This Disability History Month the theme is “disability, livelihood and employment”. Although Disability History Month looks to the past, even today there are still young people who are facing significant barriers to employment. That’s why United Response is proud to host internships with Homegroup and DFN Project Search to help autistic young people and young people with learning disabilities kickstart their career.

Four of our current interns are Alex, Aodhan, George and Ryan. They are currently taking part in the first of three placements with Homegroup, which is a large UK Housing Association. Between them, they are doing a range of different tasks like managing maintenance requests, looking at ways to save money, working with compliance, supporting accounts, and co-ordinating references.  These tasks will help them to develop key skills that are in demand with today’s employers.

Speaking about how it felt when he first visited Homegroup, Ryan said:

It was daunting at first. This was the first adult work environment I’d been part of – I remember coming to the interest event and looking at the building and thinking, ‘this is modern Hogwarts!’.

When I found out I’d got a place on the internship it was such a good feeling. It’s been great overall – a bridge between the education part of our lives and adult working.

Alex added:

I was quite nervous when I first started. But I can see I’ve grown. I can do my job really quite well now, and I’m working at the pace of an employee.

Future goals and aspirations

The interns all have hopes that their internship will help them reach their future goals – which range from administration, accounting, to running a pub and bar space! But to help make this possible, there is more that employers can do.

Aodhan reflected:

For me the goal is to get into permanent paid employment. This is something I’ve found really challenging. Employers could help make it easier for people to get into work by making reasonable adjustments. They could also send interview questions in advance – that makes it a lot easier for me.

Aodhan’s comments tie in neatly with the wider goals of this year’s Disability History Month. Speaking about why its important that the awareness month spotlights employment, Alex said:

I think its important because disabled people are people too. Just because someone is different to you it doesn’t mean they should be cast out.

George added:

It’s important so that more people can get help if they need it.

Best thing about doing an internship

At the moment, the interns are only a few weeks in. However, it’s already clear that the internship has been really valuable for them. All interns feel that their confidence has improved and really appreciate the good people they work with. George said:

Their patience helps us to learn.

Ryan added:

The best bit about being here is getting to learn everything that I’ve wanted to. This is the first time in a very long time that I’ve felt I can actually learn to my fullest capabilities.

Sophie, Job Coach, was really proud to see the way the interns had progressed.

They’re all doing absolutely amazing. They don’t need me anymore! Considering it’s the first placement and they have another two to go, they’ve adapted very well!