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A new online resource hub to help people with moderate and severe learning disabilities into employment was launched today by Care Services Minister Phil Hope and Minister for Disabled People Jonathan Shaw.

The hub is to support delivery of the ambitious cross-government strategy, Valuing Employment Now, which aims to radically increase the number of people with moderate and severe learning disabilities in employment by 2025.

The online hub will include:

• A new film, featuring the stories of eight people with moderate and severe learning disabilities in employment of 16 or more hours per week;

• The Government's draft definition of supported employment and job coaching;

• A self-assessment tool for local authorities to review the employment support they offer, the employment pathway developed in the Getting A Life sites, and information on the business case; and

• Case studies featuring people with moderate and severe learning disabilities in full time jobs and accessible information for people with learning disabilities about getting a job and benefits.

Many more resources will be added over time in response to local demand and feedback.

The resource hub can be accessed at: www.valuingpeople.gov.uk/ven resources

Care Services Minister Phil Hope said:

"Everyone wants to feel valued and work plays an important role in this. We are committed to removing the barriers individuals with learning disabilities face getting into paid work, and to promoting good practice.
“We are proud of the ambitious Valuing Employment Now strategy. This new online resource provides tools and support to help individuals into real, paid, valued jobs.”

Minister for Disabled People Jonathan Shaw said:

“It’s our duty to give people with learning disabilities all the help and support they need to get and keep real jobs. We want everyone to fulfil their potential and build a better life for themselves and their families.

“We have made major improvements to the lives of people with learning disabilities but there is still more to do, which is why we have introduced support such as internships through Project Search, new Access to Work targets and this new online resource.”

Notes to Editors

1. For further information contact the Department of Health press office on 020 7210 5221

2. The Valuing Employment Now strategy was launched in June 2009, with a delivery plan and a literature review of the evidence base for supported employment. This was followed by regional launches later in 2009.

Contacts:

Department of Health
Phone: 020 7210 5221
NDS.DH@coi.gsi.gov.uk