ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT
A specialized unit in facilitating the access of PWDs to economic empowerment and employment opportunities, that works towards enhancing the social and economic independence of PWDs.
The unit consists of four tracks:
Career Counselling & Vocational Assessment
This track specializes in the provision of guidance for PWDs towards developing clear and suitable career choices according to their interests, values, and abilities. It focuses on PWDs whose career identity and path are yet to be determined.
- Assess PWDs’ rehabilitation needs on the functional level, and recommend the necessary rehabilitation interventions and plans.
- Facilitate the access of PWDs to the needed rehabilitation interventions through the following:
Vocational Training
This track works towards facilitating the access of PWDs to inclusive and accessible vocational training opportunities with inclusive training environments, with the aim of equipping PWDs with vocational skills needed for employment, in line with their career identity.
- Facilitate the access of PWDs to vocational training programs and centers taking into account training quality, location, and accessibility.
- Regularly follow up with trainees to fully assess the training progress, and respond to any obstacles that might come up.
Formal Employment
This track works with qualified PWDs who are looking for job opportunities to facilitate their access to employment opportunities in the labor market.
- Identify job opportunities and coordinate with human resources at different institutions/companies to facilitate PWDs’ potential employment.
- Promote positive attitudes towards the employment of PWDs through raising awareness on the rights-based approach to employment, as well as focusing on success stories.
- Establish a database of qualified job-seeking PWDs to be referred to potential employment opportunities.
- Train unemployed PWDs on soft and employability skills.
- Refer qualified PWDs to suitable vacancies and job opportunities based on their qualifications.
- Follow up with employed PWDs at companies and institutions, and provide any needed support specially in regards to accessibility and environmental modifications.
Self-Employment
This track works towards empowering PWDs to establish small income-generating businesses based on their career identity.
- Determine the suitability of the self-employment choice with the career identity of selected PWDs, taking into consideration factors related to family support, previous experience, capacities, resources, values, and the skills needed to run small businesses.
- Build PWDs’ capacity in micro-enterprise management and support them in the development of business plans and feasibility studies.
- Facilitate PWDs’ access to financing opportunities.
- Follow up with self-employed PWDs, assess the weaknesses and strengths of established micro-businesses, and support PWDs to overcome obstacles that might arise.