A shortcut to the open labour market

The Pro ACT programme targeted the employment of 40 people with disabilities in the open labour market by eliminating the typical steps taken by many organizations in this field, such as training, sheltered employment, or employment with a job coach. As of June 2016, all 40 clients of were employed.

Problems Targeted

Romanian employers tend not to hire people with disabilities, and even greater stigma is attached to those who suffer from multiple discrimination – for example, intellectual disability and/or mental health issues, Roma origin, female, coming from public institutions of social assistance (orphanages).

Solution, Innovation and Impact

Social inclusion services promote the de-institutionalization of adults with disabilities (many who have lived most of their lives in institutions), in combination with integration in community housing and an individualized approach to recovery. The Pro ACT programme has targeted the employment of 40 people with intellectual disabilities in the open labour market, all of whom have found and kept employment (with the exception of two participants who were later employed in social enterprises). This approach eliminates the typical steps taken by many organizations in this field, such as training, sheltered employment, or employment with a job coach. Employers soon understood that engagement with people with disabilities does not require a lot of specialized skills, but simply openness and flexibility. Employment included jobs in warehouses, as an assistant tailor, as carpenters, and even farm work. 
All employees are supported in a person-centred manner to assess their skills, talents, and desired field of work, and are later assisted to engage with employers to find suitable jobs. Employers were 
 educated as to how to make reasonable accommodations at the workplace, and Pro ACT staff remain engaged to help resolve challenges that may arise on both sides.

Funding, Outlook and Transferability

Pro ACT's supported employment programme costs approximately US$35,000 per year and is financed by an Open Society Foundation grant. The organization’s efforts are focused not only on de- institutionalizing adults with disabilities but they also target social authentic inclusion, including community integration and support activities

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