The unemployment rate among South Africans with disabilities, specifically wheelchair users, is extremely high. QASA took the initiative to research the reason for this. It found that prospective employers felt wheelchair users were not work-ready, as they had little or no work experience.
The QASA Work Readiness Programme was established at the QASA office, with a simulated working environment serving as the “bridge” to becoming integrated members in mainstream employment. After months of hard work by the offices of QASA and those of regional associations, the Work Readiness Programme officially launched on April 1, 2019!
It is a two-month soft-skills programme that will introduce candidates to the career world and take them on a journey to work readiness. Twelve candidates – six in the Western Cape and six in Gauteng – have officially begun this journey already.
Ari Seirlis is the CEO of the QuadPara Association of South Africa (QASA) and managing editor of Rolling Inspiration. email: ceo@qasa.co.za
