Harnessing Networks to Find Employment

People with developmental disability are significantly underrepresented when it comes to paid work in open employment and are often excluded from the many benefits that employment can provide.

Many people use and rely on their networks and connections to find employment however, this approach is not well used when it comes to supporting people with developmental disabilities to find employment.  

Customised Employment is a unique and highly effective process in assisting people with disabilities to achieve employment outcomes. An important step in the Customised Employment process is inviting a network of people who are well connected to the community to an Employment Planning Meeting. Using broad networks can be a powerful aid in planning for, identifying and opening doors to employment opportunities that will have a greater likelihood of success.

This 2-hour workshop will aim to assist participants to:

• Understand the importance of Customised Employment
• Learn how to be more intentional about using their community networks
• Think strategically about who to invite to an Employment Planning Meeting
• Prepare for an Employment Planning Meeting
• Facilitate an Employment Planning Meeting process
• Discern different types of leads
• Understand how to approach prospective qualified employers by using “warm leads” in follow-up conversations

This is an interactive online workshop. Participants must be prepared to participate in individual and group activities and have their video cameras on.