Make a childhood dream come true this Christmas
Thousands of people with learning disabilities or autism find getting a first job almost impossible.
This Christmas you can change that for someone who really wants to work and provide for themselves.
At Christmas, we all love to inspire children’s dreams. We give gifts that spark excitement – a builder’s belt, ballet shoes, or a toy truck. Each present whispers, “You can be anything you want to be!”
But for many people with learning disabilities or autism, these dreams can feel out of reach.
Just one extra gift this Christmas could change that and give someone the chance to realise their childhood dreams, in a job they love.
Make a dream come true
Right now, at workplaces across the country, colleagues are gathering to celebrate their achievements. There is joy and laughter as people swap Secret Santa gifts and talk about their hopes for the next year. However, people with learning disabilities and autism who want to work but have never been given the chance, will not be at these festivities.
86% of people with learning disabilities want to work, but only 5% actually have jobs. If you compare this to the 80% of non-disabled people who are working, it’s clear just how many people are being left behind.
“Without the chance to work, we can feel lonely and isolated and, like anyone, lose our sense of purpose.”
– Grace, who has a learning disability and sight loss
You could give someone the chance to work in a job that they love.
At SeeAbility, we support each person to set their goals and feel confident about their skills.
We help people to find the jobs they want to apply for and prepare them for their interview.
Crucially, we offer support for up to six months after they’ve got their job, so that when people get a job we can help them and their teams to make it a success.
Together, we can create inclusive workplaces where everyone feels welcome and valued, spreading positivity and inclusion throughout our communities.
“The heart of our supported employment programme, ‘Ready, Willing and Able’ is a simple but powerful belief – inclusion for all. The person is always at the centre of the programme and their dreams and strengths come first.”
Rhian Airey – SeeAbility Senior Employment Coach
This Christmas, as gifts are unwrapped and little eyes light up with wonder – will you give one more gift that could make a childhood dream come true?
The show must go on - Tim’s employment journey
Ready Willing and Able: An employer’s perspective
