USA (Washington Insider Magazine)— The I International Congress ‘Future of Employment for People with Intellectual Disabilities’, held in Santander on May 30 and 31, has called for a new inclusive employment law to support individuals with intellectual disabilities throughout their working lives. Carmen Laucirica, president of Plena Inclusion Spain highlighted the demand for this legislation during the congress’s official opening. Laucirica stressed that it is necessary to update the current regulation, which stems from the LISMI law of 1982, to better reflect advancements and evolving social realities.
Broad Representation and Discussion
According to Eldiario, Organized by the Business Association for Disability (AEDIS), Plena Inclusion Spain, and Plena Inclusion Cantabria, the congress convened over 300 professionals, public administration representatives, companies, entities from the associative movement, and individuals with intellectual disabilities. The congress aims at discussing the challenges faced by the sector and finding strategies for boosting the labor integration of this group. Distinguished attendees included representatives from state, regional, and local institutions, such as the Secretary of State for Social Economy, Amparo Merino; the Minister of Social Inclusion, Youth, Families, and Equality of the Government of Cantabria, Begoña Gómez; and the general director of the ONCE Foundation, José Luis Martínez.
Low Employment Rates Highlighted
According to the latest report from the National Institute of Statistics (INE) on the employment of people with disabilities, individuals with intellectual disabilities encounter significant hurdles in accessing employment opportunities. The report reveals that only 2 out of every 10 individuals of working age in this group are employed. Specifically, the employment rate stands at 23.8 percent, which is 44.8 points lower than the rest of the population. Moreover, the activity rate is 36.4%, indicating a 41.6-point disparity compared to the population without disabilities.
Call for Societal Commitment
Pedro Calderón, president of AEDIS, called for “a commitment from society, companies and public administrations to improve this data and for more people with intellectual disabilities to have a job.”Calderón stressed the importance of fostering an inclusive and equitable society where individuals with intellectual disabilities have equal opportunities in the workplace. He underscored the necessity for collaboration between companies and entities to establish alliances for genuine inclusion.
Policy Recommendations and Training Needs
The congress highlighted the necessity for policy design aimed at activating groups facing significant barriers to employment. It called for increased direct and indirect hiring of individuals with intellectual disabilities, proposing measures such as expanding reserved positions in public employment calls and allocating contracts to special employment centers of social initiative. Additionally, the lack of training adapted to the needs of people with intellectual disabilities emerged as a major barrier to employment. The sector advocated for the development of training and qualification plans tailored to their needs, with a focus on Dual Vocational Training (FP) and professional certificates.
The discussions at the congress focused on the pressing need for comprehensive legislation, collaborative efforts, and targeted interventions to enhance the employment prospects of individuals with intellectual disabilities.
