This paper examine the outcomes for people with learning disabilities who run microenterprises, and consider how microenterprise might provide an alternative to day centre, training provision, conventional volunteering, or paid employment. It explores and examines the barriers to enterprise and how learning-disabled entrepreneurs can best be supported to achieve success. Views were sought from entrepreneurs with learning disabilities, support workers, health and social care professionals, and family members to understand what worked and what didn’t work, and to consider if microenterprises are a viable alternative to more traditional activities for people with learning disabilities. The article aims to contribute to the body of knowledge that exists in this field, and is executed with a view to sharing best practice. Whilst the study sought to investigate all aspects of people with a learning disability working in a microenterprise, the authors recognise that there is a tendency in such cases for only those with a positive experience to come forward.
(Edited publisher abstract)
This paper examine the outcomes for people with learning disabilities who run microenterprises, and consider how microenterprise might provide an alternative to day centre, training provision, conventional volunteering, or paid employment. It explores and examines the barriers to enterprise and how learning-disabled entrepreneurs can best be supported to achieve success. Views were sought from entrepreneurs with learning disabilities, support workers, health and social care professionals, and family members to understand what worked and what didn’t work, and to consider if microenterprises are a viable alternative to more traditional activities for people with learning disabilities. The article aims to contribute to the body of knowledge that exists in this field, and is executed with a view to sharing best practice. Whilst the study sought to investigate all aspects of people with a learning disability working in a microenterprise, the authors recognise that there is a tendency in such cases for only those with a positive experience to come forward.
(Edited publisher abstract)
Subject terms:
learning disabilities, supported employment, social enterprises, self-employment;
A social enterprise set up by learning disability support provider Norwood enables gifts and jewellery made by people with learning disabilities to be sold via the internet. The success of the project is discussed. The social enterprise project are an expansion of Norwood's successful supported employment programme.
A social enterprise set up by learning disability support provider Norwood enables gifts and jewellery made by people with learning disabilities to be sold via the internet. The success of the project is discussed. The social enterprise project are an expansion of Norwood's successful supported employment programme.
Subject terms:
learning disabilities, social enterprises, supported employment;
The Camden Society has recently opened two London cafés as self-financing social enterprises, providing paid employment for people with learning disabilities.
The Camden Society has recently opened two London cafés as self-financing social enterprises, providing paid employment for people with learning disabilities.
Subject terms:
learning disabilities, local authorities, social enterprises, staff mentoring, supported employment, training, adults;
Profiles the in-house employment projects developed by City and County of Swansea over the last 15 years. For individuals recovering from serious mental health problems, these offer a good choice of supportive work environments in which they can rebuild confidence and develop skills needed for the wider labour market. The range of social enterprises includes use of computer and digital camera technologies as well as more traditional catering and gardening ventures. The enterprises with the most commercial promise are those that have developed good links with local public sector agencies. Highlights the importance of the role of statutory agencies in supporting such enterprises through commercial contracts and through positive action strategies in recruitment.
Profiles the in-house employment projects developed by City and County of Swansea over the last 15 years. For individuals recovering from serious mental health problems, these offer a good choice of supportive work environments in which they can rebuild confidence and develop skills needed for the wider labour market. The range of social enterprises includes use of computer and digital camera technologies as well as more traditional catering and gardening ventures. The enterprises with the most commercial promise are those that have developed good links with local public sector agencies. Highlights the importance of the role of statutory agencies in supporting such enterprises through commercial contracts and through positive action strategies in recruitment.
Subject terms:
information technology, learning disabilities, severe mental health problems, social enterprises, supported employment, gardening;