New Initiative to Support the Employment of Persons with Disabilities and SEN Persons

The Ministry of Education and Science of Georgia, with the support of and in cooperation with the Ministry of Labour, Health and Social Affairs, has begun the implementation of an employment service and established a new unit within the Social Service Agency to promote the employment of persons with disabilities and special educational needs. This is the first systematic approach in Georgia to the employment of persons with disabilities and special educational needs. The project was presented to the public today by Ketevan Natriashvili, First Deputy Minister of Education and Science of Georgia, and Zaza Sopromadze, Deputy Minister of Labour, Health and Social Affairs.

At this stage, interviews are underway to select 11 individuals (1 supported employment coordinator and 10 supported employment consultants), who will connect persons with disabilities and special educational needs with potential employers and assist them in securing employment.

The initiative was preceded by extensive preparatory work: job descriptions for the supported employment coordinator and consultant were developed, and the European Union's supported employment instrument was translated. At every step of the new initiative, the Georgian side has been advised by a supported employment expert and international consultant, who is also actively involved in the ongoing interview process.

The introduction of inclusive education within the vocational education system began in 2013. As a result, between 2013 and 2015, 426 persons with special educational needs and disabilities were enrolled in 23 vocational institutions across approximately 30 different programs. Forty percent of the enrolled students graduated, while the number of employed graduates stands at only 31. Vocational education for individuals can only be considered a successful initiative if it is followed by the employment of graduates and the realization of their professional skills. Accordingly, for the Ministry of Education, supporting the employment of students with special educational needs and disabilities upon the completion of their vocational education is a priority issue.

Research has shown that it is important for employers to have information about job seekers, including their knowledge, skills, and interests. Recommendations were developed to establish an intermediary link between employers and persons with disabilities and special educational needs, ensuring that employers have access to relevant information.

Initiated by the Ministry of Education and involving the participation of the Norwegian Ministry of Education and Research, negotiations were held with the Ministry of Labour, Health and Social Affairs and the Social Service Agency regarding the creation and piloting of various employment services for persons with disabilities and special educational needs.

Furthermore, the Ministry of Education and Science has published a guide for employers, which explains what the employment of persons with disabilities entails and why it can be beneficial for employers.

It is precisely as a result of this cooperation that the new service will be launched in 2016.