Supported Employment

Supported Employment is an institution that offers individuals with disabilities the opportunity to find and maintain a work position within the labour market. Personal support is provided through a special employment guidance counsellor the job coach, who is in charge of finding a suitable work placement according the individual’s preferences and abilities, training the individual at the work place, supervising and resolving any issues that may occur.

Judging by the experiences of other countries that have adopted this institution, it is evident that in addition to the financial and social benefits to the individuals with special needs, supported employment also serves the interests of the employers since these persons   tend to be model employees. A good relationship between the employee and employer as well as suitable work conditions are considered essential for the success of the programme.

The supported employment programme in Cyprus began in September 1996. Volunteer organization began running these programmes under the supervision and guidance of the Committee for the Protection of Persons with Intellectual Disabilities. Based on a decision by the Cyprus Cabinet, a percentage of the funding comes from the Department For Social Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities, that falls under the Ministry of Labour, Welfare and Social Insurance. The remainder of the expenses is the responsibility of the organization that takes on the programme. For each programme, a guidance counsellor is employed who is responsible for all the employment needs of a certain number of people. In order to better promote supported employment, the Committee has formed partnerships with many European organizations that have successfully adopted this programme. Since 2009 the supervision and guidance is under the Department For Social Inclusion of Persons With Disabilities.

In December 2018, many supported employment programmes were operating in various areas of Cyprus and yielding satisfactory results. Approximately 277 persons    have been employed in various sectors, particularly in the food and services industries. As part of the mission to evaluate and revamp this initiative, suggestions have been made since 2004, regarding the establishment of an organization that will be responsible for coordinating these programmes and in which all relevant institutions will be involved.

More information about Supported Employment can be found in the relevant brochure (in English).
 
An overall evaluation of the Supported Employment programmes operating within the volunteer organizations can be found in the section “research/studies”. A summary of the evaluation is included in the 2004 Annual Review (in Greek).