

Organisers praised the reaction and turnout from local businesses, who were able to attend a speech by an adult with autism, Ian Harper, who has had a successful career at local support company Thera West where he works as a service quality director.

Addressing the conference, Mr Harper said: “"Part of my job is travelling around schools and speaking to people with learning disabilities. I can relate to how they feel and I like showing them that they can achieve their goals.

"I am proud of my career and think I have achieved a lot. I have had to take it one step at a time and I am grateful to everyone who has helped me get the experience I have."

Currently, Gloucestershire County Council estimates there are 3,000 people in the county with a learning disability, with only 12 per cent being in employment. The authority has set itself a target of increasing this to 25 per cent by 2015.