The employment aspirations of people with learning disabilities attending day centres.

A small but growing number of people with learning disabilities are obtaining paid work through supported employment initiatives. A survey of 275 persons attending three day centres in Belfast suggests that upwards of one-third aspired to having a job and their key-workers thought that one in five would be able to hold down a job. These proportions were higher among those who had work experience placements. Key-workers viewed poor concentration, communication skills and motivation as the most common obstacles to obtaining paid work with the main benefits to the individuals being increased self-esteem, independence and confidence. These findings confirm that new forms are day services are required for this client group in order to meet their aspirations. These should provide work experience opportunities alongside vocational and social skills training; job finding assistance and supports in the workplace.