Rationale of the conference
Having a job is more than just a
way to earn a living. Our jobs often shape our identity and our sense of
purpose while also contributing to our overall well-being. However,
many people with disabilities face major barriers to finding and
maintaining employment on the open labour market. These barriers range
from stigma and discrimination to the lack of education and vocational
training that meet the needs of people with disabilities.
EASPD and THE NET’s International Conference in Athens focused on how
disability support service providers, businesses and policymakers can
work together to create more opportunities for people with disabilities
on the open labour market.
Over the two days, the conference:
- Identified different support models proven to create opportunities for persons with disabilities on the open labour market.
- Showcased practical methods available to support persons with disabilities to access inclusive employment opportunities.
- Provided businesses with strategies that create a more inclusive working environment.
- Explored legal frameworks that increase inclusive open labour market opportunities.
Presentations
Day 1
Keynote Discussion
- Cristóbal Javier Miralles Insa, Universitat Politècnica de València (UPV) - PPT
Workshop 1: Accessing and retaining employment in the open labour market
- Julio Juan García Sabater, Universitat Politècnica de València (UPV) - PPT
- Panagiotis Athanasopoulos, PLOES - PPT
Workshop 2: Strengthening capacities of public employment and integration services
- Monika Chaba, European Commission - PPT
Workshop 3: Ensuring reasonable accommodation at work
- Evert Jan Hoogerwerf and Noemi Marchiotto, AIAS Bologna - PPT
- Konstantina Kyrimi and Vicky Simitopoulou, PLOES - PPT
Day 2:
Workshop 6: Leveraging state aid to enhance employment opportunities for persons with disabilities
Workshop 8: Enabling Vocational Education and Training for open labour market employment
Workshop 9: Supported employment legislation and promising practices
- Nerise Oldfield-Thompson and Karen Warson, ASEE - PPT
Workshop 11: How to best support people with autism and intellectual disabilities?
Workshop 14: Mental health and emotional wellbeing in the workplace
Workshop 15: What does Research show as the key factors in opening up the labour market?
- Filippo Sinicato, European Disability Forum - PPT
- Pau Castellvi Canet, Universitat Oberta de Catalunya - PPT
About the hosts
The conference was co-hosted by the European Association of Service
providers for Persons with Disabilities (EASPD) and The Greek Network of
Service Providers for Persons with Disabilities (THE NET).
The European Association of Service providers for Persons with Disabilities (EASPD) represents the interests of over 20,000 social care and support service providers
for persons with disabilities across 41 countries.
The Greek Network of Service Providers for Persons with Disabilities (THE NET) represents the organisations that care for and provide services for the physical
and mental health and for the lifelong education of people with
disabilities, nationwide.
