PARLIAMENTARY WRITTEN QUESTION
Autism and Learning Disability (14 January 2019)
Question Asked
Asked by:
Mr Andrew Mitchell (Conservative)
Answer
We are working to celebrate the achievements of people with learning disabilities and autism through our support for events such as last year’s Autism Exchange event ‘Unlocking Potential: Autism and Employability’, which was hosted in Whitehall; the Speaking Out Forum, which supported young people with learning difficulties to learn and demonstrate valuable public speaking skills; and autism-related events with a range of stakeholders such as the Camden Society and National Grid.
Improving Lives: the Future of Work, Health and Disability, published in 2017, sets out the Government’s strategy for helping people with disabilities or health conditions enter and remain in employment, and includes case studies highlighting the achievements of people on the autism spectrum and with learning disabilities. Through the Disability Confident scheme we are working to encourage employers to employ disabled people, including those with a learning disability or autism. There are currently over 10,000 employers signed up to Disability Confident.
We are currently delivering the Local Supported Employment proof of concept in partnership with nine Local Authorities. This initiative aims to provide people with learning disabilities and autism, who are known to adult social care, with personalised ongoing support to find and sustain employment.
Answered by:
Sarah Newton (Conservative)
21 January 2019
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