While the economy is struggling and the unemployment rate is high, there are indeed opportunities for people with disabilities. It starts with acquiring the right skills
According to the annual Commission for Employment Equity (CEE) report, the percentage of people with disabilities employed in the formal workforce is still about one percent, despite the 7,5-percent target for Disability Employment Equity.
Expecting the percentage to increase is probably wishful thinking considering the state of the economy, with 29-percent unemployment and gross domestic product (GDP) growth below a percent. So how do unemployed people with disabilities address this issue?
Adequate schooling
The education system has done people with disabilities an injustice, as many find a big educational gap when they leave school. Most companies are looking for matriculants or, if you lucky, a Grade 9. How do people with disabilities complete when unemployment is so high?
Learners who are still in the education system need guidance to ensure they take advantage of their schooling to best equip themselves for the formal workforce. This must be supported by the appropriate career counselling. Students should be encouraged to pursue life-long learning to equip themselves with as many skills as possible.
Life-long learning
Opportunities for learning have increased over the past couple of years. Most of these opportunities are funded through organisations such as National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) and the various Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs). Companies also take advantage of BBBEE programmes by supporting skills development.
What then are the options for an older person with a disability who hasn’t worked for a few years? Generally, employers request proof of education and experience. Such older individuals should consider learning as much as possible to acquire the skills needed for the position. This can be done through online learning platforms or even YouTube videos if the skill is something basic.
With the help of these teachings, a person can volunteer at a local community organisation or a school in their field to acquire the necessary experience. As their experience develops, they should start looking for internship opportunities.
Getting some work experience
The minimum wage for most learnerships is roughly R2 500, which would not affect the person’s disability grant – naturally this is a concern for many people with disabilities. Various organisations offer learnerships, including community organisations, Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges, skills development providers, government and private companies. An internet search is a good way to start looking for opportunities.
It is also possible for a person with a disability to enlist on the Department of Labour’s Employment Services South Africa database, which is used by employers seeking employees or learners with disabilities.
Don’t be afraid to disclose a disability. When an opportunity arises, be sure to state clearly the requirements for the disability, including reasonable accommodation in the workplace. The plight of employment need not be as grave as it appears. There are opportunities out there. There is hope.
Rustim Ariefdien is a disability expert extraordinaire, who assists businesses to “let the Ability of disAbility enAble their profitAbility” through BBBEE, skills development, employment equity and socio-economic development. He ensures that businesses are able to maximise their points on the BBBEE scorecard and become compliant with legislative requirements as stipulated in the Employment Equity and Skills Development Acts. His purpose is the economic empowerment of persons with disability in Africa. As a person with a disability himself, he has extensive experience in the development and empowerment of persons with disability.
