A multifunctional hub towards the open labour market

The Living Link employment model includes job analysis, job matching, interview support, placement, co-worker training, and advocacy, as well as the recommendation of assistive devices and the provision of career planning. In 2015 alone, approximately 50 people were hired in various forms of employment.

Problems Targeted

Traditionally, protected or sheltered employment has been the predominant model for people with intellectual disabilities in South Africa. Jobseekers are often excluded from suitable open labour market opportunities because in most cases they are unable to meet the educational requirements. Further, many employers have the misconception that people with disabilities are not employable or that such appointments are high risk.

Solution, Innovation and Impact

The Living Link employment model includes job analysis, job matching, interview support, placement, co-worker training, and advocacy, as well as the recommendation of assistive devices and the provision of career planning. Notably, the model also includes one-on-one professional job coaching as may be needed once a member has been placed, which differs greatly from traditional South African employment models for people with intellectual disabilities. In this way, these employees participate on equal terms in the open labour market. 
 The Living Link model is continuously presented to major companies, small to medium-size businesses, recruitment agencies, government departments, and non-profit organizations that might be involved in the employment of young adults with intellectual disabilities.

Funding, Outlook and Transferability

Currently, 65 per cent of the organization’s annual revenue is created through job coaching fees, annual membership payments, training fees, and fundraising social events. One of the next goals of The Living Link is to create an employment division that generates sufficient income to cover all its expenses. The organization has shown remarkable growth over the past three years, and the addition of a second vocational training course in 2015 increased the number of students by 35 per cent. As a result, employment figures more than doubled in 2015 compared to 2014.